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 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.

From the bestselling author of How Fascism Works, a global call to action that tells us “why the past is a frontline in the struggle for a future free of fascism” (Jeff Sharlet, New York Times bestselling author) as it reveals the far right’s efforts to rewrite history and undo a century of progress on race, gender, sexuality, and class.

Get it on Amazon->

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