Diana Gregory Outreach Services honors seniors during luncheon The Diana Gregory Outreach Services Foundation (DGOSF) was celebrated to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of senior achievers in the greater Phoenix community at its fifth annual senior awards luncheon on Sept. 30. This year’s honorees include historic trailblazers who still serve and inspire residents of all ages in the Valley. “Senior citizens, the very torchbearers of our history and societal culture, deserve to be recognized for their contributions and crucial roles in the development of the communities we call home today,” said Anna Maria Maldonado, director of sales and marketing, Care1st Health Plan of Arizona Inc. “Their lives are Diana Gregory testimony to the fact that all of us, through collaboration, can come together to help build stronger communities today and for the future.” Alfredo Gutierrez, author, immigration activist, former state senator and president of the Governing Board of Maricopa Community Colleges, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Honorable Cecil Patterson earned the Dick Gregory Humanitarian Award. Patterson, a retired judge from the Arizona Court of Appeals, has shared his time, talents and mentoring skill with countless community organizations, boards and committees. Sue Glawe, vice president of community relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield, was honored with the Corporate Philanthropy Award. She is a stellar model of seniors serving in
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corporate America and emulates the culture at Blue Cross Blue Shields, which focuses on improving quality of life. Dr. Leland Fairbanks received the Community Health Award. Fairbanks has worked collaboratively with others achieving smoke-free hospitals, workplaces and public places— worldwide. Elizabeth White, an entrepreneur of one of Arizona’s longestrunning restaurants, Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Café, will receive the Living Legacy Award. Due to her legacy, three restaurants have been opened and are owned by her grandson under the name of Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles and there are three franchises. Elaine Ryan, vice president, G ov e r n m e n t Affairs State Advocacy and Strategy Integration at AARP, was awarded the Community Collaboration Award as well as be the guest speaker, discussing caregivers and resources available by AARP. The luncheon also recognized centenarians and seniors committed to transforming communities through service. DGOSF is determined to fulfill its mission to improve the lives of seniors in the Valley. All proceeds from the luncheon will support outreach services for seniors and will provide more than 2,000 seniors with bags of fresh fruits and vegetables during the holidays. The event was held at the Camby Hotel, 2401 E. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix. Susan Casper, host of ABC15’s “Sonoran Living Live,” was the emcee.
October 2016 : : Lovin’ Life After 50 : : page 29