Recipients of the Top 7 Over 70 awards from last year's Gala in Calgary. Medicine Hat will be the second city in Canada to host a Top 7 Over 70 Gala this October. Nominations open Monday.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
A nomination period to recognize the remarkable achievements of local seniors opens next week as the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta is getting ready to host its inaugural Top 7 Over 70 Gala.
The awards celebrate seven individuals who have made significant contributions to their community to respective fields after the age of 70.
“There’s no rules around what it can be for other than it has to be something that was initiated after they were 70,” says David Andrews, event chair. “It can be philanthropy, it can be business, it can be sports, it can be the arts, it can just be community service.”
The Hat is following in the footsteps of Calgary’s Top 7 Over 70 Awards that began in 2017 and runs every two years.
The idea was fostered by Calgary philanthropist Jim Gary who wanted to recognize contributions seniors made in the community and demonstrates the ongoing impact of seniors who defy the stereotypes surrounding age and continue to inspire others.
“It inspires people to stay active in their later years,” says Andrews. “It inspires people of all ages to be active and to do interesting things to support what’s going on in the community.”
Past awards have honoured a diverse range of talents from scientific discoveries, literary work and humanitarian efforts and past recipients have been teachers, business people, musicians and artists.
“It’s very compelling, people get it and we’re going to have some fun with it.” says Andrews.
The nomination period opens Feb. 26 and will close Aug. 26 and will be accepted through the Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta.
In October the foundation is planning to host a high-class social gala that will be held at Medalta.
“This is going to be a premium event, we aren’t sparing any horses, we’re going to celebrate the heck out of these people,” says Andrews.
In March the Community Foundation is hosting a launch event at the Cypress Club. Organizers tell the News they are still looking for volunteers and business sponsors for the awards.
