Jewelry in the garden. Paella by the water. Sparkling glasses raised high. This summer, local nonprofit Bellevue LifeSpring’s Circle Members turned ordinary afternoons into unforgettable experiences—all in the name of supporting Bellevue kids. From Blooms, Bubbles, and Bling to paella parties with a purpose, these creative fundraisers prove that when community members come together with passion and imagination, the impact is as vibrant as the events themselves.

Bellevue LifeSpring has five membership circles primarily comprised of West Bellevue residents: The Clemmie Evans Circle, Fairweather Circle, Hunts Point Circle, One Circle, and the Yarrow Point Circle. For more than a century, the circles have carried on Bellevue LifeSpring’s legacy of neighbors helping neighbors, finding new ways to raise funds and help to advocate and educate others about the high level of need that exists within the Bellevue community.

This past summer, Bellevue LifeSpring’s Fairweather Circle hosted a new fundraiser: Blooms, Bubbles, and Bling. Guests spent the afternoon in Circle Member Denise Lane’s award-winning one-acre garden browsing new and gently used jewelry, sipping bubbles, and supporting a powerful cause; preventing hunger and homelessness for children in Bellevue. The Fairweather Circle has always prided itself on coming up with innovative fundraisers. From selling car wash tickets to hosting intimate gatherings at local restaurants, the group loves to dream up a variety of events that bring the community together around a common cause.

Stepping into Denise Lane’s Garden, guests were greeted by yellow roses, a warm welcome from Fairweather Circle members, and an array of jewelry generously donated by different circle and community members. “We were waiting for the right time and a unique way to sell the merchandise our circle held onto from the former Bellevue LifeSpring thrift store,” shared Fairweather Circle Member Maggie Vergien. “We combined those gently used pieces with new treasures donated by thoughtful community members. Denise’s garden was the true inspiration for the theme!”

Denise is well-known for hosting many events in her garden, and she enjoys sharing its wonders with her community. As a former president and long-time board member of the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society, gardening and community have been central themes in Denise’s life. “I open up my home for these events to share my garden with others in hopes that they will enjoy it as much as I do,” said Denise. Events like Blooms, Bubbles, and Bling highlight how creativity and collaboration can spark real impact. With every piece of jewelry purchased and every glass of bubbles raised, attendees helped contribute towards vital programs that ensure Bellevue children have the support they need to thrive.

The Bellevue LifeSpring One Circle also hosted two impactful summer paella parties, organized and hosted by Bellevue LifeSpring One Circle members. The gatherings brought together friends and West Bellevue neighbors to build community and enjoy delicious paella crafted by Chef Antonio Sanchez. 

The first paella party took place in the beautiful backyard of Randi and Joseph Brazen, who bid and won the party at the One Circle’s One Heart/One community gala hosted back in February 2025. The second party was hosted at the waterfront home of Schanon Odell-Ataee and Tony Ataee, who were inspired to get involved and host a party where all ticket sales went directly to Bellevue LifeSpring’s mission. One Circle member and lead organizer of the paella parties, Trish Carpenter, shared, “My favorite part of the paella party is watching our guests light up with excitement as the chefs prepare the dish. And then, once the paella is complete, everyone lines up to get their photo beside it—it’s magnificent!”

Chef Antonio Sanchez and his wife, Carolina Lucero, have helped bring this event to life year after year, and they remain amazed by the impact it continues to have. “It’s not just a dinner, it’s an experience,” says Sanchez. “Guests are encouraged to stir the paella, and we make it a point to educate and include them as much as possible. This is why it’s been so successful; guests love participating. Randi, Joseph, Trish, her husband Collin, my family, and I work together to make this event happen. Each person plays such a vital role. We are all so passionate about creating a memorable event while keeping Bellevue LifeSpring’s mission at the center.”

For the past two years, Spanish Consulate General Luis Fernandez Esteban has attended the event. His presence adds a special energy to the evening, reflecting his deep commitment to supporting education and strengthening the cultural connections between Washington State and Spain. Joining him this year was Oscar Garcia, a respected Spanish chef and scholar who volunteered to prepare hors d’oeuvres, assist with the paella, and mingle with guests. “Having these guests at the event makes it truly special,” said Sanchez. “It’s done for the right reasons, with the right people. I stay involved because I believe Bellevue LifeSpring’s mission is worth investing in.”