Wells Fargo Advisors to serve as Presenting Sponsor of the event, which will honor area individuals who are redefining retirement
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 14, 2011…We’ve all heard the old saying that age is nothing but a number, but today the adage is ringing truer than ever before. As the face of aging continues to change, more and more seniors have decided that retirement is no reason to slow down as they travel the world, embark on new careers, lend a hand in their communitiesand offer their talents and expertise to their favorite charitable organizations. The 2011 class of Ageless-Remarable Saint Louisans is no exception, as each honoree embodies the active and engaged spirit that is being embraced by countless numbers of older adults nationwide.
Ageless 2011 honoree Jean Woodard embarked on a new career at age 53 when she completed her nursing degree. Today, at age 90, she continues to care for patients as a hospital emergency room volunteer. At 75, honoree Eleanor Gershien earned the distinction of being the oldest person ever to receive a degree from Maryville University. And, following a 55-year career as a beloved professor with the St. Louis University School of Medicine, Dr. Paul Young is now working on the third edition of a neuroscience textbook and helping to update interactive computer programs used worldwide. Meanwhile, 76-year-old Rev. Donald Hunter remains pastor of New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church and continues his work with The Acts Partnership, an organization he helped found that works to stabilize troubled neighborhoods through the development of affordable housing and community programs. For 77-year-old honoree Jesse C. Swanigan, work continues on bridging the gap between people of different races and religions through his efforts with the 100 Black Men of America organization, which he founded to provide mentoring for young men and help improve the quality of life within communities across the U.S.
These incredible individuals are among a group of 20 older adults that will be recognized at the St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System’s ninth annual Ageless – Remarkable Saint Louisans gala. St. Louis-based Wells Fargo Advisors is the Presenting Sponsor for the special event, which will be held Nov. 6th at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch.
The complete list of extraordinary seniors age 75+ who will be recognized at this year’s event includes:
Rose Allen
Col. Frank Bick
Caroline Fisher
George Fonyo
Eleanor Gershien
Milton Hieken
Charles Hoessle
W.F. Samuel Hopmeier
Helen Hume
Rev. Donald Hunter
Ernest Jaworski, Ph.D.
Sr. Madelene Reiners
Br. Leo Slay
Jesse Swanigan
Kenneth Teasdale
Phyllis Tirmenstein
Virginia Trent
William Van Luven
Jean Woodard
Paul Young, Ph.D.
As the St. Andrew’s organization celebrates its 50th anniversary, the event will recognize this outstanding group of seniors who personify the organization’s vision of a society where all older adults are respected, productive, secure and fulfilled.
“The 2011 class of Ageless-Remarkable Saint Louisans demonstrates that growing older doesn’t have to be synonymous with slowing down,” said Mary Alice Ryan, President and CEO of the St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System. “For these talented and vivacious individuals, retirement has provided an opportunity to continue to make amazing contributions on the job front and in their communities, and we applaud them for demonstrating how exciting and fulfilling life after age 75 can be.”
The evening’s festivities will begin at 6 p.m. and include a cocktail hour with the honorees, showcasing the unique black and white photographs taken by photographer Norm Obermoeller. There also will be a special video tribute to them and an elegant three-course dinner.
“Wells Fargo Advisors is proud to serve again as Presenting Sponsor of Ageless—Remarkable Saint Louisans,” said Daniel Ludeman, President and CEO of Wells Fargo Advisors. “As a St. Louis-based firm that is dedicated to helping people and families achieve their life’s aspirations, Wells Fargo Advisors is delighted to play a part in recognizing these extraordinary people whose accomplishments inspire and serve as an example for all of us. On behalf of all Wells Fargo Advisors team members, we congratulate this year’s honorees.”
Providing leadership as the chairmen of this year’s event are Alan E. Brainerd and Linda Lee . An avid community volunteer, Lee serves on a variety of boards and committees, including the Friends of St. Andrew’s Board, the Saint Louis Symphony Board of Overseers, the Board of the National Society of Arts and Letters and the Women of Achievement Board. She also serves as Chairman of the Advisory Council for the Community Music School at Webster University. Alan E. Brainerd is owner and principal of St. Louis-based interior design firm Alan E. Brainerd Interiors. An allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers, Brainerd is the Chairman of the Friends of St. Andrew’s Board, author of “Design Defined,” a column in The Ladue News and the 2010 recipient of The Commerce Bank Community Service Award.
Lending support as co-chairman of the event is Anne von der Heydt. A former cardiovascular nurse, von der Heydt retired from nursing in 1994 to focus on her family and volunteer activities. Her past community involvement includes time as president of the Saint Louis Symphony Volunteer Association, and time serving on the symphony’s board of trustees and executive committee. Today, she continues to donate her time to a variety of organizations, including the St. Andrew’s Friends Board; the St. Louis Women’s Club, where she currently serves as second vice president; and the National Society of Arts and Letters where she also holds the office of second vice president.
Ageless – Remarkable Saint Louisans is the primary fundraising event for St. Andrew’s and its Charitable Foundation. Gifts to the foundation support the provision of housing and supportive services to low-income and at-risk seniors in the St. Louis area, as well as the extension of financial aid to residents who have exhausted their resources. Each year, the organization serves over 5,000 people and provides more than $1.5 million in charitable care. Sponsorships are still available, and tickets are on sale for $175 per person, and may be purchased through St. Andrew’s by calling (314) 726-0111. Event RSVPs can now be made via the St. Andrew’s website at www.standrews1.com.
St. Andrew’s initiated the Ageless—Remarkable Saint Louisans concept in 2003 with the production of a one-of-a-kindp hoto book featuring the first year’s honorees. The program has gained popularity, and its unique and creative approach was recognized with the Innovation of the Year Award in 2004 by the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, and the 2007 Distinguished Service Award by the Missouri Association of Homes for the Aging.
Created in 1961, as a non-profit partnership of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, St. Andrew’s is non-sectarian, faith-based and an expert at serving both older adults and their caregivers.
About Wells Fargo Advisors
With $1.1 trillion in client assets as of June 30, 2010, Wells Fargo’s brokerage business is comprised more than 15,100 full-service financial advisors and 5,000 licensed bankers. This vast network of advisors, one of the nation’s largest, serves clients through offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and in Latin America. Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (members SIPC). Statistics include other broker-dealers of Wells Fargo & Company. www.wellsfargoadvisors.com
For more information, contact:
Shelene Treptow, The Hauser Group, (314) 436-9090
Kristen Canter, St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System, (314) 726-0111