Join us as we commemorate 119 years of building community, fostering equity, and transforming lives.
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Town Hall Seattle
Keynote Speaker:
Claudia Castro Luna
Claudia Castro Luna is an Academy of American Poets Poet Laureate fellow (2019), WA State Poet Laureate (2018 – 2021), and Seattle’s inaugural Civic Poet (2015-2018). She is the author of Cipota Under the Moon, and Killing Marías both shortlisted for the WA State Book Award in poetry, in 2023 and 2018 respectively. She is also the author of One River, A Thousand Voices, and the chapbook, This City. Born in El Salvador, Castro Luna lives in English and Spanish, and she writes and teaches in Seattle on unceded Duwamish lands.
Executive Director:
Janice Deguchi
Janice Deguchi has been the Executive Director of Neighborhood House since September 2019. A Seattle native, Janice brings over 25 years of experience in supporting access to vocational training, early learning, senior care, and youth mentorship. She is a passionate advocate for early learning, earning recognition as a Parent Map Superhero in 2013 for her advocacy efforts. Janice currently serves on the board of the Washington State Community Action Partnership and co-chairs the Seattle Human Services Coalition Wage Equity Leadership Committee.
Emcee: KUOW Host Libby Denkmann
Libby Denkmann is the host of Soundside, KUOW’s midday news program, where she delves into the stories and issues shaping the Pacific Northwest. A seasoned journalist, Libby has reported on topics ranging from veterans’ affairs and homelessness to local politics. Before joining KUOW in 2021, she held roles as a producer, reporter, anchor, and host at KIRO, KFI, and KPCC in Seattle and Los Angeles. Her diverse experience also includes a year as a congressional staffer in Washington, D.C. A Seattle native, Libby grew up on the Eastside and is a proud graduate of the University of Washington. She brings a deep commitment to community storytelling and civic engagement.
How to get involved:
Save your Seat
Exciting News! A generous anonymous donor has pledged a $25,000 match for What Matters Most 2025!
Make your gift go twice as far:
-Donate at least $250 starting today to have your full amount matched,
-Or give $21 per month for the next year to maximize your impact.
Double your impact and help us reach our goal! Donate now!
Special Opportunity to Build Community
Celebrate Neighborhood House’s 119th anniversary with your friends, family, or colleagues. To encourage community engagement and help more people connect with our mission, you can buy 5 tickets and get a 6th one for free!
By purchasing tickets as a group, you can invite others to join you in supporting equitable opportunities and stronger neighborhoods. Whether you’re gathering coworkers, extended family, or friends, this is a meaningful way to expand our circle of supporters and introduce new connections to the vital work of Neighborhood House.
For questions or assistance with group ticketing, contact Tashi Lhamu at TashiL@nhwa.org.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring the event is a meaningful way to demonstrate your company’s commitment to equity and strengthening our community. Your partnership helps sustain programs that empower individuals and families across King County. All sponsors will be featured in promotional materials and recognized during the event.
Contact Kealohilani Myers-Rosa, at KealohilaniM@nhwa.org for sponsorship inquiries.
Volunteer
Get involved and make a difference! We have volunteer opportunities before, during, and after the event—helping to create an unforgettable experience for all.
To learn more about volunteering, contact Muna Ali at MunaA@nhwa.org.
Can’t make it? Donate today to support your community
Raffle
Enter our raffle during our mix and mingle hour for a chance to win exciting prizes featuring:
Get excited by checking out last year’s event highlights!
Proudly catered by That Brown Girl Cooks!
Thank you to our Sponsors!
