AARP Montana Announces Winner of its most Prestigious Volunteer Award

Karen Richardson selected as recipient of 2016 Andrus Award for Community Service

AARP Montana announced that Karen Richardson of Somers was selected to receive the 2016 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteer award.  Each year AARP honors the legacy of AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, with the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service. This award is a symbol of the power of individuals to make a difference in the lives of others.

The award was formally presented to Richardson at a recent ceremony in Helena.  Headlining the event as the keynote speaker was Kristin Dillon, Senior Vice President of States and Community Engagement for AARP.

In congratulating Richardson, Montana State Director Tim Summers said “Karen Richardson has always recognized the important role volunteers play in making things better for society.  It’s a pleasure to present this honor to Karen, a person who has given of herself to make an important difference in the lives of others.  Her spirit of service has left an indelible mark on communities all around Montana.”  Richardson has been a volunteer with AARP since 2009 and has served as a lead volunteer on advocacy, consumer protection and retired educator issues.

Karen Richardson earned her teaching degree from Western Montana College and completed  course work at Northern Montana College. She taught in a one room school house in her early years, finishing her 32 year career in Kalispell. Karen is very active in her community and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Montana Retired Educators Association where she has helped spearhead the very successful "With our Youth" project.

She served for six years on the AARP Montana Executive Council and is now the Flathead area lead for AARP.  She volunteers with the West Shore Food Bank, Lakeside Community Club, Water Planners Association, is a chief election judge, serves on the school Board, and has been the president of the Montana School Boards Association. She and her husband Ted raised two daughters and enjoy spending time with them and their grandchildren.  Upon retirement, Karen went to clown college and is a certified clown.

"Karen Richardson is a proven advocate and leader with an impressive record of achievement that has impacted not just older Montanans, but residents of all ages," said Summers.  "I am thrilled that Karen was selected to receive this prestigious award – she serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of Ethel Percy Andrus’ motto – ‘to serve and not to be served’.”

The following additional awards were also presented during the volunteer recognition event: