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Celebration of Kindness: Food, Drinks & Community With Ben’s Bells

(Photo courtesy of Ben's Bells)

Celebration of Kindness: Food, Drinks & Community With Ben’s Bells

Apr 17, 20242 min read

It’s all about being kind to one another and Ben’s Bells promotes it like no other. On Saturday, April 27 from 6 – 10 p.m., the local project is hosting its Celebration of Kindness at The Monica, 40 E. Congress St.

What you can expect at the party is live saxophone jams from John Hughes Music, food catered by The Monica, cocktails, and friends supporting kindness throughout the community. Additionally, there’s going to be a silent auction, live auction, and a visit from Ben’s Bells’ partners at Kind Stitches.

New to this year’s event is Golden Hour, which kicks off after the event (10 p.m.). Golden Hour includes live music from DJ Mike Williams, golden accessories, and a specialty after-hours treat.

Tickets are $125 per person and include two drink vouchers (additional drinks are $5 each) from Dragoon Brewing Company and The Monica’s wine selection. Plus, you’ll have dibs on the following dishes.

an overhead photo of flatbread pizzas
Photo courtesy of The Monica)

The Monica’s Food Menu

  • Green Chili and Cheese Mini Chimis
  • Bean and Cheese Mini Chimis
  • Barrio Chips and Dip
  • Monica’s Bruschetta
  • Chips, Salsa, and Guacamole
  • Pepperoni Hand-Pulled Pizzetta
  • Don’s the G.O.A.T. Hand-Pulled Pizzetta
  • The Charrovida Hand-Pulled Pizzetta
  • Barrio Goddess Salad
  • Freebird Chicken
  • Seared Ahi Tostada Bites
  • Fresh Fruit

Ben’s Bells will also present the recipient of the Founder’s Award.

After the death of her son Ben in 2002, Jeannette Maré learned how a small act of kindness could make such a difference in a person’s life, no matter their background. She created Ben’s Bells as a way to spread kindness in the community and teach others about the impact of intentional kindness.

This award was established in 2022 during Ben’s Bells’ 20th year of service — all to honor kind individuals in the community for making a difference through their outstanding kindness. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bensbells.org.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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