ABOUT US
After the loss of our parents and younger brother in October 2009, we along with Ann Abraham and Phillip Mongeau, founded Our Seva, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, in loving memory of our parents and younger brother. We were incorporated on our parents 43rd wedding anniversary on February 23, 2011. Seva, in the Hindu faith, means selfless service for the betterment or support of a community or individual - this was always an important part of our family life. Our Seva honors that memory through the work we do with the goal to make a positive impact in our community. We are grateful for the community of friends and family that have been active volunteers and have supported us. We are a community of about 250 friends strong including children of all ages. One of our goals is to provide an opportunity for children to serve and teach them the importance of community service in hopes they will remain active citizens in their communities.
-Priti and Vay Patel
Chimanbhai C. Patel
OUR DAD'S SAYING: If you have food, shelter and clothing, everything else in life is a luxury and that means you have a greater responsibility to help others in this world.
Kantaben C. Patel
OUR MOM Taught us to cook homemade, good-flavored food and we both are so grateful she did...she lives on in our food! And she taught us to laugh...like really laugh...from the belly laugh!
Hiran C. Patel
MY BROTHER Taught me to love sports and I still do...he lives in my love for basketball! He was the person as a grown man who took care of me...in such a caring, I am your best-friend kinda way. -Priti
OUR SEVA BOARD & FAMILY
I once looked into the eyes of a great white shark and then I threw up on him. I once jumped out of a perfectly good plane with just a parachute (technically I was strapped to another person & he had the parachute). I enjoy eating and sleeping (not necessarily in that order). I don't always participate in volunteer work; but when I do, I choose Our Seva.
Self proclaimed Wikipedia of mostly useless knowledge. Can defend myself against a ninja*.
*Ninja has to attack in a specific way, be blind folded and has to have one wrist tied to an ankle. Oh and I need a throwing stick.
Husband, son, father, golfer, traveler, and committed to a life/career of public service.
Phillip is a Founding Board member of Our Seva along with Ann Abraham - Priti's two best friends. Phillip has not written a little "intro" about himself because he's too busy leading teams responding to national disasters!
Same as Matt above. "Husband, son, father, golfer, traveler, and committed to a life/career of public service"
But I don't travel as much. Oh, and lately I've been into hiking and drinking Topo Chico!
JULIA THRASHER
I am creative Cali-Texan who gets excited about anything spiritual, health, and wellness related and who values positivity and kindness. I am a lover of nature, art, photography, health food, music, dance, deep conversations, and most of all people and community. Community service is something that I was raised with and I am proud to be part of Our Seva.
Namaste Y’all! Proud American & Texan. My father and H.D. Thoreau greatly shaped my journey. This Hindu life of mine is committed to using my heart, my hands, and my head to make a positive impact where I can. Loving life & the gift of friendship.
MY PURPOSE: working to reduce food insecurity. MY RECREATION: tectonic plates, NBA, volunteering, news, travel, singing and national parks. MY LIFE = Fighting Hunger + Chasing Mountains