Costume & Careers
The NVS Cheers for Careers 2025 Event
Unmasking Employment in a World of Hidden Disabilities
Join us at The Ruins—a hidden gem nestled in Seattle’s Lower Queen Anne neighborhood—for a frightfully fun fusion of fashion and future planning! Known for its whimsical charm, eclectic décor, and unforgettable atmosphere, The Ruins is a place where creativity thrives and no two days are ever the same.
Come dressed as a vampire CEO, a ghostly graphic designer, or a wizard of web development—this is your chance to celebrate our Employer of the Year, Harborview Medical Center, and the partners that hire people served by NVS in hauntingly good style.
Where?
Why Attend?
Come Costumed and Feeling Generous!
Cheers for Careers is NVS' annual awards celebration — honoring the people and organizations who help empower individuals with neurological conditions to find meaningful employment.
Together, we carry forward Dr. Bob’s vision of inclusive vocational services and it takes a village!
This year, we're adding a spooky spin:
Come dressed to impress! Whether you're dressed as a vampire CEO, a ghostly graphic designer, or a wizard of web development, this event is a chance to celebrate our Employer of the Year, Harborview Medical Center, and the partners that hire people served by NVS!
📅 Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
🕔 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: The Ruins | 570 Roy St, Seattle, WA 98109
🎪 Live Entertainment: To be announced.
🍽️ Catering by: Landmark – featuring curated appetizers, salad, and pasta bars, beer and wine
🎟️ Tickets: Limited Space Available
$75 Early Bird – available through October 3
$100 After Bird – Starting October 4th, if they last!
Kids 10 and Under are Free
Let’s raise a glass to inclusive employment and celebrate the incredible individuals who make it possible. We can’t wait to see you there!
Unmasking Employment in a World of Hidden Disabilities…
Let's Honor Our Partners
Celebrating Those Who Make Our Work Possible
Luis "Louie" Lopez (on the right side), longtime NVSU job developer (Lifetime Achievement)
Lifetime Achievement Award Louie Lopez
Luis “Louie” Lopez was our one and only job placement specialist who was at NVSU for over 16 years. Most of us would say that cold calls were one of our least favorite things to do next to public speaking. However, this was his gift. Louie was fearless and could get in to see employers and convince them of the benefits of hiring someone with a disability. While he was a gentle soul, he expected his clients to follow through on their placement plan and could be very directive in such situations.
He was bilingual and DVR referred many clients to him. He treated everyone fairly and was highly respected by our referral sources, clients, other agencies and employers. He believed that everyone could work regardless of their disability and would go the extra mile to place anyone who wanted to work. Early on, he learned to listen to people and engage with diverse populations.
He was a loyal member of the NVSU family and even in his retirement, still continues to provide job development services to NVSU clients
For his integrity and all the reasons stated, NVSU is recognizing him with a lifetime Achievement Award.
Harborview Medical Center (HMC) Environmental Services: Lakech Tessema & Hadji Ruffin (Employer of the Year) -
Lakech and Hadji are dedicated to hiring a workforce as diverse as the Harborview patient base. An NVSU client was hired earlier this year by HMC Environmental Services, and suffered a severe medical event - just following New Employee Orientation - which landed him in Harborview as a patient. Unable to work for over two months, Lakech and Hadji worked with NVSU and the client on keeping his job for him when he recovered.
Proudly Sponsored by IUOE Local 302 – International Union of Operating Engineers
We are excited to welcome back the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 302, as sponsor for this year's Costumes and Careers.
In 2023 we recognized IUOE Local 302 and their Dues & Membership Manager, Monique Paullus, as our Employer of the Year for their commitment to hiring our client with neurological disability, during COVID who continues to retain full-time employment with Local 302, with ongoing support of NVSU.
International Union of Operating Engineer (IUOE) Local 302 has been around since 1905, representing heavy-equipment operators, stationary building operators and more advocating for their members, which supports families, communities, and the economy, across Washington, Idaho and Alaska.
Monique has served as a dedicated leader at the Local 302 for 20 years, supporting nearly 15,000 members across Washington, Alaska, and Idaho, and manages our client - who supports these members daily.
This contribution reflects their ongoing commitment to supporting NVS' mission:
"Helping people with neurological conditions gain independence, one person, one job, at a time."
We are proud to continue this connection and extend our heartfelt thanks to IUOE Local 302 and Monique Paullus for their ongoing support and dedication.
Meet Your MC: Larry J. Snyder – Hands-On Philanthropist
Larry J. Snyder has spent more than 30 years championing causes that create real change, from grassroots efforts to global initiatives. Inspired by his extraordinary mother, Larry began working with organizations like NVSU in 1990 and has remained deeply committed to hands-on philanthropy ever since.
A graduate of the Western College of Auctioneering in Billings, Montana, Larry brings unmatched energy, empathy, and experience to every event he hosts. His ability to connect people to purpose has made him a trusted partner to countless nonprofits and mission-driven organizations.
In 2022, he was honored as a Starbucks Community Champion for his work supporting those affected by homelessness, addiction recovery, and human trafficking.
Larry is also a two-time author, with his third book HOPE DEALER: A Lifetime of Causes, Communities, and Coffee (Iron Twine Press) scheduled for release in June 2025.
He lives in Redmond, Washington with his wife Jill, and proudly supports his biggest and most rewarding investment—his son, an academic standout currently studying at Cal Poly University SLO.
Event Agenda
6:00 PM – Guest Arrival
6:00 – 7:00 PM – Cocktail Hour & Raffle Ticket Sales
Enjoy a delicious selection of curated appetizers, salad and pasta bars provided by Landmark Catering.
7:00 – 8:00 PM – Welcome & Evening Program
Celebrate the NVS Annual Employer Award, followed by Costume Contest
8:15 PM – Raffle Winners Announced & Music by Tim Kennedy
9:00 PM – Farewell & Thank You
Experience the Sound of Tim Kennedy!
Tim Kennedy is a Seattle-based musician, producer, teacher, and composer who performs across a wide range of genres including jazz, pop, country, and rock. A graduate of William Paterson University with a degree in Jazz Performance, Tim has studied with jazz greats like John Hicks, Harold Mabern, Pete Malinverni, and Bruce Barth. He has toured internationally and brings both technical mastery and deep musicality to the stage.
In addition to his work as a jazz pianist, Tim is the frontman for the electro-dance band Richie Aldente and the country-funk projects Hot Rod and Big Tooth. As a producer, he collaborates with artists across the globe and has performed or recorded with talents such as Jason Mraz, Kassa Overall, Jesse Sykes, Theo Crocker, Randy Weston, and Sherik. Tim is also a passionate educator, having taught at William Paterson University, The Northwest School, and Stanford Jazz Camp.
Costumes, Cheers & Competition - Contest Is ON!
We're hosting a lightning-fast, cheer-powered costume contest, and you’re invited to dress to impress in one of four fun categories:
Career-Inspired
Spookiest/Classic
Funniest (“haha” or “wink-wink”)
The NVS team will pre-nominate two participants per category (participation optional).
Winners will be chosen by loudest crowd response, judged on:
Creativity · Execution · Theme Fit · Stage Presence
Bring your A-game—and your loudest cheer squad! Let’s celebrate meaningful work, spooky fun, and the incredible community that makes it all possible.
Be the ghost behind the glamour—sponsor our event!
Can’t Make It? You Can Still Make an Impact
Unlock Work Opportunities – $50
Open doors to work opportunities. A one-year subscription to FlexJobs gives someone access to thousands of vetted, flexible job listings, helping them find work that fits their life and abilities.
Support One-on-One Job Coaching – $100
Fuel someone’s journey back into the workforce. This contribution provides a half-day of personalized, on-site job coaching to build skills, confidence, and a clear path toward employment.
Provide Emergency Relief – $250
Bridge the gap during life’s toughest moments. This donation can cover urgent needs like transportation to interviews or temporary housing, helping someone stay stable and job-ready when it matters most.