WASHINGTON
In May 2026, Brighten A Heart™ worked with Seattle-area organizations to provide hundreds of floral arrangements for older adults and invited community members to create artwork for people receiving care. Across six outreach activities, these efforts brought together local organizations, volunteers, and community members.
EVENT 1 | May 12, 2026
Sound Generations & Meals on Wheels Partnership
On May 12, Brighten A Heart™ delivered 120 handmade floral bouquets to the Sound Generations Meals on Wheels warehouse in Seattle. The arrangements featured low-pollen flowers and waterproof carriers designed for easy transport alongside regular meal deliveries.
Working with Paula Wright, Operations Coordinator, we coordinated the delivery, and had the opportunity to meet Supervisor Ed and members of the Meals on Wheels team.
This experience was especially meaningful to me. Years earlier, while living in New York City, I had created floral arrangements for Meals on Wheels recipients. That experience became one of the inspirations behind Brighten A Heart™.
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 highlight was visiting the art room, where older adults gather to create, socialize, and connect.
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 holds special memories for me. Growing up in Seattle, I visited with my parents, grandparents, and sister, watching fish being tossed through the air and admiring the colorful flower stands.
On May 16, with approval to participate in the market's nonprofit Free Speech Area, Brighten A Heart™ invited visitors to decorate 6 × 6-inch canvases for future inclusion in Comfort Care Totes for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and hospice settings.
Children, families, and visitors came together throughout the day, creating more than 60 original canvases for people they may never meet.
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.
A 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
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 showed me how meals are prepared, organized, and packed for delivery.
Afterward, I joined Avery on his delivery route. Before each stop, he called clients to let them know he was on his way and asked permission for me to join him.
We were welcomed into homes with hugs and gratitude. Some clients became emotional as they thanked Meals on Wheels for not forgetting them.
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 × 6 canvas 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.
One act of kindness at a time.
