WASHINGTON
During May 2026, Brighten A Heart™ partnered with community organizations throughout Seattle, Washington. Together, we delivered hundreds of floral bouquets, created community art for patients, visited senior centers, participated in public outreach events, and witnessed firsthand how small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.
These are some of the moments that made our time in Washington unforgettable.
*Click on the state names throughout Community Highlights to explore projects, partnerships, events, and moments of kindness taking place across the country.
EVENT 1 | May 12, 2026
Sound Generations & Meals on Wheels Partnership
Brighten A Heart™ partnered with Sound Generations and their Meals on Wheels program to deliver fresh floral bouquets alongside meals to older adults throughout the Seattle area.
After reaching out to Paula Wright, Operations Coordinator, with the idea of providing low-pollen floral arrangements for clients, we worked together to create a simple and seamless plan that would fit into existing meal deliveries. It was important that the bouquets be easy for staff and volunteers to transport and distribute without creating additional work or concerns about water spills.
To support this effort, every bouquet was placed in a waterproof floral carrier designed specifically for safe delivery.
On May 12, Brighten A Heart™ delivered 120 handmade bouquets to the Meals on Wheels warehouse in Seattle.
The days leading up to the delivery were spent sourcing flowers, preparing supplies, and creating each arrangement by hand. Every bouquet was made with the hope of bringing a small moment of comfort to someone who might be feeling isolated or alone.
Upon arriving at the warehouse, I was welcomed by Supervisor Ed and members of the Meals on Wheels team. Their enthusiasm was contagious. It was immediately clear that everyone shared a common goal: helping older adults feel seen, valued, and cared for.
For me, this experience carried even deeper meaning. Years earlier, while living in New York City, I had the opportunity to create floral arrangements for Meals on Wheels recipients. That experience became one of the moments that inspired the creation of Brighten A Heart™.
Together, we delivered more than flowers. We delivered reminders that someone was thinking about them.
EVENT 2 | May 12, 2026
Ballard Northwest Senior Center
Brighten A Heart™ was honored to create and donate 12 floral arrangements for seniors connected to Ballard Northwest Senior Center.
These bouquets accompanied meals delivered to individuals who once regularly visited the center to enjoy meals, activities, and companionship, but who now find it more difficult to attend in person.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Marta, Program Coordinator, who generously provided a tour of the facility. One of the highlights was seeing the art room, where older adults gather to create, socialize, and enjoy time together.
It was heartwarming to witness a space where creativity, friendship, and community continue to thrive.
"The flowers are just gorgeous. What a marvelous gift you give the community."
— Ballard Northwest Senior Center, May 2026
Partner websites:
EVENT 3 | May 16, 2026
Pike Place Market Community Art Event
Pike Place Market has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Growing up in Seattle, my parents and grandparents regularly brought my sister and me to the market. We loved watching fish being tossed through the air, discovering handmade treasures, and admiring the incredible flower stands that fill the market each spring and summer.
As a child, I often dreamed of having a flower stand of my own one day.
Years later, returning to Pike Place Market with Brighten A Heart™ was incredibly meaningful.
After receiving approval to participate in the nonprofit Free Speech Area, Brighten A Heart™ invited visitors to create small 6 x 6 canvases that will be included in comfort care totes for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice settings.
Families, children, visitors, and members of the community stopped throughout the day to create artwork for someone they would likely never meet. More than 60 canvases were completed.
The event reinforced something I have long believed:
kindness is contagious.
Partner websites:
EVENT 4 | May 18, 2026
Sound Generations & Meals on Wheels
The response to the first flower delivery was so positive that Brighten A Heart™ returned just days later with 140 additional bouquets.
When I arrived at the warehouse, staff members shared stories about the reactions they had witnessed from clients receiving flowers alongside their meals.
One message from Sound Generations captured the impact perfectly:
"We’ve been receiving calls from our clients this week expressing such gratitude for the bouquets. They certainly brightened many hearts this week. We’re so appreciative of all that you’ve done."
— Sound Generations, May 2026
Those words reflected exactly why Brighten A Heart™ exists.
EVENT 5 | May 21, 2026
Meals on Wheels Ride Along Experience
Before leaving Seattle, Brighten A Heart™ created and delivered another 120 floral arrangements to accompany Meals on Wheels deliveries.
What I did not expect was that this would become one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
Supervisor Ed invited me to arrive early and observe the morning operations. Team members welcomed me warmly and showed me how meals are prepared, organized, and packed for delivery.
Afterward, I was invited to accompany Avery on a delivery route.
Before each stop, Avery called clients to let them know he was on his way and respectfully asked permission for me to accompany him.
We were welcomed into homes with warmth, gratitude, and hugs. Some clients became emotional while thanking Meals on Wheels for not forgetting them.
That day reminded me that sometimes the most powerful gift we can give another person is simply showing up and letting them know they matter.
Special Thanks:
Paula, Ed, Avery, Katherine, Nathan, Corey, Bisrat, Javier, Jacob, Meals on Wheels and Brighten A Heart™donors, and the clients who welcomed us into their homes.
EVENT 6 | May 21, 2026
Bakke Coffee Museum
No visit to Seattle feels complete without coffee.
Brighten A Heart™ had the opportunity to visit the Bakke Coffee Museum in Ballard, home to an incredible collection of vintage espresso machines and coffee history from around the world.
During our visit, I shared that every Brighten A Heart™ comfort care tote includes a 6 x 6 piece of artwork created by members of the community.
The team at Bakke Coffee Museum immediately embraced the idea and created six canvases for Brighten A Heart™.
Thank you to everyone at Bakke Coffee Museum for supporting our mission and contributing artwork that will one day brighten the day of someone facing illness, recovery, or extended care.
Special Thanks:
Brighten A Heart™ would like to thank Sound Generations, Meals on Wheels, Ballard Northwest Senior Center, Pike Place Market, Bakke Coffee Museum, and the many staff members, volunteers, donors, and community participants who helped make these experiences possible.
A special thank you to Andrea, whose support and assistance with sourcing and coordinating hundreds of low-pollen and pollen-free flowers on short notice helped make several of these projects possible.
Most importantly, thank you to the seniors, clients, patients, and community members who welcomed Brighten A Heart™ with kindness and reminded us that even the smallest gesture can make a meaningful difference.
One act of kindness at a time.
