The Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program announced it has been selected as a “Finalist” by the AARP Purpose Prize jury. Fourteen hundred applicants started the initial application process. In a phone interview, Linda Eagan, FBB Administrative Director, was told by an AARP representative that FBB is one of only 30 Finalist nationwide. Each year, five Winners will receive $60,000 each to celebrate their achievements and broaden the scope of their work.
Applications go through a formal, structured review process, including review by a impressive jury of national leaders who have used their life experience for good. The jury for the AARP Purpose Prize award is an independent panel of leaders in the fields of journalism, nonprofits, academia, innovation/technology and entertainment. After a rigorous vetting process, the jury makes recommendations about who should receive the 5 AARP Purpose Prizes.
Fulton Block Builders (FBB) are selected as finalists for the National AARP Purpose Prize. From left to right are FBB volunteers: Tonya Crisafulli, Alissa Viscome, Penny Halstead, Linda Eagan, Cheryl Baldwin, Heather Crofoot and Kelly Niccoli. Missing from the picture are Tina Eusepi, Mike Peterson, Reyne Price, Greg Bailey, Karen Perwitz, Jennifer Whalen, Chasity Browngardt and Tammy Keding
Linda Eagan said, “All of the FBB volunteers thank the City of Fulton residents for embracing the FBB concepts and for the work and pride they are demonstrating. In three short years, a positive impact can be seen and felt in our community. The actions of residents taking effective control of their neighborhoods, is creating momentum to improve properties, increase property value, create wealth, and attract and retain homeowners. Fulton is once again becoming a place where existing residents want to stay, new residents want to live, and most residents want to invest.”
“The AARP Purpose Prize is all about a new story of aging — focusing on experience and innovation and the idea that our aging population is an untapped resource full of possibilities,” said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “AARP Purpose Prize winners and nominees are role models. They are makers and doers who are out there creating new solutions that make the world a better place for people of all ages.”
The prize was founded in 2005 by Marc Freedman, CEO of Encore.org. Since that time, the Purpose Prize has generated nearly 10,000 nominations and produced more than 500 winners and fellows. Fulton Block Builders are honored to be recognized and share that honor of becoming a finalist with the entire community of Fulton. Winners will be announced in mid- July.