AARP Texas Recognizes Worth Wharton

AARP Texas Recognizes Worth Wharton with its Most Prestigious Volunteer Award for Community Service

FORT WORTH, TX – Worth Wharton has been selected by AARP, the nonprofit membership organization for people age 50 and over, to receive Texas’ 2008 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious and visible volunteer award for community service. The award, named after AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, symbolizes that individuals have the power and ability to make a difference in the lives of others.

AARP Texas selected Wharton for his remarkable volunteer service and for the impact he’s had on the lives of others and on his community. Wharton devotes countless hours to both chapter development and activism by serving as Southwest Fort Worth AARP Chapter 4116 Program Chairman and developing programs which educate, entertain, illuminate, advocate and enlighten. He has also maintained a long-time commitment as an active senior leader for the Boy Scouts of America and has been nationally recognized for his efforts.

Wharton has worked tirelessly for the Divided We Fail movement and has been instrumental in helping his chapter obtain more than 1,200 pledges. He has continued this effort with his participation in the Keep Medicare Fair campaign, overseeing the delivery of more than 17,500 petitions to U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison’s office.

Along with his corps of volunteers, Wharton devotes many hours of personal time participating in forums and legislative visits at home and at the Capitol and his intercession with state legislators has unified chapter members to become active participants in and advocates for AARP and the community. His unlimited enthusiasm helps make others want to be a part of AARP; his remarkable energy and desire to help others has strengthened AARP in the state of Texas, led to chapter growth, and promoted volunteerism.

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recognizes members and volunteers who, through volunteer service, are significantly enhancing the lives of individuals age 50 and over. The award will be formally presented to Wharton at a luncheon ceremony in Fort Worth on Nov. 10.

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

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.