AARP Recognizes Top Volunteers
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-07-23 15:34:42.677181-04:00
Minnesotans volunteer more often than residents of any other state. AARP benefits from that strong tradition, boasting a dedicated group of members who give back in so many ways.
"Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do - their passion and commitment lead to AARP's advocacy successes," says AARP State President Hubert H. "Skip" Humphrey, AARP's top volunteer.
Recently, AARP recognized and thanked its volunteers at the annual 2007 AARP Volunteer Recognition Awards Banquet. Awards were given to individual volunteers for their work in 2007 across the organization.
Marion McElroy of Minnesota was named Minnesota's 2007 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association's most prestigious and visible volunteer award. This national award goes to one individual in every state who has exemplified the service work and inspiration of AARP's founder, Ethel Percy Andrus. McElroy was recognized for her extensive volunteer work with AARP as well as for her work to serve others in her community. McElroy is an advocate at the Capitol, a volunteer at the Mall of America information center and a longtime Sabathani Chapter leader. She also has had a longtime commitment to her community and to young people in particular. As an original coordinator of the Wallin Scholarship program at her alma matter North High, McElroy has connected young people with mentors from the community.
Christeen Stone of Maplewood was awarded the 2007 Advocacy Award. Christeen was recognized for her dedication to important issues and her work at the State Legislature as a volunteer member of AARP's Grassroots, Elections and Advocacy Team (GREAT). Stone has a long history of advocacy work, beginning with her work several years ago to help pass a living will law. As an AARP volunteer, Christeen has testified at the State Legislature about issues like prescription drug costs, nursing home quality and health care.
Adrienne Ratliff of Minneapolis, was named the AARP Minnesota Volunteer of the Year for 2007. This all-encompassing state award is given by AARP Minnesota to recognize an exceptional individual who shines the true spirit of volunteerism. Ratliff was recognized for her behind the scenes work on important policy initiatives and for her longstanding commitment to AARP volunteer roles. She is a member of the AARP Sabathani Chapter member, a Mall of America Information Center volunteer, an advocacy volunteer and volunteers in many other capacities.
Dick and Cathy Andre of Duluth, were awarded the 2007 Community Action Award for their work to organize and lead the statewide Community Action Team. The Andres were recognized for their work in the Greater Northern Minnesota communities, where they often travel, recruit other volunteers, and help spread AARP's advocacy and outreach work.
Edith Johnson of Minneapolis, was awarded the 2007 Chapter Leadership Award for her work with the Minnehaha Falls Chapter in Minneapolis. Johnson's commitment to her chapter and her community were noted.
Mary Daggett of Hopkins, was awarded the 2007 Mall of America Information Center award. Daggett was recognized for her outstanding commitment to helping others and reaching the public with helpful information.
Don Buckner of West St. Paul was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his longstanding commitment to AARP over the years - as an advocacy volunteer, an elections volunteers, and for his many years of service to AARP in so many ways.
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