AARP Illinois Honors Chicagoan With Highest Volunteer Award

Chicago resident Kathy Schubert was recognized by AARP Illinois with the state’s highest volunteer honor, the 2014 Andrus Award for Community Service.  The award was presented to Schubert at a luncheon held in her honor at the American Red Cross in Chicago.  AARP also presented a monetary donation to the American Red Cross and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum on Schubert’s behalf.

“AARP has long valued the spirit of service embraced by our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. “Kathy Schubert is a tireless volunteer that truly embodies that spirit and AARP is honored to present her with this award.”

Schubert has served as a Blood Drive Coordinator for the Red Cross since 2004 and is a long-time volunteer and supporter of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC.  In addition to her roles with the American Red Cross and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Schubert has also volunteered her time with Hostelling International, Imperial Nursing Home, the Active Transportation Alliance, PETA, St. Joseph Services, Catholic Charities and the Chicago Department of Transportation.  An avid bike rider, Schubert led a campaign to replace crosswalk and traffic signals to make them more suitable for bikers and pedestrians in Chicago.

“I volunteer because I’m retired and I’m single and it’s a good way to be sure I have somewhere to go where I’m appreciated,” said Kathy Schubert. “There is so much to do in Chicago – so many people need help. So whether it’s saving lives at the Red Cross, ushering theater attendees, or giving directions to travelers staying in the Loop, I’m just happy to be able to give back.”

Schubert was nominated for the 2014 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service by four separate individuals: Lawrence Smith and Tammy Winchester, both Volunteer Managers at the American Red Cross; Jill Weinberg, Midwest Director for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum; and Julie Hochstader, a friend.

The Andrus Award for Community Service is named after AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus.  Dr. Andrus, who once attended the Illinois Institute of Technology and taught at Hull House in Chicago, was committed to volunteer service.  She described her vision for AARP as “an army of useful citizens” – and truly believed in the power of individuals to change communities and the world.  Dr. Andrus founded AARP in 1958 on the principles of service and advocacy – and AARP has been committed to her vision for over 50 years.

It is in that vision for service that, each year, AARP Illinois presents the Andrus Award for Community Service to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to live the vision set forth by Dr. Andrus.  Click here to read more about AARP's founder.