AARP Kansas Andrus Award for Community Service Winners Announced

The husband and wife team of Maryanne Esteban and Bill Blankenship, Kansas City, has been selected by AARP, the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older, to receive the 2020 AARP Kansas Andrus Award for Community Service -- the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

AARP Kansas selected volunteers Maryanne and Bill for their remarkable service which has greatly benefited their community, supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. Maryanne was one of the original members of the AARP Kansas Diversity Council and Bill joined several years later. The purpose of the Council is to work to ensure that the diverse needs of all Kansans are taken into consideration for AARP programming, events and resources. Bill and Maryanne also serve on the AARP Kansas Volunteer Support Team and both are community service volunteers for AARP in their community and across the state and take part in a variety of activities including serving on boards and committees on behalf of AARP.

As part of the award, AARP Kansas presented Morning Glory Ministries in Kansas City a check for $2,500 on behalf of Maryanne and Bill who designated the non-profit as their charity of choice for the donation.

“This award acts as a symbol to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” said Dr. Maren Turner, AARP Kansas State Director. “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.

Other Kansans nominated for the award were Ronald Colbert of Valley Center and Diane Taylor of Overland Park.