A Taste of Community: Paella Brings Neighbors Together for Good
On a warm August evening in Medina, the spirit of Spain came to life as West Bellevue neighbors gathered for a one-of-a-kind Paella Party Experience.
Guests gathered at the beautiful Medina home of Randi and Joseph Brazen, owners of Central Bar + Restaurant and 520 Bar & Grill. The evening was one of several special experiences where tickets were auctioned off at One Heart/One Community: A Party with a Purpose, the February gala hosted by the local One Circle Membership Group.
The Paella Party was more than just an unforgettable summer dinner, as 100% of ticket sales for the event were donated to the local nonprofit Bellevue LifeSpring, which meets basic needs, builds stability, and prevents challenges such as hunger and eviction for Bellevue children from low-income households.
Ticket sales went to support that mission, demonstrating how a little creativity and a lot of community spirit can turn an evening of summer fun into meaningful support for local children.
The festive celebration of food, friendship, and community was made possible by a group of generous local business owners, neighbors, and One Circle Members who donated their time, talents, hospitality, and resources to dream up and deliver this unique experience. Renowned Chef Dr. Antonio Sanchez, trained by Spain’s master paella makers, transformed dinner into a culinary performance, preparing an enormous pan of paella layered with Spanish rice, Northwest seafood, crab, lobster, Iberian sausage, fresh vegetables, and saffron.
Guests enjoyed Spanish-inspired hors d’oeuvres, sangria, craft margaritas, and select wines from Lachini Vineyards and Valdemar Estates before gathering around the paella pan to share the meal. Thanks to the generosity of Chef Dr. Antonio Sanchez, One Circle Member Randi and her husband Joseph Brazen, One Circle Member Trish and her husband Collin Carpenter, Lachini Vineyards, and Valdemar Estates, the evening was more than a celebration of Spanish cuisine. “It’s these kinds of community partnerships that show what is possible when people bring their unique talents, resources, and relationships together,” says Jennifer Fischer, Executive Director of Bellevue LifeSpring. “What begins as a joyful evening shared among neighbors can become tangible support for children in our community.”