Regional Director’s Message

Happy fall to all of our NPH supporters throughout the Northwest!

During this busy season of getting back to school and work, we are thrilled to welcome some new faces from the NPH family to the Northwest.  First, I am delighted to introduce Ross Egge as our new Development Manager in the Bellevue office.  Many of you may know Ross or his family, as he is originally from the Puget Sound area and has been working in the NPH homes for more than ten years, most recently as the Co-National Director at NPH Honduras.  I have known Ross for more than six years and after only a couple of weeks working together, I want to share how truly lucky we are that he is coming home to work for NPH here in the Northwest.  Ross is not only a true expert about the NPH family; he has the relationships with our children and staff around the world, and an unwavering commitment to raise more funds to help our children thrive.  I can’t wait for you to meet him in the coming weeks and months as he reaches out to our donors, sponsors, and church and school partners.

This month we also welcome Jacqueline Shrader, the new Program Director for the NPH Seattle Institute, which kicked off its sixth year last week.  Jacqueline is a graduate of Seattle University with a background in ministry and service.  She also worked for two years as a Jesuit Volunteer in Peru, and visited NPH Honduras this summer as part of her orientation.  She brings great heart and expertise to her new role with NPH and we look forward to working with her in the months and years ahead. And last week, the six new students who are participating in the Seattle Institute this year arrived in Seattle!  They are an impressive bunch and we are excited to accompany and support them in their journey and growth here in the Northwest.  This year’s class is especially meaningful for me, as Saravia, my goddaughter from Honduras was selected and is now living with my family.  I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to build an even closer relationship with her and all the students.

Finally, we are getting ready for a busy fall, with sponsorship drives at a couple of local church partners, an event at Microsoft for Hispanic Heritage Month, and other gatherings with our international volunteers and Associate Board for young professionals.  We hope you will join us for our annual Gala on Saturday, November 5 at the Golf Club at Newcastle.  We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Edwin Vallecillo Betancourth and Dr. Pilar Silverman to share their work providing health care for our children.  Dr. Edwin will also share his inspiring story of growing up at NPH and becoming a doctor, running our internal medical clinic in Honduras.  It will be a special and fun evening filled with dinner, dancing, games, a fabulous auction and raffle, and your support will make a huge impact at NPH.  Please host a table, sign up as a corporate sponsor, donate a dessert or auction item, and register today!

With gratitude for all you do, and best wishes for a fun and fabulous fall,
Katie Hultquist
Northwest Regional Director