Kathy Young
2005 SWIM Volunteer of the Year
A member of the SWIM's Breast Cancer Luncheon Committee, Kathy Young believes the SWIM Across the Sound has only begun to grow. And as a volunteer, she's done her best to help nurture that growth.
In 2002, Young, a salesperson for Channel 12 Cablevision, recruited several of her best clients to support the SWIM, such as Fitness Edge, Madison Jewelers and Curran Volkswagen. She facilitated a pledge of $100,000 from Fitness Edge, based in Fairfield with six facilities throughout southern Connecticut - Norwalk, Westport, Fairfield and Milford.
Through Young's help, Lexus of Westport has donated $100 for each new car sold during the month of October to the SWIM's Breast Cancer programs since 2004. In 2007, Lexus of Westport's October promotion yielded $18,400 for the SWIM.
"I'm a good salesperson, and I decided to put a twist on it and use my ability to help the SWIM," Young said. "I know a lot of people through my job; it was a natural evolution to put some of my clients together with the SWIM."
Young is also the Chair of the SWIM's Sunset Sail, which takes place every September. More than 350 supporters board the Port Jefferson, Long Island Ferry for a three-hour cruise of the Sound as the sun goes down. During the evening, attendees enjoy dinner, drinks, live music, a silent auction and other live entertainment. Young secures corporate sponsorship of the Sail, so that all proceeds from ticket sales and the auction go directly to the SWIM.
The mother of two children and the wife of a Fairfield detective (Bill), Young believes in the SWIM motto: "Because everyone knows someone." She lost her brother, Dr. Robert Wade, to cancer several years ago and sees the SWIM as a source of great strength for the 20,000 people it serves each year.
Young sees tremendous growth for the SWIM in the future; she just wants to be part of it.
"I just believe in the SWIM and its mission," she explained. "I want to see it grow. I'm just happy to be doing what I can to make it happen."
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