By Tim Saunders on
AARP Magazine, the world’s largest-circulation magazine, has announced the recipients of its fifth annual Inspire Awards.
Glenn Close and Quincy Jones will be presented with awards for their humanitarian work at a special ceremony on December 8 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.
Close is being recognized for her work as a mental health advocate, especially her involvement with Fountain House, a nonprofit organization that she discovered while searching for help for her relatives.
“I’ve seen mental illness firsthand,” she said. “I know there are millions of people affected, and it’s not just the patient who is suffering. It’s everyone around them.”
Next year she will front a national advertising campaign intended to diminish the stigma of mental illness.
“When I first thought about doing this, I wondered if people would think that I was mentally ill,” says Close. “Then I thought, ’What’s the alternative? Not to do it?’”
Musical icon Quincy Jones’ honor is the result of his work in the fight against global poverty. His Quincy Jones Foundation helps children around the world overcome poverty as well as assisting with programs to eradicate malaria in Africa, developing housing in post-apartheid South Africa, and establishing youth centers in conflict-ridden areas.
Other honorees this year include Richard M. Cohen (Voice for the Chronically Ill), Martin Eakes (Lending to the Poor), Katherine Freund (Transportation Activist), Peter Gallagher (Alzheimer’s Advocate), David E. Hayes-Bautista, Ph.D. (Latino-Health Researcher), Susan Love, M.D. (Cancer Crusader), Rose Nakamura (Compassionate Caregiver), and Alma Powell (Children’s Advocate).
“These leaders set a great example for all on how passion can support and spark change in creative, innovative ways. Their stories are truly inspiring,” said Nancy Graham, Vice President and Editor of AARP The Magazine.
Former honorees include Richard Gere, Gary Sinise, Robert De Niro, and Michael J. Fox.
Profiles for all of the honorees and more information about the event can be found at www.aarpmagazine.org.
Copyright © 2008 Look to the Stars
