History of Ben’s Bells
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.
Since 2002, Ben’s Bells has grown from an initial Bell distribution to offer kindness education programming, beautiful visual reminders of kindness through murals, community engagement and volunteer opportunities, and so much more!
2002
Bell making began in Jeannette’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
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, LA.
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 school communities and beyond.
2009
Murals Program begins installing kindness-themed murals in public spaces.
January 2011
1,400 Bells were hung throughout the Tucson community and the event was 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
Scientific Advisory Board created to support Ben’s Bells educational programming.
March 2013
Celebrated 10th anniversary and hung 30,000th Bell.
Spring 2013
Third public studio opens in Newtown, Connecticut.
January 2014
Kind Colleagues program begins creating a kind and engaged workplace by strengthening the culture from within.
September 2014
Shop KIND opens 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
2022
Celebrated 20th Anniversary at Celebration of Kindness and throughout the year.
Fall 2022
The iconic “I am Tucson” Mural recreated with the help of the community to commemorate Ben’s Bells’ 20th anniversary.
April 2023
Jeannette Maré receives the 2022 Founder’s Award at Greater Tucson Leadership’s Community Impact Awards