We are celebrating 120 years of Neighborhood House!
Since 1906, Neighborhood House has been showing up. For families finding their footing in a new country. For kids who need a safe place to learn. For elders navigating systems that weren’t built for them. For anyone who’s been told they don’t belong.
What Matters Most is where we come together—community members, partners, supporters—to celebrate the work, hear the stories, and keep it going. Food, drinks, performances, and real talk about what it takes to build belonging in Seattle.
Your ticket supports housing, education, adult education, employment, youth & family services, health programs, and everything in between. Because this work doesn’t stop, and neither will we.
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Town Hall Seattle
Keynote Speaker:
Craig Sims
Craig Sims is a trial attorney by training and public speaker by passion. Apart from being a trial attorney, he also served as Seattle’s Chief Criminal Prosecutor, an adjunct-professor at Seattle University School of Law and a visiting-lecturer at the University of Washington School of Law.
Craig’s entire career has been dedicated to the service of others as shown through his career in public service and his representation of those who have encountered tragic life altering events. He has traveled the country and abroad giving speeches, keynote addresses and conducting trainings meant to inspire individuals to conquer challenges they never thought possible.
“I am preparing my children for the world,
while preparing the world for my children.”
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 Angela King
Angela King is an Emmy-award winning journalist who’s been a part of the northwest news scene since the early 1990s. A proud University of Washington alumna, with degrees in Broadcast Journalism and American Ethnic Studies, she started her career as a news writer in Seattle, before becoming a reporter and anchor in Seattle, Portland, and Albuquerque. She is currently the Morning News Host at KUOW in addition to being an independent documentary producer.
How to get Involved
Save Your Seat and Exciting News!
Exciting News! A generous anonymous donor has pledged a $30,000 match for What Matters Most 2026!
- Now your gift can go even further:
💙 Give $250 or more and your donation will be matched 1:1. That means your generosity doubles!
sdfsd - A $250 gift turns into $500.
- A $300 gift becomes $600.
💙 Give $500 or more and your donation will be matched 2:1. That means your impact triples!
- A $500 gift skyrockets to $1,500.
- A $1,000 gift becomes an incredible $3,000.
Double — or even triple — your impact and help us reach our goal. Let’s make it count!
Special Opportunity to Build Community
Celebrate Neighborhood House’s 120th 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 Roxanne Gossard, at RoxanneG@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.
Get excited by checking out last year’s event highlights!
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
