Eighth Annual Senior Award Honorees Announced
On Friday, September 27, 2019, at 10:30 AM at The Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix, Diana Gregory Outreach Services will introduce the 2019 Senior Award honorees. These awards honor individuals over 70 years of age whose leadership and commitment have significantly contributed to Arizona’s and the nation’s future.
Rev. Dr. Dosia Carlson
The Lifetime Achievement Awardee will be given to Rev. Dr. Dosia Carlson. Dr. Carlson is a composer, writer, pastor emeritus, and so much more. In 1981, Dr. Carlson founded the Beatitude Center for Developing Older Adult Resources (DOAR), now known as DUET, Partners in Health and Aging. DUET provides volunteer services for homebound adults, support groups for caregivers, guidance for grandparents raising grandchildren, and help for faith communities to establish health ministries.
Ronnie Lopez
The Treasure of Arizona Awardee will be given to Ronnie Lopez, an admired CEO, Chief of Staff to a former governor, and staunch steward for civil rights. Ronnie Lopez’s service to Arizona has encompassed all three realms: the political, the business, and civil rights. And his service has encompassed not only the local but also the state and national levels.
Roy Dawson
The Advocacy Awardee will be given to Roy Dawson. As a community volunteer, Roy’s extensive experience in community development, civil rights, family services, philanthropy, diversity leadership, and child advocacy qualify him as an Arizona activist!
Peter MacDonald Sr
Peter MacDonald Sr. will receive the Distinguished Veteran and Trailblazer Award. He is Navajo Code Talker, a former chairman of the Navajo Nation, and decorated veteran. Peter MacDonald Sr. is one of only 400 Native Americans who served as a Navajo Code Talker—the only military code in modern history that was never broken by the enemy. The Navajo Code Talkers and their 600 words were the secret weapons of World War II.
Miss Jean Veloz
The Outstanding Fitness Awardee, Miss Jean Veloz, 95 years young, is THE only surviving dancing star of the 1940s who still performs. Hollywood-Style Lindy icon, living legend from the LA dance scene of the 1940s to the present-day swing revival, and choreographer to the stars, Jean Phelps Veloz has never missed a step!
Ben Vereen
The Dick Gregory Humanitarian Award will be presented to Ben Vereen. He is a gifted dancer, singer, Tony Award winning actor – spokesperson. Few entertainers today are as accomplished as Ben Vereen. Whether on stage (theatre, admittedly, is his first love), in films, or on TV, Ben Vereen’s countless performances around the world showcase his timeless talent, versatility, and dedication.
Please join us as we honor these remarkable individuals. Table sponsorships range from $100-$10,000 and can be purchased online at www.dianagregory.com. All funds raised will support sustained outreach services for seniors. If you are unable to attend the event, please consider sponsoring a senior.