Betty Barden’s Bequest: A gift that helped us grow

As we approach the six-month anniversary of moving into our new home, we feel gratitude more than ever for the people who helped us get here - a place that serves our friends and neighbors. Even as we continue to grow, we would like to talk about Betty Barden, a late supporter of the Ballard Food Bank, who was crucial to our campaign for a bigger and better facility.

Betty was a hard-working woman with a lifelong history in Seattle. She was a scholarship graduate from the University of Washington, and a leading employee at Nordstrom’s where she worked for over 30 years. Barden inspired many by being herself, a determined woman in the Seattle corporate world, who cared for family and faith and brought a smile to many who knew her. She had empathy for the people and the city around her, and her loyal commitment lives on in this legacy.

Betty Barden

Our Executive Director, Jen Muzia, reminisces, “Betty was a stalwart supporter of Ballard Food Bank, and her bequest was one of the first gifts we received to begin building our new home. She went above and beyond for the food bank and showed her generosity through making sure our food bank’s future was set so we could feed and support as many people as possible. We’ll be forever grateful for her.” In honor of Betty, we named our new garden after her, which will grow food for the community, and flowers to cheer up our neighborhood.

Executive Director, Jen, showcasing Ballard Food Bank’s Garden and Betty’s plaque.

Through Barden’s bequest, we saw the physical benefits of what a legacy gift can offer: potential for transformation and massive impact. This kind of planned giving ensures the survival and success of a nonprofit like Ballard Food Bank. It also leaves the donor with contentedness that the community they leave behind will be cared for.

Interested in learning more about planned giving? Please reach out to Ciara Kuldinow, ciarak@ballardfoodbank.org