09/22/2026
Cecily Bell found her way to UP in January of 2020, of all years, and we were grateful for her arrival. She brought leadership and nonprofit fundraising experience that we desperately needed—and then went on to bring so many other people, supporters and donors to the work.
When the pandemic forced us to create a virtual UPlift, Cecily helped save the day by bringing her friend Joy Kuraitis to the mission, helping us meet our $44,000 fundraising goal that year despite everything happening around us. And she never stopped widening the circle—from her son’s volunteer service hours and snack bags, to donation drives with Burn Boot Camp, to gatherings with women from her neighborhood to collect dollars, bourbon and supplies.
When it was time to explore buildings and space opportunities, Cecily brought her entrepreneurial experience as a property owner and landlord to guide us and connect us to important partners. As she learned more about the housing challenges facing the women we served, she even bought nine properties in the West End, in part to help support them and bring dignity and compassion to the landlord business.
Cecily didn’t simply serve on UP’s board. She brought people, money, expertise, relationships, ideas, property knowledge and personal support—and even changed what she did in her own life because of what she learned through the mission.
Cecily Bell brought so much goodness, light and dollars to UP that I hope you all start a Hall of Fame and place her there. She has been a true gift to the mission, to UPlift and to the board. We are incredibly grateful for you and your leadership, Cecily.
