Ben's Bells

Ben's Bells teaches individuals and communities about the positive impact of intentional kindness and to inspires people to practice kindness as a way of life.

In 2002, Jeannette Maré's life changed forever when her son, Ben, died suddenly just before his third birthday. In the months following his death, Jeannette and her friends and family began making ceramic wind chimes - the first Ben's Bells - in her backyard studio. Being surrounded by supportive people and working with clay toward a common goal was therapeutic for her family and their healing.

During this time, Jeannette learned how a small act of kindness could make such a difference in a person's life, no matter their background. She wanted to find a way to teach others about the impact of intentional acts of kindness, and so the idea for the Bell came to life. Jeannette and her friends made four hundred Bells and randomly distributed them in the Tucson community on the first anniversary of Ben's death. Through these Bells, she had found a way to pay forward the kindnesses that had been shown to her.

This started a powerful ripple effect. People who found the Bells shared their own stories of grief and healing and hope. The local newspaper printed the story on the front page. School groups and businesses and individuals started calling to see how they could get involved and soon, thousands of Tucsonans were helping to craft Ben's Bells.

Since 2003, Ben's Bells has been operating as a nonprofit, growing kindness education programs and continuing to distribute thousands of Bells every year. Today Bells are found all over the world and our free kindness education programming has reached over 1.6 million students.

Testimonials

KIND INFLUENCERS
"English-Language Learners (ELLs) and Kindness Club members at Billy Lane Lauffer Middle School were excited to be visited by Jeannette Maré on March 6, 2024. Maré spoke about the science of kindness and its effects in helping promote a healthier society; one that works and grows together. Students now understand even better than before the importance of being "kindness influencers" for the people around them - at school and within their community. ELL students and Kindness Club members have come together to start a project based on Maré's presentation on the Science of Kindness and the idea that acts of kindness directly affect the feeling of peace in a community. The culmination of the project will be a sculpture created by Lauffer students, staff, and selected community members representing acts of kindness in the community. It will stand as part of the Ben's Bells Be Kind initiative and the Rotary International Peace Pole Project," shared Ms. Bejarano.

COLLABORATING FOR KINDNESS
"It has been a tremendous privilege to collaborate with Ben's Bells over the past several years. Through the support of our ADP Foundation, we have sponsored various programs of theirs while fostering a culture of volunteerism among our associates both within and beyond the workplace. As a company that prioritizes inclusivity, it has been deeply rewarding to contribute to Ben's Bells' mission of spreading kindness, particularly within the local educational institutions. Our associates have dedicated their time to various Ben's Bells murals across Tucson, evoking a sense of pride and fulfillment upon witnessing these installations or observing visitors sharing their experiences online. Personally, my 6-year-old child has been exposed to Ben's Bells through her school's mural and programs, underscoring the significance of participating in the transformative initiatives within Tucson schools. I look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership in the many years to come," says Candace Ballesteros, ADP Tucson Program Administrator.

RIPPLE EFFECTS OF KINDNESS
"I nominated Candence for being a Ben's Bells Belle. She awakens at the crack of dawn every day to prepare meals that are filled with individual medicine and/or supplements for each horse. Some of these horses have needs that include breathing treatments, special eye care to prevent progressing blindness, special-fitting booties that address chronic foot issues, and other degenerative diseases. Candace and her husband Paul also use their financial resources over and over, never wavering when a horse has to have specialty care. This is a 24/7 commitment. This is her private residence, and at any moment a horse may need her care and boundless loving support for any number of issues. I know of a horse with extreme sinus issues that requires feeding every two hours. Candace is there. There are no harnesses, no saddles, and no riding these magnificent animals. They are treated with respect and dignity to live out their days finally knowing the capacity of the human heart and how capable one human being can be to change their world into something very special," says Susan Nichols...