Families Helping Families
Looking back at their season of joy!
Jubilee Reach volunteers picking up totes
What began as a small act of kindness during the 2008 financial crisis has grown into a cherished tradition. Each year, the Families Helping Families Spread Joy Season unfolds with celebration, builds through generosity, and culminates in moments that leave a lasting imprint on hearts. It endures because a community continues to show up—open‑handed and full of compassion. And because it's never too late to acknowledge a job well done, we want to share some of the great work that was done in the 2025 season.
The season opened with the inaugural Families Helping Families Give & Treat Spooktacular, a festive “give and treat” celebration created for Microsoft families during the company’s 2025 Give event. Led by Cadie Kneip and a group of passionate Microsoft volunteers, the day felt like a neighborhood gathering brought to life. Children painted pumpkins donated by Swan’s Trail Farm and wandered a cheerful trail of treats curated by Giana Bikhazi, who invited local vendors whose creativity added color at every turn. Seahawks wristbands sparked smiles, Mercury Coffee kept hands warm, and lively entertainment—from Arthur Murray’s Dance School and Flatstick Golf to Bubbles the Clown, Bellevue Cheer, and more—filled the afternoon with laughter and energy.
As Thanksgiving approached, Bellevue High School’s ASB leadership once again rallied their school community for the annual Fall Food Drive. Students, families, and donors came together to create 1,400 thoughtfully packed meals, each designed to offer both nourishment and dignity. Families could choose between a traditional Thanksgiving feast tote—complete with breakfast items and a dessert box from Krusteaz—or a non‑traditional option designed to stretch into multiple meals. Every tote included a gift card so families could select a protein that honored their own traditions.
Packaging day began before sunrise and brought together Bellevue High School leaders, students, football players, and the Bacon family. What could have been daunting instead became a morning of teamwork and shared purpose. Thanks to the Bacon Foundation’s generosity, Families Helping Families was able to more than double the number of totes distributed, extending support to three Bellevue schools as well as Jubilee REACH and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue.
Some of the season’s most meaningful moments unfolded at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House during the Gratitude & Spread Joy Luncheon. With Cascadia Pizza at the helm, the question of serving 1,500 people was met with an immediate yes. Co‑owner Calvin Freatman shared, “Blessing families and staff is one of my favorite times of the year. The Kringle Jingle is our favorite—we can’t wait to have fun and feed the masses.” Mercury Coffee added warmth, Sugar + Spoon brought smiles, and co‑founder William summed it up simply: “Wherever you go to spread joy, we want to go with you.”
As Thanksgiving approached, Bellevue High School’s ASB leadership once again rallied their school community for the annual Fall Food Drive. Students, families, and donors came together to create 1,400 thoughtfully packed meals, each designed to offer both nourishment and dignity. Families could choose between a traditional Thanksgiving feast tote—complete with breakfast items and a dessert box from Krusteaz—or a non‑traditional option designed to stretch into multiple meals. Every tote included a gift card so families could select a protein that honored their own traditions.
Packaging day began before sunrise and brought together Bellevue High School leaders, students, football players, and the Bacon family. What could have been daunting instead became a morning of teamwork and shared purpose. Thanks to the Bacon Foundation’s generosity, Families Helping Families was able to more than double the number of totes distributed, extending support to three Bellevue schools as well as Jubilee REACH and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue.
Some of the season’s most meaningful moments unfolded at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House during the Gratitude & Spread Joy Luncheon. With Cascadia Pizza at the helm, the question of serving 1,500 people was met with an immediate yes. Co‑owner Calvin Freatman shared, “Blessing families and staff is one of my favorite times of the year. The Kringle Jingle is our favorite—we can’t wait to have fun and feed the masses.” Mercury Coffee added warmth, Sugar + Spoon brought smiles, and co‑founder William summed it up simply: “Wherever you go to spread joy, we want to go with you.”
The season concluded with the Kringle Jingle—a joyful celebration alive with volunteers in festive costumes, carloads of toys and teddy bears delivered by Bellevue leadership, and Bellevue High School students whose caroling filled the marketplace. Families gathered for photo booth moments, met a miniature pony and goat, and made memories that will linger well beyond the day. Photographer Wade shared one especially tender moment: “A mom told me the photo I took was the first picture where her child was smiling.”
This year’s Give & Treat Spooktacular and Kringle Jingle were elevated by partners who brought the magic to life in unforgettable ways. Tada Party Co. transformed spaces with festive party carts, jaw‑dropping balloon displays, larger‑than‑life décor, and a vibrant photo booth. SweetArt added whimsical delight with magical cotton candy that drew smiles at every turn. Cascadia Pizza’s generosity—and so many other incredible contributors—turned these gatherings into more than events; they became shared moments of connection, wonder, and kindness the community will carry forward.
As Sharon so perfectly reflected, “To every volunteer, partner, student, business, and family—thank you. Joy grows when we give it away and I am so grateful to be surrounded by amazing people every year who are 'happy to help'."
Our prayers and best wishes go out to all the families we’ve been honored to serve in 2025 and we look forward to a bright 2026!