2025 Arizona Gives Day

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 1.9 million students.

The Power of a Simple Hello

Aaron Moreno, a 5th-grade student at Santa Clara Elementary School, created a kindness challenge that had a lasting impact. He'd signed up for Safety Patrol in the mornings, where he monitored students coming onto the playground from the cafeteria. Each day, he said "Good Morning!" to each and every student and adult walking past. Aaron started to count how many responses he got from others, be it a nod, smile, or otherwise, hoping to increase the number of responses. He quickly surpassed his goal of 100 responses and set an even higher goal, only to surpass that one, too. Aaron’s idea not only fits with the Bulldog B's to success (Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful), but also serves as an example of a kindness influencer at work!

At an all-school gathering to celebrate Aaron and his kindness, Principal Elda Peña spoke about how powerful his actions were. Not only did they set a positive tone for the day, but they inspired kindness in others.

Ben’s Bells joined Aaron and Elda on stage to honor his kindness with a Be Kind cape to the applause of his peers. Principal Peña noted, “This event truly filled my bucket, so I can imagine how special it was for Aaron and his family. Our teachers loved seeing him get recognized, and I am looking forward to having more kindness ambassadors and kindness heroes.” A few months later, Aaron was honored at a School Board meeting for his kindness.

Your contribution today allows Ben’s Bells to continue offering free, research-based programming that encourages students to begin kindness initiatives and supports schools to uplift student ideas and recognize their impact.

Help Us Send More Kindness Into the World—One Bell at a Time

For nearly two decades, Dennis and Annie Kruse have been champions of kindness through their incredible support of Ben’s Bells. Their journey began on October 1, 2006, when Annie found a Ben’s Bell, an experience that deeply connected her to the mission. Moved by the message, she immediately asked how she could help, and she’s been part of Tucson’s kind community ever since.

Together, Dennis and Annie have made it their mission to inspire kindness wherever they go. Whether hiking mountain trails or exploring new cities, they carry Ben’s Bells with them, leaving them for others to find when they need a reminder that kindness is all around us. Over the years, Dennis and Annie have personally hung more than 4,000 bells, touching thousands of lives along the way.

For Annie’s 65th birthday, she turned her celebration into a fundraiser for Ben’s Bells, complete with a kindness-themed cake. And she’s not stopping there. For her 75th birthday, Annie is determined to raise even more, ensuring that our community studios remain open and accessible, so more people can experience the joy of creating and spreading kindness. 

This Arizona Gives Day, You Can Help Continue Their Legacy

Your support ensures that Ben’s Bells continue being distributed by committed volunteers like Dennis and Annie. Each bell is a simple, powerful reminder of the kindness we all need.

Give today and help us continue this beautiful mission of connection, compassion, and community.