AARP Celebrates Its Own 50th Birthday on National Mall With Leading Entertainers, Celebrities, Champions

Sally Field, Martina Navratilova, Dara Torres, Richard Petty, and Buzz Aldrin Among Those Headlining AARP's 50th Anniversary Celebration

WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For 50 years, AARP has been an advocate for 50+ Americans, thanks to its Founder, Ethel Percy Andrus, who lived her life by the motto, "To serve, not to be served," which continues to serve AARP today. As one of the world's largest member organizations with 40 million members and the leading advocacy organization for people 50+, AARP will hold a special event in celebration of its 50th Anniversary on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on September 4th from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The event, AARP 50th Anniversary Celebration: The American Journey, will bring together over 5,000 AARP members and staff, who will participate in this colorful birthday bash. Leeza Gibbons will serve as the master of ceremonies.

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This exciting event involves some of the most notable speakers, entertainers, and sports figures of our time. Scheduled to appear are:

-- Leeza Gibbons, American talk show host (master of the AARP 50th Anniversary Ceremony)

-- Martina Navratilova, Legendary tennis player

-- Dara Torres, Four-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer

-- Richard Petty, Seven-time NASCAR champion and legend

-- Sally Field, Oscar Award winning actress

-- Buzz Aldrin, Second Astronaut to set foot on the moon

-- Patti Austin, Grammy Award winning Gospel music singer

-- Jamia, Renowned young singer

-- Elder Bernice King, Daughter of Martin Luther King Jr.

Through musical performances and inspirational presentations by notable celebrities and American figures, AARP celebrates not only 50 years of AARP, but the individual contributions and accomplishments that have characterized 50 years of American history. It also looks ahead to the journey into our nation's future.

"AARP stands up for its members and society as whole, promoting adequate, affordable health care, lifetime financial security, consumer protections and communities where people can live safely and comfortably as they age," said Bill Novelli, CEO of AARP. "This AARP 50th Anniversary event reminds each of us of Dr. Andrus's special vision and the significant role we can each play in promoting the common good."

AARP 50th Anniversary Celebration: The American Journey is the culmination of a year-long celebration called "Generations Connecting for Change," during which AARP staff, volunteers, community leaders, members and their families have come together at anniversary events across major U.S. cities to change, learn and celebrate. Specifically, in 2008 AARP has worked to change and improve communities to better meet the needs of all generations. From repairing homes inPhiladelphia, to the new Ethel Percy Andrus Auditorium in LA's Lincoln High School, AARP is making a difference from coast to coast.

AARP has also connected to learn by recognizing excellence in high school education. In 2008, the Association has donated more than one million dollars to empower educators and students to create meaningful change for their schools, their communities and their futures. Finally, AARP has connected to celebrate by bringing musical events to more than 25 U.S. cities. From rock band Foreigner to jazz legend Ramsey Lewis, AARP is engaging thousands through the power of music.

"Dr. Andrus established AARP in 1958 on the principles of collective purpose, voice, and purchasing power," said Jennie Chin Hansen, President of AARP. "We are proud that over the years, AARP has demonstrated an unrelenting commitment to our founder's principles."

Indeed, over 50 years, the organization has enhanced the lives of millions. AARP's charitable affiliate, the AARP Foundation, has harnessed the dedication of compassionate donors and a legion of volunteers to make life better for the most vulnerable in our society: those with incomes below the median, women, people of color and those who live alone. Through AARP Services Inc., the wholly owned taxable subsidiary of AARP, members can tap into high value products and services that help them live better lives. AARP's international reach has been strengthened by expansion of the AARP Global Network, an alliance of like-minded, nonpartisan, national organizations serving mature populations around the world.

For more information about AARP, please log on to www.aarp.org.

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, theDistrict of Columbia,Puerto Rico, and theU.S. Virgin Islands.

SOURCE AARP

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