Established in the early 2000s by John and Debbie Bacon, the Bacon Family Foundation is a private family-led foundation based in Bellevue, Washington. The foundation focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations throughout Bellevue, with a strong emphasis on children, education, and family stability. In recent years, the Bacon Family Foundation has been a leader in supporting children in Bellevue through their support of Bellevue LifeSpring, a local nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring every Bellevue child has the resources they need to reach stability and thrive in the classroom.

“The Bacon Family Foundation has always tried to take part and help out with local organizations,” shared Britta Bacon. “When John and Debbie became aware of what was going on in their own backyard, they started focusing more on providing support in Bellevue. We eventually connected with Bellevue LifeSpring through our relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue.” Since forming this partnership, the Bacon Family Foundation and Bellevue LifeSpring have collaborated to support Bellevue children and families, as well as raise awareness about child hunger and homelessness in the community. “Our foundation has a soft spot for kids because they are the most vulnerable,” shared Merrett Bacon. “We would like to see them have every opportunity available to them.”

The holidays have become a particularly meaningful part of the foundation’s partnership with Bellevue LifeSpring, uniting three nonprofits around one shared mission: bringing joy to Bellevue children this past holiday season. Each year, Bellevue LifeSpring, in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue and Rainier Athletes, launches the ‘Tis the Season Holiday Giving Program to ensure that Bellevue children from low-income households experience the joy and dignity of the season just like their peers. “Knowing there are families out there that can’t enjoy the holidays because they may not have the ability to buy their children gifts is really hard to think about,” shared Britta. “This is a time of year when all children should get to experience the joy of the holidays, and we want to help make that happen here in Bellevue.”

The ‘Tis the Season Holiday Giving Program prioritizes choice and dignity for parents. Community members donate gifts from a curated wish list and these gifts are displayed in a festive holiday gift room, where families come to select presents their children would personally enjoy or need. “Seeing the entire process--the gifts purchased by the community, the parents choosing presents privately for their kids, the volunteers wrapping each item--it’s truly amazing,” said Merrett.

The need in the Bellevue community extends far beyond the holiday season. Many face food insecurity and housing instability throughout the year. To help shine a light on these growing issues, the Bacon Family Foundation hosted a spotlight event on behalf of Bellevue LifeSpring. Their friends and family were invited to learn more about the organization’s mission and efforts.  

“When we first got involved with Bellevue LifeSpring, the number of Bellevue children experiencing homelessness was around 200,” shared Merrett. “That number has quickly doubled, and today it’s over 700 children in the Bellevue School District. The issue is occurring across the entire district, including right here in West Bellevue, and it’s important we bring awareness to this.”

Jennifer Fischer, Executive Director of Bellevue LifeSpring, emphasized the importance of partnerships like the one Bellevue LifeSpring has with the Bacon Family Foundation. “When organizations like the Bacon Family Foundation walk alongside us, it strengthens our ability to support children and families,” shared Jennifer. “Their partnership enables us to reach more families and ensure that every child in Bellevue receives the support they need to succeed and thrive. We are truly grateful for all they do in the community.”

Growing up in Bellevue, Britta and Merrett have seen firsthand the shifts in their community over the decades. However, one value has remained constant. “Bellevue has changed in many ways over the years, but we have always been a neighbors-helping-neighbors community,” said Merrett. “Community is the root of our foundation, and we think everyone, especially children, deserves the same respect and opportunities as the rest of us.”

To learn more about Bellevue LifeSpring and how you can follow in the Bacon Family’s footsteps to support Bellevue kids, visit: BellevueLifeSpring.org.