Bee A Blessing, Inc. is a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) public charity which commemorates the generous spirit of Janet Clendining Elliott by raising money for, and awareness of, causes she valued, including, but not limited to, children, organ and tissue donation, and animal welfare.
“Nothing else in all life is such a maker of joy and cheer as the privilege of doing good.”
— James Russell miller
Our Story
Janet Clendining Elliott was born and raised in Lindenwold, NJ, the fourth of nine children. When Jan was six years old, she was diagnosed with Juvenile (Type 1) Diabetes. Growing up, Jan never let diabetes get in her way; she led as normal a life as possible, fueled in large part by her stubbornness, silliness and sense of humor. Despite enduring myriad medical issues throughout her lifetime, including two organ transplants, Jan lived a full and active life with grace and humor, never letting her medical hardships define her.
Jan's unexpected death on February 20, 2017, left our family with an enormous void. Determined to honor Jan by perpetuating her legacy of courage and optimism, we decided to focus our energies on helping those in need; more specifically, helping people who currently face medical issues similar to the ones Jan faced, as well as helping those who cannot speak for themselves.
Thus, Bee A Blessing was born...the "bee" refers to Jan's stint as an amateur beekeeper, and the "blessing" is simply what Jan was to her family and friends. Our corporate mission is two-fold: to help provide financial assistance to families of children who have had, or will undergo, organ transplants, and to provide financial assistance to local no-kill animal shelters.
Since our incorporation on 10/1/2017, Bee A Blessing has raised and donated:
$45,000.00
to the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) in honor of six NJ children who have either received an organ transplant, or who are currently awaiting a transplant
$15,000.00
to The Seeing Eye of Morristown, NJ
$2,500.00
to The Woodford Cedar Run Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Center in Medford, NJ
$1,000.00
to Forgotten Angels Equine Rescue in Medford, NJ
$50,000.00
to Gift of Life Howie’s House in Philadelphia, which provides lodging, meals, & transportation to organ transplant patients & their families who travel to Philly for transplant-related services
$1,000.00
to The Animal Adoption Center of Lindenwold, NJ
$3,000.00
to Camp Nejeda, a summer camp for children with Type 1 Diabetes in Stillwater, NJ
$1,500
to The Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary in Mays Landing, NJ
Do a little bit of good where you are. It is those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
-- Desmond Tutu