Bella’s Heart Ball raises thousands to support Statesville teen’s nonprofit

Bella’s Heart Ball raised approximately $3,600 this weekend for Bella’s Backpacks. Guardians of Children-Mooresville President Nathan Armas presented founder Isabella DiFiore with a check for Bella’s Backpacks.

BY KARISSA MILLER

At just 15 years old, Isabella DiFiore has already developed a generous spirit.

On Saturday evening, Isabella hosted the second annual Bella’s Heart Ball fundraiser at the Unity Center in Statesville. The event raised around $3,6000.

All of the proceeds raised go towards Bella’s Backpacks, a nonprofit that provides backpacks for abused children who are served by the Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center. To date, around 800 backpacks have been given out.

The heart-themed dance incorporated the colors purple, red and pink.

“Purple is to raise awareness about domestic violence. Red is to raise awareness about heart disease. February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Pink is for Valentine’s month,” Isabella explained.

During the ball, Guardians of the Children-Mooresville Chapter President Nathan Armas presented Isabella with a check for $1,000.

“We were so impressed that she was providing small backpacks for children who have been abused. Isabella is doing this work to help children in the community, and she’s a child herself,” Armas said.

Isabella, who was overwhelmed with gratitude, stood speechless.

“I was so surprised. This means a lot,” she said.

The event included dancing, arts and crafts for children, performances by pageant winners, and a silent auction.

Isabella stayed busy as the emcee, but she managed to find time to join her friends on the dance floor and hang out with a young girl she mentors.

In order to keep costs low, Isabella had all of the silent auction items donated. Her close-knit family pitched in by making the food. Her aunt drove around six hours to help serve during the event.

“I love Bella’s Backpacks. I love that she came up with this idea on her own and took initiative at 12 years old,” her dad, Steven DiFiore, said. “I’m so proud of her.”

Her mom, Jennifer DiFiore, agreed.

“She’s so disciplined and works really hard for what she wants,” she said.

When Isabella was in elementary school, she was inspired by the Backpack Buddies program at East Iredell Elementary, which provides food and snacks for students over the weekend.

Bella’s Backpacks becomes a nonprofit

In March of 2024, Isabella was a guest speaker at the Greater Statesville Rotary Club meeting.

She mentioned to members that she was seeking nonprofit status.

Facing the challenge of starting a nonprofit without enough funds in her account, Isabella got a helping hand from Rotarian, attorney and Statesville Mayor Costi Kutteh.

“Costi walked us through the whole process. He didn’t charge us. He said it would probably take around six months before we received an answer,” Jennifer recalled. “We received an answer in two to three weeks. It was definitely a ‘God thing.’ ”

Isabella received notification that her organization was approved as a nonprofit on May 10, 2024.

“I want to show that I’m serious about the work I’m doing and expanding it in North Carolina,” the teen said.

Pageantry

Isabella is a sophomore at North Iredell High School. She is on the school’s archery and tennis teams. Isabella does all genres of dance and is a classically trained soprano. She has competed in pageants since she was three.

She has won many titles over the years, with her first title being Tiny Miss Agricultural Fair Queen. She is currently Miss Thomasville Teen.

“She is just such a thoughtful person and would do anything for you. The Miss America program has really helped her come out of her shell,” said her grandma, Barbara Thorson.

While Bella’s Backpacks developed organically, it also will be her community service platform as she prepares for future pageants.

Bella’s Backpacks in Action

The process of helping children thrive after the trauma of sexual abuse, and feel safe again often starts with a simple act of kindness.

Each month, Isabella gathers supplies to help make and distribute Bella’s Backpacks.

The backpacks contain a blanket, personal care items, school supplies, small toys, a blanket and a note card for children who are served by the Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center.

Her favorite part of the backpack is the notecard that has her favorite Bible verse from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Isabella hopes that the message can open the door of healing and hope for the child who receives it.

“I started volunteering at a very young age,” Isabella said. “My parents taught me about community service and giving back. I think that I have always wanted to do something for kids.”