This year marks our 9th Annual Seattle Event – our yearly gathering of the JVC Northwest family in celebration of the service of the Jesuit Volunteers. This year’s theme is “Singing in the Rain”, highlighting the transformative service of the JVs amid the struggles communities face throughout the Northwest region. Be sure to read on to learn who and what’s in store for all who come!
In addition to raising funds and highlighting the service of the Jesuit Volunteers (JVs), the Annual Seattle Event also serves as a venue for the vast, interwoven family of JVC Northwest to reconnect with one another, and the four core values, on a personal and communal level. For those coming for the first time or who may be unfamiliar with who we are, it is a chance to see the real and lasting impact of a year or more of direct service and intentional living, and bring them into our mission in a meaningful and inclusive way.
The event will take place on March 29th at Seattle University, and will begin with a voluntary mass that takes place at 5:30 p.m. Our celebrant will be Fr. Joseph Carver, SJ, a former Jesuit Volunteer (FJV) who served in Seattle, WA in ’93-94 and is now the President of the Seattle Nativity School.
The social and dinner will begin with drinks and appetizers at 6:30 p.m. During the social time there will be the chance to socialize with old friends as well as make new acquaintances. There will also be several current JVs around the room displaying their artwork so we encourage you to meet them and learn about their pieces as well as their current service experience.
A sit-down dinner will be served starting at 7:15, with an opening blessing from FJV Mary Hartrich (Portland, OR ’72-73), who is the Director of the Ignatian Spirituality Center in Seattle. A delicious seasonal meal from Seattle U.’s Bon Appétit catering service will be served to each table and can accommodate any and all dietary needs. Our emcee this year is the wonderfully energetic Marilyn Nash (Seattle, WA ’92-94), who is the Campus Minister for Ignatian Spirituality at Seattle University.
We are honored and excited to present our keynote speaker, Rob McCann (Woodburn, OR ’91-92). Rob is a current board member and the Director of Spokane Catholic Charities, where ten JVs currently serve. Our JV speaker is Ryan Mildenberger, who serves with developmentally disabled adults at L’Arche Noah Sealth in Seattle. With L’Arche, Ryan strives above all to build relationships and “celebrate the unique value of every person and recognize our need of one another.”
The presentation of the second annual Fr. Jack Morris, SJ Award will be the next highlight of the evening. The Fr. Jack Morris Award was created to honor Jack Morris, who co-founded the JVC movement in Copper Valley, Alaska and passed away in September 2012.
Following the award presentation the winning tickets for this year’s exciting raffle prizes will be drawn.
If you have any questions please contact Outreach and Events Coordinator Zach Reuter at outreach@jvcnorthwest.org or at 503-335-8202.
We look forward to celebrating with you on March 29th!
