Our Whole Community: A Record-Breaking Closer to Home Fundraiser
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
On September 25, 2025, more than 750 neighbors, partners, and friends of Bellwether Housing filled the Westin Seattle ballroom for our 15th Annual Closer to Home Luncheon, presented by Airbnb. The theme, Our Whole Community, set the tone for a day that was equal parts celebration and call to action.
Together, we raised $628,000, making this the most successful fundraising event in Bellwether’s history. Those dollars will help us create more affordable homes and fund our Resident Services program, which supports more than 7,000 residents each year.
But the true story of the day wasn’t just the numbers. It was in the moments that reminded everyone of why this work is so important.
Stories that Bring Home to Life
Two Bellwether residents, Ruth and Taryn, shared their experiences of connection and pride in their community.
Taryn, affectionately known around her community as “The Village”, spoke about eighteen years of life and laughter in her Bellwether apartment, where neighbors have become family. Ruth shared how secure, affordable housing helped her rebuild after hardship, and how she’s paying that stability forward by supporting others in her community.
Their stories brought the room to a hush. Then to tears. Then to applause.
Watch Ruth and Taryn’s stories below.
Empathy at the Center
Keynote speaker Dr. Jamil Zaki, Stanford professor and author of The War for Kindness and Hope for Cynics, explored the science of empathy and the natural human instinct to care. He challenged the myth that people are indifferent and reminded us that kindness is not rare, it’s under-practiced. His words echoed Bellwether’s core belief: when people have the security of home, they have the freedom to care for others.
A Vision for What’s Next
Bellwether CEO Susan Boyd and Board Chair Peter Larsen unveiled an ambitious next chapter: Our Whole Community, a new capital campaign to build 1,250 additional affordable homes across King County. With a $12 million goal, this effort will expand access to secure, affordable housing and strengthen the communities we all share.
Looking Forward
Closer to Home was proof of what’s possible when people come together with shared purpose and hope. The generous and deeply human energy in the room was a glimpse of the future we’re building: one where everyone in the Greater Seattle area has a place to call home.
