
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.
Upcoming Events
Milestones
2002
Bell making began in Jeannette and Dean’s garage

March 29, 2003
First Bell distribution – 400 Bells hung in Tucson to honor Ben’s life and to share the message of spreading intentional kindness

January 2005
Ben’s Bells received 501(c)(3) status identifying the organization as a public non-profit

September 2005
Began Belling program celebrating kind individuals in the Southern Arizona community and honored first Bellee, Willie Blake Jr.

October 2006
Opened first public studio in Main Gate Square in Tucson, Arizona

March 2007
Celebrated 5th anniversary – 500 Ben’s Bells hung in New Orleans

April 2007
First Celebration of Kindness Day event hosted to share the message of Ben’s Bells and thank the community

2007 – 2008
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

2009
Murals Program began installing kindness-themed murals in public spaces



January 2011
1,400 Bells hung throughout the Tucson community and the event featured on NBC Nightly News “Making a Difference” segment

January 2012
Opened second public studio in the heart of Downtown Tucson

November 2012
First Team KIND rode in El Tour de Tucson

2012 – 2013
Scientitic Advisory Board created to support Ben’s Bells educational programming

March 2013
Celebrated 10th anniversary where 30,000th were Bells hung

Spring 2013
Third public studio opens in Newtown, Connecticut

January 2014
Kind Colleagues program began creating a kind and engaged workplace by strengthening the culture from within

September 2014
Shop KIND opened to offer purpose-driven shopping that impacts the entire community

August 2015
100th mural completed at Roadrunner Elementary School

June 2015
Fourth public studio opens in Phoenix, Arizona

March 2018
Celebrated 15th anniversary – 1,500 bells hung in Tucson, Phoenix, and Connecticut

2017 – 2018
Participation in Kind Campus programming exceeded 500 schools

March 2019
Ben’s Bells welcomes Executive Director, Helen Gomez!

2022
Celebrate 20th Anniversary at Celebration of Kindness
