From the Editor

Today is the day to GiveBIG

Today is the day to GiveBIG

2026 GiveBIG is TODAY, May 5th, 2026,! Donors already gave $1.4 million across all GiveBIG fundraisers, and almost $5,000 for the Seattle Polish Foundation.


Make your donation now and make a difference later! This year, the Seattle Polish Foundation participates in GiveBIG, a global day of generosity that celebrates the vital work nonprofits do in our communities, to raise funds for the Seattle Polish Foundation’s Cultural Fund.


Your donations help us support cultural events like the last week Marcin Pączkowski Orchestra concert to celebrate the Polish Constitution Day. If you missed it, here is the short video from the concert.



Note that this year, SPF Board of Directors will match all contributions up to $5,000! This means every dollar you give goes twice as far in sponsoring talented artists and enriching the programming at Polish Festival at Seattle Center, Seattle Polish Film Festival and the Polish Cultural Center.


On top of that, WA Give will host two Power Hours sponsored by Beneficial State Bank from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Also, there will be a Donor Appreciation Prize where one random donor who gave between 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. will be randomly selected to give an additional $100 to the nonprofit of their choice! Read more here->


If you like this newsletter, we hope that you can help us cover ongoing costs — website hosting, domain registration, and essential maintenance. Even $1 will go long way to help us keep the site running and accessible to the whole community.


Events

Seattle Pierogi Fest 2026

Seattle Pierogi Fest 2026

May 16, 2026 12:00 pm-4:00 pm

Food

Polish Cultural Center

Join us for the Seattle Pierogi Fest at the Polish Home. Downstairs Hall Adults $18 for one plate of 10 delicious pierogi choice…

Dyżur Konsularny

Dyżur Konsularny

May 19, 2026 9:00 am-May 20, 2026 5:00 pm

Events

Polish Cultural Center

W dn. 19-20 maja 2026 r. w siedzibie Domu Polskiego w Seattle, WA odbędzie się dyżur konsularny. Konsulat Generalny RP…

Nursing Perspectives on Healthy Aging

Nursing Perspectives on Healthy Aging

May 21, 2026 6:00 pm-7:30 pm

Events

University of Washington

The University of Washington School of Nursing de Tornyay Center for Healthy Aging and the UW Polish Studies Endowment Committee…

Vivat Musica presents: „O, tak w Polskę iść” – Biesiada

Vivat Musica presents: „O, tak w Polskę iść” – Biesiada

May 30, 2026 6:00 pm

Events

Polish Cultural Center

Polish Home warmly invites you to an evening of music, song, and community inspired by Polish tradition. This special Biesiada…

Tango Bardo live in Seattle

Tango Bardo live in Seattle

May 31, 2026 7:00 pm

Events

Polish Cultural Center

An unforgettable night of live Argentine tango is coming to the Pacific Northwest. Presented by Tango Elite Productions, Tango Bardo…

$90.00

News

“Outstanding Pole” (Wybitny Polak)” Award

Congratulations to Ryszard Kott for receiving the prestigious “Outstanding Pole” (Wybitny Polak)” award in a West Coast US edition of “Teraz Polska” Foundation contest. Ryszard was recognized in the Personality category for his outstanding achievements and remarkable contributions to the Polish community in Seattle over the last few decades. The official award presentation took place on April 30, 2026, in Los Angeles, bringing together community leaders, distinguished guests, and consular staff, during the Polish Constitution

2026 GiveBIG Fundraiser

2026 GiveBIG is quickly approaching! On May 5th, 2026, we are proud to once again participate in this global day of generosity that celebrates the vital work nonprofits bring to our communities.


This year, SPF invites you to support the Seattle Polish Foundation’s Cultural Fund. Your contribution does more than preserve our traditions—it ensures they remain accessible to everyone.
Thanks to your generosity, our programs offer free and open access to those who need it most, making Polish culture available to all members of our community, regardless of their circumstances.

Polish Home Association – 2026 elections results

Congratulations to the new board of directors and trustees, and a big thank you to the team that led the association last year—fantastic work! Even great things can improve, so feel free to reach out to the new PHA administration with your feedback and ideas. Keep reading →

Grand Opening of Chata Romana

If you haven’t met Roman Rogalski, one of the most active and generous members of our community, stop by the Polish Home on Friday to say hello—he’ll be there. You’ve probably noticed the run-down house next to the Polish Home. Here’s the story of Roman and the Chata.

Short Stories

Dr. Ivona Kaminska-Bowlby

Dr. Ivona Kaminska-Bowlby

Dr. Ivona Kaminska-Bowlby was born in Warsaw into a life shaped early by loss and resilience. Her mother passed away before seeing her graduate from high school, and her father—himself a figure of remarkable strength—left behind a legacy forged in history. A member of the “Kolumbowie” generation and a soldier of the Armia Krajowa, he fought in the Warsaw Uprising, was wounded, captured, and ultimately escaped. From these beginnings, Ivona inherited not only endurance, but

Reviews

Walkkie

Walkkie

When you have guests from Poland visiting Seattle, instead of taking them only to the obvious tourist attractions, use Walkkie to show them the city’s hidden gems, local culture, and lesser-known spots that make Seattle feel more personal and authentic than a typical sightseeing tour. Walkkie is a location-based discovery...

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