AARP Florida recognizes Melbourne resident for most prestigious award

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             

Oct. 18, 2016

CONTACT:

Ann-Marie Flannery, AFlannery@aarp.org

AARP Florida Recognizes Kristen Malfara for her Dedication and Commitment to Community Service with its Most Prestigious Volunteer Award

Melbourne, Fla – Kristen Malfara has been selected by AARP, the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older, to receive the 2016 AARP Florida Andrus Award for Community Service -- the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

AARP Florida selected Malfara for her remarkable service which has greatly benefited her community, supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. Malfara is founder and executive director of The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project, a non-profit organization that provides resources and therapeutic play for families of special-needs children. Malfara was inspired to start The M.O.R.G.A.N. Project after learning of her son’s Leukodystrophy and finding resources to be scarce.

“No other parent should have to spend so many hours away from their child looking for ways to help them, like I did,” said Malfara. “I consolidated a lot of resources and had turned over all of the rocks. Now I help parents who are on the same journey.”

The award will be formally presented to Malfara at a ceremony on Wednesday, October 19 at 6 p.m. at Morgan’s Place in Melbourne.

“This award acts as a symbol to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” says AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson.  “AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve.”

Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.

ABOUT AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org .