<< Previous   of   Next >> Enterprise/CHRIS GOODENOW  (click to enlarge) Autum Cuddy, 7, of Everett, is leading a fundraising effort for the Mill Creek Senior Center. Behind her, members of the senior center show their support. Contributed photo  (click to enlarge) Autum helps teach a computer class at the Mill Creek Senior Center. Contributed photo

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CONTACT THE ENTERPRISE Jocelyn Robinson, News editor jrobinson@heraldnet.com

7-year-old makes pledge to senior center

The more Autum Rose Cuddy reads, the more money the senior center gets

By Oscar Halpert
Enterprise editor

For more than two years, Mill Creek Senior Center volunteer Ron Cuddy has supervised the organization's computer lab, where seniors learn basic computer programs and applications.

And, for two years, Cuddy has brought his granddaughter, Autum Rose Cuddy, 7, to the center, where she's gotten to know many of the seniors.

She's even helped teach some computer classes, instructing seniors how to use Microsoft's Paint application.

Recently, Autum overheard her grandfather and senior center Director Bill Durham discuss fundraising ideas.

"She just turned to her grandfather and said, 'How can I help?'" Durham recalled.

The result is the Grand-Child's Challenge, a one-girl effort to help out.

Autum talked her mother, Veronica Miller, into giving her $1 for every book she reads over two weeks. Grandpa Ron agreed to kick in $5 for every $1 that Miller, his daughter, donated on Autum's behalf.

Autum, who just learned to read, recently finished reading her 25th book for a running total of $150.

"It makes me feel good," Autum said.

It makes her grandfather feel good, too. "It's been a real blessing to be able to help the seniors," said Ron Cuddy, 59, who has multiple sclerosis. "It's made me feel I can contribute to something again."

Several seniors also agreed to donate on behalf of Autum.

Durham has been busy the past seven months working with the city to find a larger permanent location for the senior center. While the City Council hashes out a long-term plan, seniors are expected to move soon to temporary digs in the annex building adjacent to City Hall.

The nonprofit Mill Creek Senior Foundation has been working to raise money for a new senior center. Another organization, Friends of the Mill Creek Senior Center, also supports the senior center, which is run by the mammoth Northshore Senior Center and has an $80,000 annual budget.

Autum's mother said the girl is very close to her grandfather.

"Everything about the senior center has to do with her love for her grandpa, absolutely, there's no doubt about that," said Miller, who holds down a job she calls "more than full-time."

Miller said her daughter's relationship with Cuddy reminds her of her own relationship with him.

"You could safely call them best friends," she said. "My dad babysat Autum for me last year after school. During that time, he tutored her, helped her with reading, math. They're inseparable."