Can you think of a volunteer who’s made a significant impact in their community? Who’s always willing to go the extra mile? Who inspires others to volunteer?

Nominate them for the 2016 AARP Kentucky Andrus Award for Community Service – AARP’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding Kentuckians age 50+ who are making a powerful difference in their communities in ways that are consistent with AARP’s mission, vision, and commitment to volunteer service and that inspire others to volunteer.

Nominations are open for any Kentucky volunteer age 50 or older, not just AARP volunteers. And there’s more than prestige and a nice trophy on the line. AARP Kentucky will give $2500 to an eligible non-profit organization chosen by the state Andrus winner.

Last year’s honoree was Steve Polston, who founded The New Life Day Center in 2011, a daytime connecting point for the Lexington homeless. Because voting was so close, Lynn Hammack & Suzanne Reasbeck of Bardstown were chosen as runners up for the award. The pair founded Bardstown at Home to address the needs of seniors in Nelson County so that they are able to remain safely in their own homes. Steve chose The New Life Day Center to receive a $2000 donation, and $500 was also donated to Bardstown at Home. Steve was recognized at a New Life board and volunteer meeting, and Lynn and Suzanne were recognized at Bardstown at Home’s volunteer thank you luncheon.

Please take a few moments to review the eligibility requirements and selection criteria, and think about the exceptional volunteers in your life. The nomination form is available online on the AARP website.

The key to a good nomination is in the details. Keep in mind that you are familiar with the work of the person you are nominating, but we are not. Please include as much information as possible.

Nominations must be received in the AARP Kentucky office no later than June 3. If you have questions about the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, please contact Rachel Fautz by phone at 502-394-3439, or by email at rfautz@aarp.org.