Making a Difference: Honoring 50 Over 50

AARP Minnesota will celebrate 50 state trailblazers older than 50 on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the University of Minnesota’s McNamara Alumni Center, in Minneapolis.

The result of a partnership with local nonprofit Pollen Midwest, the 50 Over 50 awards spotlight the possibilities and achievements that come with experience.

For the fourth year, the two organizations have compiled a crowd sourced list of vibrant and inspiring nominees from across the state who are making a difference in their communities.

This year they received 193 nominations, according to Will Phillips, director of AARP Minnesota. A committee of 10 community leaders selects the winners in five categories: nonprofit/academia, arts and culture, volunteerism, strengthening communities and business/career change.

The nominees are judged on what they are doing to lead and inspire others, to improve their neighborhood and to show the value of older Minnesotans.

Winners have included a 67-year-old woman who bakes pies for local families; protesters, police officers and first responders; and a 69-year-old man who created a nonprofit to reduce social isolation among retired men.

For the list of 2019 winners and how to attend the awards event, visit 50over50mn.org or call 866-554-5381.

—Mary Van Beusekom