Sunny Fitzwater, Volunteering, Learning and Sharing

Volunteering is not out of the ordinary for Sunny Fitzwater; in fact, she grew up with it. From a young age, Sunny’s parents taught her the importance of volunteering, and she also instilled this value in her children. Each of them volunteer in their communities.

At age 62, Sunny began volunteering with AARP occasionally. She was not too invested and was only involved from time to time.

Then one day, she decided to research health insurance because she and her husband were uninsured. After getting conflicting information from various people, she decided to call an AARP toll-free number. She spoke to a woman about her current situation and immediately fell in love with the Association and its offerings.

“The lady was amazing and she gave me everything I needed to know about insurance,” Sunny says. “It was great, and I was so happy to finally get insurance again.”

This experience made Sunny determined to get the word out about AARP resources. When talking to people at a Brownsville air show recently, she met a woman with a predicament.

“She didn’t understand insurance just like me. So I shared information with her and was being honest with her,” Sunny explains. “I told her she wouldn’t be on hold for too long, and she would get all the information she needed.”

Sunny lives for moments like these.

“I love educating,” Sunny smiles. “I have always been a teacher. Whether it’s about baking, English, or AARP issues, I am a teacher.”

Through her educational efforts, Sunny believes she makes a difference in her community.

“Making a difference isn’t about finding a solution,” Sunny explains. “Instead it’s the idea that maybe there’s not just only one solution.“


It's National Volunteer Month, and we're profiling just a handful of our amazing AARP volunteers right here in Texas. Read about more of their terrific work.