This month we celebrate the many contributions of one of our most dedicated volunteers and circle members, Susanne Guthrie. Not only has Susanne been an outstanding leader of Hunts Point Circle, she’s also a valued advocate for Bellevue kids and supporter of Bellevue LifeSpring programs.
Volunteers like Susanne help Bellevue LifeSpring make a difference every day. We are grateful for the commitment, kindness and expertise she provides to furthering our mission.
We asked Susanne to share a little bit about her experience with Bellevue LifeSpring:
How did you first hear about Bellevue LifeSpring and what motivated you to get involved?
I first read about Bellevue LifeSpring in The Points Living magazine. At the time, I was living in Clyde Hill. I had read about the impact Bellevue LifeSpring was making and I was inspired, but at the time I was busy with two young kids at home. By the time we moved from Clyde Hill to Hunts Point in 2015, my youngest child had recently begun a full-day schedule at school and I was looking for ways to get more involved in the community.
I asked my neighbor, Molly Powell, if there was a local charity organization and she introduced me to the Hunts Point Circle, a part of Bellevue LifeSpring. I was really excited to be involved because it met both of my goals: to meet my neighbors and to give back to the community.
Can you share about your experiences as a circle member and volunteer?
Many Hunts Point Circle members have been involved for years, and have deep roots in the organization. Being a part of this group has been such a great experience for me.
We have a multi-generational group of smart, accomplished women coming together with common goals. These individuals have helped me solve problems I’ve faced in my daily life. They have been generous in sharing their own experiences and I feel so blessed to have gotten to know them.
As I got more involved in the organization over the years – packing Breaktime-Mealtime boxes, volunteering in the thrift store, making phone calls in the office and later in a leadership role within my circle – I found this to be a common theme with everyone I met through Bellevue LifeSpring. The people I have met have been wonderful, kind, generous and funny.
Are there any memorable moments from your volunteer experiences that you would like to share?
While I’ve had a chance to do many things as a part of Bellevue LifeSpring, my favorite volunteer activity has been Holiday Adopt-A-family. There is nothing like the joy of distribution day, when we get to finally deliver the gifts to the families who will enjoy them. This one day of the year is so impactful to me and is the high point of my holiday.
Joining the organization is a great chance to both be part of an amazing community of women and to feel like you’re having a positive impact in the larger community.
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Thank you, Susanne, for sharing and for your dedication to Bellevue kids.
Are you interested in making a positive difference in your community with Bellevue LifeSpring? We’d love that!
- We have some great opportunities to volunteer and support our vision that every child is fed, every child has adequate school clothes, each student has equal access to educational opportunities and all children in our community live in a stable environment. Every hour of volunteer time takes us one step closer to achieving this vision.
- Bring a social aspect to your philanthropy and consider joining one of Bellevue LifeSpring’s membership circles. Our membership circles are the heart of Bellevue LifeSpring and are committed to making a difference for their neighbors in need. Circles are organized within neighborhoods or shared interests. Members directly participate in supporting our mission. From hosting fundraisers to volunteering their time, circle members are vital ambassadors for Bellevue kids!
