Ben’s Bells 20th Anniversary

Jeannette Maré took a tragic situation and chose to share her journey of healing and hope. She realized the universal need for kindness and connection, and has helped so many people to learn about kindness and how it can spread in communities. Be Kind. Simple words that create a powerful ripple effect. 

Over the past 20 years, Ben’s Bells has grown from that initial Bell distribution to offer kindness education programming, beautiful visual reminders of kindness through murals, community engagement and volunteer opportunities, and so much more! We could not have done this without you, the Tucson community, for opening your arms and embracing us.

We are excited to celebrate Ben’s Bells 20th Anniversary with YOU! Join us at an upcoming event where we will honor those who have helped inspire our kind communities.

Milestones

Bell making began in Jeannette and Dean’s garage

First Bell distribution – 400 Bells hung in Tucson to honor Ben’s life and to share the message of spreading intentional kindness

Ben’s Bells received 501(c)(3) status identifying the organization as a public non-profit

Began Belling program celebrating kind individuals in the Southern Arizona community and honored first Bellee, Willie Blake Jr.

Opened first public studio in Main Gate Square in Tucson, Arizona

Celebrated 5th anniversary – 500 Ben’s Bells hung in New Orleans

First Celebration of Kindness Day event hosted to share the message of Ben’s Bells and thank the community

Kind Kids Program, now known as Kind Campus, piloted in four elementary schools, inspiring students to create a culture of kindness in their communities and beyond

Murals Program began installing kindness-themed murals in public spaces

1,400 Bells hung throughout the Tucson community and the event featured on NBC Nightly News “Making a Difference” segment

Opened second public studio in the heart of Downtown Tucson

First Team KIND rode in El Tour de Tucson

Scientitic Advisory Board created to support Ben’s Bells educational programming

Celebrated 10th anniversary where 30,000th were Bells hung

Third public studio opens in Newtown, Connecticut

Kind Colleagues program began creating a kind and engaged workplace by strengthening the culture from within

Shop KIND opened to offer purpose-driven shopping that impacts the entire community

100th mural completed at Roadrunner Elementary School

Fourth public studio opens in Phoenix, Arizona

Celebrated 15th anniversary – 1,500 bells hung in Tucson, Phoenix, and Connecticut

Participation in Kind Campus programming exceeded 500 schools

Ben’s Bells welcomes Executive Director, Helen Gomez!

Celebrate 20th Anniversary at Celebration of Kindness