AARP Montana Accepting Nominations for Volunteer Contest Honoring Veterans

AARP Montana is accepting submissions for the “Honoring Heroes” volunteer contest, now through December 31, 2020. As part of AARP’s Create the Good program, the competition will recognize the outstanding work of volunteers serving veterans -- and veterans themselves – by shining a spotlight on their efforts to make an impact in their communities.

One winner will receive a prize of $1,000 along with a matching donation to the nonprofit of his or her choice, and two runner-ups will receive a $500 prize with a matching donation to the nonprofits of their choice. Cabot Creamery is sponsoring all matching prize donations.

“AARP has a longstanding commitment to our veterans, military members and their families, including our work to support veteran caregivers, protect against veteran-targeted fraud, and provide work and job resources,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director. “Through the Create the Good Honoring Heroes contest, we can continue shining a light on veterans’ contributions and share our thanks for the sacrifices they have made for all of our safety and freedom.”

Last year, Braach Shepherds 4 Veterans, a Montana organization that donates trained dogs to veterans suffering PTSD, was the winner of the Honoring Heroes Contest. The nonprofit was selected from 1,200 nominees nationwide and was awarded $5000.



The contest is open to the public, and submitters and those nominated do not need to be AARP members. To nominate a volunteer or veteran, applicants must submit a photo no larger than 5 MB and essay 500 words or less describing the impact a veteran has had on his or her community, or the impact a volunteer serving veterans has had on his or her community.

The winners will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Level of impact the volunteer made on their community
• Length and degree of service
• How far the volunteer service went above and beyond the call of duty
• Level of inspiration, courage, and innovation the volunteer service produced

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET, December 31, 2020. Entries can be submitted up to once a day at www.createthegood.org/honoringheroes. The winner and two runner-ups will be selected by a panel of AARP volunteer judges who are veterans, and will be announced in February 2021.

AARP’s Create the Good connects volunteers with opportunities benefiting their communities. The online program features more than 50,000 volunteer opportunities daily –14,000+ of which can be done safely from home. 

To learn more or nominate a volunteer or veteran, visit www.createthegood.org/honoringheroes.

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About AARP: AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media. 

About AARP Montana: For nearly 50 years, AARP has been working right here in big sky country to improve the lives of the 50 plus. As a non-profit organization, AARP Montana advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. By fighting on issues that matter most to Montana families and providing trusted information, we’re helping to empower Montanans to choose how they live as they age. Today, nearly 148,000 strong, AARP Montana is one of the largest membership organizations in the state.  As a nonpartisan organization, AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political action committees, campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/MT or follow @AARPMontana on social media.

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