Prairie Village Man Wins Andrus Award

 

AARP Kansas honored its 2014 outstanding community service volunteer during a luncheon banquet on November 14 at the Ritz Charles in Overland Park. Each year, AARP presents its most prestigious award, the Ethel Percy Andrus Award for Community Service, to an individual or individuals who, through volunteer service, significantly enhance the lives of those in their community. This award symbolizes that individuals have the power and ability to make a difference in the lives of others.

The 2014 Andrus Award for Community Service was presented to Robert Wright of Prairie Village. Wright, who is retired from Control Data Corporation, devotes his time to volunteering for the True Light Family Resource Center (TLFRC) and Metropolitan Lutheran Ministry (MLM). In addition, he has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, the Johnson County Girls and Boys Recreational Soccer Leagues and his church.

“Robert is well-deserving of the award that honors AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus,” said Glenda DuBoise, AARP Kansas Volunteer State President who presented the award to Wright along with AARP Kansas Director Maren Turner. “His record of service to his community demonstrates his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

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

Wright has combined his passion for helping others with his talents in construction and home repair to serve older adults who are disadvantaged and people with disabilities. Every week he spends one to three days with MLM in their Minor Home Repair Program building ramps for people who use wheelchairs and repairing and retro-fitting homes so they are sound and dignified dwellings for those who live in them. His work has allowed many people to remain in their own homes instead of going to live in nursing homes or other facilities. He also distributes food twice a month. Also, for the past six years, he has assisted TLFRC in various ways, including founding and being a key volunteer for the annual Christmas party at TLFRC’s women’s day shelter, Emancipation Station. He purchases food and gifts for the women and children and sets up and runs the party. For many of the women and children, it is the only holiday celebration they have.

According to Wright’s daughter Kelli, who nominated him for the Andrus Award, “At 75 years of age, he shows no signs of slowing his commitment, which is unshakable. Nothing gets in the way of his service to some of our community’s most vulnerable individuals.”

Wright and his wife, Linda, have three children and three grandchildren.

Other nominees for this year’s Andrus award were Sylvia Campbell, Manhattan and Bob Grover, Emporia.