100 23rd Ave S,
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 328-5973
[email protected]
www.forthechildrenww.org
www.advocacyandcaringforchildren.org
Hours: Monday and Wednesday 10-3
Seattle, WA 98144
(206) 328-5973
[email protected]
www.forthechildrenww.org
www.advocacyandcaringforchildren.org
Hours: Monday and Wednesday 10-3
Circle History - Immaculate Heart Circle - est.
Julie Brown is a woman with a
past. The year was 1954 and Julie was a
student at Seattle University. She was
forming strong bonds with her classmates, and soon these bonds were growing
into marriages and families. The Korean
War was also claiming the service of many of her friend’s husbands. Those who were left at home kept their
friendships alive by forming a sewing group.
Julie’s mother, Agnes Dennehy, a member of the first Josephine McDermott Circle, suggested to Julie that she and her friends might form a Catholic Childhood Circle. They did this and they called themselves the Immaculate Heart Circle. The rest is history. Immaculate Heart Circle celebrated its fiftieth year in 2004.
I asked Julie what she remembered about her early years in ACC. She looks back fondly on the spring and summer garden parties, which were formal teas in lovely yards and homes throughout Seattle. Assisting with the serving were elegantly dressed Jr. Association for Catholic Childhood (JAACs) members. She remembers a Los Vegas Night at Seattle University with a $500 raffle prize. She also remembers that the Annual May Luncheon was held at the Olympic Hotel and was attended by the bishop.
Julie recalls that in 1959 Fantasy Fair was held for the first time under the leadership of Mrs. Russel Ahnstrom. Sporting a circus animal theme, it was held at the Norway Center and was patterned after a similar Ryther activity. Each year the theme was different. There were elaborate decorations and dinner was prepared. Julie particularly remembers making tea towels, a hold over from their sewing circle beginnings, and candles which they also sold. The fair offered an opportunity for the whole Association to come together to socialize, to make money for the needs of children and to spread the word about ACC.
These were busy years for ACC mothers. In 1958 Julie had several small children at home, but she managed to accept and serve her first term on the board. In 1961, as second vice-president, she accepted her second term.
She remembers that in the 1960’s Gen Brindle, of the Josephine Graham Circle, obtained a mimeograph machine for the Association. The president wrote the newsletter and had it sent out to each member. Julie remembers that the newsletters were addressed by hand. Our ACCtion newsletter grew from these beginnings.
After fifty-two years of membership Julie and her dear friends of Immaculate Heart Circle are still meeting and they continue to share a close-knit friendship. They gather four times each year. They enjoy an evening Christmas party, a summer luncheon outdoors and a fall party where all members are expected to pay $25 whether they attend or not. They also continue to be active in selling Entertainment Books.
Julie’s observation after 52 years of ACC membership is that there is still a great need. Children are still hurting and we must uphold high standards in caring for them. She feels that the social connection is the secret component of a successful circle. Fund raising is important, but for a circle to continue and grow, it must be built on the support and caring friendship of its members. The word Association in our name is the key to a successful circle and to the overall prosperity of our organization.
Julie, we are so proud of what you and what you and your friends in the Immaculate Heart Circle have done over the years. We are grateful for your insights and continued support. Thank you.
Julie’s mother, Agnes Dennehy, a member of the first Josephine McDermott Circle, suggested to Julie that she and her friends might form a Catholic Childhood Circle. They did this and they called themselves the Immaculate Heart Circle. The rest is history. Immaculate Heart Circle celebrated its fiftieth year in 2004.
I asked Julie what she remembered about her early years in ACC. She looks back fondly on the spring and summer garden parties, which were formal teas in lovely yards and homes throughout Seattle. Assisting with the serving were elegantly dressed Jr. Association for Catholic Childhood (JAACs) members. She remembers a Los Vegas Night at Seattle University with a $500 raffle prize. She also remembers that the Annual May Luncheon was held at the Olympic Hotel and was attended by the bishop.
Julie recalls that in 1959 Fantasy Fair was held for the first time under the leadership of Mrs. Russel Ahnstrom. Sporting a circus animal theme, it was held at the Norway Center and was patterned after a similar Ryther activity. Each year the theme was different. There were elaborate decorations and dinner was prepared. Julie particularly remembers making tea towels, a hold over from their sewing circle beginnings, and candles which they also sold. The fair offered an opportunity for the whole Association to come together to socialize, to make money for the needs of children and to spread the word about ACC.
These were busy years for ACC mothers. In 1958 Julie had several small children at home, but she managed to accept and serve her first term on the board. In 1961, as second vice-president, she accepted her second term.
She remembers that in the 1960’s Gen Brindle, of the Josephine Graham Circle, obtained a mimeograph machine for the Association. The president wrote the newsletter and had it sent out to each member. Julie remembers that the newsletters were addressed by hand. Our ACCtion newsletter grew from these beginnings.
After fifty-two years of membership Julie and her dear friends of Immaculate Heart Circle are still meeting and they continue to share a close-knit friendship. They gather four times each year. They enjoy an evening Christmas party, a summer luncheon outdoors and a fall party where all members are expected to pay $25 whether they attend or not. They also continue to be active in selling Entertainment Books.
Julie’s observation after 52 years of ACC membership is that there is still a great need. Children are still hurting and we must uphold high standards in caring for them. She feels that the social connection is the secret component of a successful circle. Fund raising is important, but for a circle to continue and grow, it must be built on the support and caring friendship of its members. The word Association in our name is the key to a successful circle and to the overall prosperity of our organization.
Julie, we are so proud of what you and what you and your friends in the Immaculate Heart Circle have done over the years. We are grateful for your insights and continued support. Thank you.
Circle Fundraising
Fundraising Event Listing: