Roseville Community Comes Together for Bell Family

Although Joan Bass doesn’t know the personally, she wanted to help.

Bass sells Mary Kay cosmetics and through Jan. 1, 2012, she was opted to give 100 percent of her proceeds to the Bell family. Her goal might seem somewhat ambitious to some, at $10,000, but it’s a goal she believes can be reached.

“I just felt really moved,” Bass said. “I wanted to find a way to help and give back.”

The Bell family’s tragic story made headlines when 49-year-old Brent Bell, a husband and father of three, Following days of searching, . He had committed suicide.

Shortly after Bell went missing, a Facebook page was set up, Find Brent Bell, that caught the love, support, condolences and attention of almost 1,000 people. The page has become an online platform for friends, family and others to share condolences with the family. It also became a platform for people to spread the word about how to help the family.

Bell was the sole provider for his family.

A with a schedule for people who want to cook and deliver meals to the Bells. One family opened their home as a donation drop-off point for dog and cat food to help feel the Bells’ pets. Local businesses held fundraisers with a portion of proceeds for the family.

Just before Halloween, Corbett’s House of Horror held a fundraiser in which $5 from each ticket sale went to the family. According to a post on the Find Brent Bell Facebook page, more than $1,000 was raised in one night. Other businesses like and also held fundraisers.

Dawson Family Wreath Barn in Weed has agreed to give all proceeds to the family. And Pampering Angel Spa will hold a shopping fundraiser event from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 16.

As of Friday afternoon, more than $3,000 had been donated to a FundRazr account for the family.

The Find Brent Bell Facebook page has also become an outlet for Michele Bell, Brent’s wife, to give thanks and keep people updated.

“As my kids and I are trying to deal with this tragedy, I want to express to everyone how much it has meant to us that we are loved and supported during this horrific time,” Michele wrote on the page. “I have said many times this week that the outpouring of generosity of donations and support from my community has been monumental in getting through this one day at a time. Literally, it has given me the strength to get out of bed each morning.”

A memorial and celebration of life for Brent Bell will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 5 at Valley Springs Presbyterian Church, 2401 Olympus Dr. in Roseville. A potluck reception will follow immediately at the church.

For more information on the Mary Kay fundraiser, see the flyer in the photo section of the article. 

Donations are being accepted through the website here or directly to:
Chase Bank/ Michele Bell
Account # 979969797
9075 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd. Ste 160
Roseville, CA 95747