Ben's Bells

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, she and her friends and family began making ceramic wind chimes- the first Ben’s Bells- in her backyard studio. The therapeutic effect of working with clay, and the power of being surrounded by people talking and working toward a common goal, helped Jeannette and her family begin to heal. She and her friends decided to make hundreds of the Bells and distribute them randomly in the community to encourage the kindness she had depended on to help her through each day. Jeannette had noticed how a small kind act from a stranger or a friend could be the thing that kept her going in any given moment, and she wanted to find a way to help others and pass on that kindness. Today Ben’s Bells Project teaches individuals and communities about the positive impacts of intentional kindness and inspires people to practice kindness as a way of life. Ben’s Bells Projects programs are based on the belief that everyone has the capacity to be kind and that kindness can be cultivated through education, visual reminders, and ongoing practice. By recognizing, valuing, and practicing intentional kindness, we can change the world.