Assistance League

KARI KELLEY first became familiar with the Assistance League of the Bay Area when she worked for Boeing and served on the Employees Community Fund board. She became quite impressed with the chapter’s work – so moved, in fact, she vowed she would join the chapter when she retired.

And she did! She also recruited her mother, Carole Eitzen, and her best friend, Terry Overcash, to join with her. The three officially completed their new member orientation and were acknowledged at the April 2021 membership meeting.

Kari went on to embrace her member role with gusto. She frequently worked in the award-winning Resale Shop and contributed to efforts of several philanthropic programs, including shopping for Operation School Bell students, helping Operation Cinderella seniors select the perfect prom attire, and participating in the Ready for Work Committee.

“With her professional public relations background, Kari was a natural fit for the marketing committee,” ALBA Past President Lisa Holbrook tells us. “She contributed significantly in that arena by writing press releases, photographing events, and spearheading two community speaking engagements. These engagements resulted in recruiting a new member and a $5,000 sponsorship to the chapter's 2022 annual fundraising event, Jazz and Jewels. Kari was a devoted contributor to our Facebook group and her social media accounts, sharing our accomplishments enthusiastically.

“The Above and Beyond the Call of Duty or ABCD Award is given to members who do not hold key leadership roles but have impacted the chapter's programs by providing extraordinary amounts of time and service,” Lisa explains. “Kari was presented with this award at last year's May Annual Meeting.

During the formal program, the crowd learned about the impact the museum has had with schools in the Greater Houston area through its STEM program based in aviation and how the added support from area corporations like H-E-B has expanded the museum’s reach.

While sampling delicious hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour, guests were invited to wander about the museum’s historic planes and NASA artifacts, step inside aircraft and experience a virtual plane ride. Museum President and CEO Lt. Gen.

When the new fiscal year began on June 1, 2022, Kari started her work as the Ready for Work Committee vice chairman and agreed to a significant role in the resale shop's processing area.

“On Aug. 26, the world lost a bright light as Kari left us far too soon.”

However, Kari still had plans for Assistance League of the Bay Area. On Nov. 8, at the chapter's annual Home for the Holidays Extravaganza Sneak Peeks, Kari's mother, Carole Eitzen, and cousin, Jennifer Cox, presented President Marie Keener with a $5,000 check from Kari's estate -- a contribution that will allow philanthropic programs to enhance their work in the community.

“Even in her passing, Kari Kelley taught us all how to live!” Lisa adds.

Doug Owens (USAF retired) also spoke on the museum achievements and exciting plans for the coming year, including new exhibits and hands-on experiences.

“This amazing evening was only made possible by the dedication of our co-chairs, sponsors, donors and staff. Our mission is to celebrate flight and achievements in Texas aviation history and to educate and engage our youth through STEM. This was an incredible year for the museum, and Houston’s giving community has allowed us to move forward with even more experiences and programs to offer the community, we are grateful.”

To learn more about the STEM education programs at the only museum in Houston whose exhibits fly, visit LoneStarFlight.org or call 346-3527678.