2023 Kentucky Andrus Award for Community Service

Deborah Turner of Louisville has been selected to receive the 2023 AARP Kentucky Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

The Andrus Award acts as a symbol to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” says Troy J. Broussard, AARP Kentucky 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.” The award is named after AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, and honors age 50-plus Kentuckians who use their experience, talent, and skills to bring fulfillment to enrich the lives of their community members. This year, AARP Kentucky also named Barb Underwood R.N. of Lexington (Surgery on Sunday) the 2023 runner-up recipient of the Andrus Award.

AARP Kentucky selected Deborah for her remarkable service, which has greatly benefited the community, reflected AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. 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. Deborah is a long-time and active volunteer supporting the Louisville Community Team serving some 70,000 AARP members across Louisville Metro.

“Deborah is an amazing person and dedicated volunteer who is advocating tirelessly for others,” said Volunteer State President Charlotte Whittaker. “AARP Kentucky applauds her dedication and is excited to shine a spotlight on Deborah's service to make a positive difference in Kentucky."

In her 15 years of volunteering, Deborah has served the 50-plus community in Kentucky and across the nation. Her talents of leadership, imagination, responsiveness, and communication have supported and improved the mission of AARP Kentucky. She leads a nationwide monthly forum of fellow AARP volunteers and staff on subjects related to volunteering. Her training and presentation skills make her an excellent facilitator working with new and experienced volunteers as they fulfill AARP’s mission. She is recognized by AARP national leadership as a go-to person for presentations to national organizations sharing the success of how AARP enables and involves volunteers in all we do.

Deborah received her award at a ceremony before the 66^th Annual Holiday Recital at LaNita Rocknettes School of Dance on December 15, 2023. As part of her recognition, Deborah selected LaNita Rocknettes to receive a $3,000 donation from AARP Kentucky.