Join us in welcoming the 2024/2025 Governing Body of Kitty Young Auxiliary, an auxiliary of Assistance League® of Everett. Recently, Ashlyn “Bonnie” Yoseph, President of the Everett chapter, inducted this group of volunteers during their annual election night. Auxiliary volunteers work along side chapter volunteers on projects and programs like Operation School Bell®, scholarships, and flower basket fundraising.
Professionals dedicated to serving our community in Snohomish County
History – How we got started.
Mrs. Marilyn Cook Young, otherwise known as Kitty, was born in Davenport, Iowa in 1921. She graduated from the University of Iowa and shortly thereafter in 1943, she married Robert A. Young in Champaign Illinois. When the family lived in California, Kitty was a member of the Santa Monica chapter of the National Assistance League®. Later on, she and her husband Bob moved to Everett and Kitty decided that Everett should have an Assistance League and so she founded one and was president from 1968-69.
As time went on, more women began to work outside the home. To accommodate work schedules, meetings were held in the evening. After the passing of Kitty Young in 1973 at the age of 52, the auxiliary was named in her honor in 1975. The auxiliary meetings are held on the second Monday of each month in the Gretchen DeLap room.
Auxiliary Philanthropic Programs
Kitty Young Auxiliary has a philanthropic budget of over $12,000 each year which is supported by our fundraising activities. The Philanthropic Committee decides how funds are distributed within that budget. Among the several programs our budget supports is Adopt-a-School:
• Crossroads High School & Open Doors Academy (Granite Falls)
Crossroads is an accredited high school that serves students in grade 9-12 that have not found success in a traditional high school setting. Open Doors Academy offers students ages 16-21 an honest opportunity to build a future that is meaningful to them. There are 200-300 students enrolled in both programs. We provide food and snacks, hats, gloves and scarves, and graduation awards.
• Index School
Index School is a K-8 elementary / middle school combination located next to the Skykomish River with an enrollment of 40-45 students. We provide students with enrichment activities, swim lessons and headphones for online learning activities.
• Northwest Regional Learning Center (Arlington)
In June, Kitty Young Auxiliary (KYA) put on a high school graduation celebration for Northwest Regional Learning Center (NRLC) senior, Jason Caldwell. The NRLC was decorated with black and gold balloons, and flowers as ten KYA members greeted school members, friends, and family. The Auxiliary provided year books for the school, and served sandwiches, fruit, punch, and cake for approximately thirty guests to enjoy. As a recognition of Jason’s hard work in completing his classes, he was given a gift card to Fred Meyer and an Orca card. Jason hopes to attend culinary school and one day open his own coffee shop. We wish him all the best in his endeavors ahead!
Kitty Young Auxiliary Supports Main Chapter Programs
Partnering with the main chapter broadens our reach in helping youth in our community and gives us the opportunity to meet and work with other Assistance League members.
• Graduation Awards
• Operation School Bell®
• Cocoon House U-Turn Center
Please see the Programs page of our website for details on each of these programs.
Fundraising Events
Each year Kitty Young Auxiliary puts on fundraisers to support our philanthropic programs. It is a great way to have fun, socialize with members and raise money for a good cause! Some events have included: A discussion by author J.A. Jance on her life and how it influenced her writing; Members working together to create themed holiday baskets; Flower basket sale; And a Spring Tea.
Membership
As a member of Kitty Young Auxiliary, we enjoy making new friendships, learning from others, collaborating on projects, and serving our community in Snohomish County. Working on a committee, members can practice, share, and develop special talents and leadership skills, as well as have the chance to network. As a member we learn about community needs and how best to serve those needs.
We meet at the Assistance League of Everett building on the second Monday of each month, except for July and August, to discuss auxiliary business, to socialize, have dinner and discuss committee work. In addition, there are other occasions to gather and get to know one another better through Trivia Night, annual St. Patrick’s Day party, holiday dinner and working together in the Thrift Shop.
For more information on how to join contact the Assistance League of Everett at contact@assistanceleagueofeverett.org or 425-252-3011.