Bernando LaPallo Centenarian Award Winners Honored at 5th Annual Luncheon

Phoenix, Arizona – On September 30, 2016, three centenarians received the first Bernando LaPallo Centenarian Award for Living A Century of Excellence bestowed by Diana Gregory’s Outreach Services, a 501 C 3 non profit whose mission is to enrich lives by distributing organic fresh produce to low income seniors in the Greater Phoenix area. This years recipients are: Ms. Lula Ransom, Mary Cook, and Amber Pointe. Bernando LaPallo who lived to be 114, is the author of the books “Beyond 100 – How to Live Well Into Your Second Century” and “Age Less Live More – Achieving Health and Vitality at 107 Years and Beyond” received a lifetime achievement award of his own in 2012. Angela Banks, a volunteer with Gregory’s Fresh Market in Glendale described the man and his sayings while introducing the award adding “He is missed”. The ceremony was held in The Camby Hotel with an impressive list of sponsors and speakers. Sonoran Living and ABC15 anchor Susan Casper emceed. Action packed the dynamic and inspiring two hours featured a senior fashion show with models ranging in age from their seventies to one hundred and four looking chic in the luxurious fashions of WORTH New York. Among the honorees in various categories Dr. Leland Fairbanks, Elizabeth White, Alfredo Guiterrez, Honorable Cecil B. Patterson and the “Iron Nun” Sister Madonna Buder named Athlete of the Year at age 87. The Mayor of Phoenix Greg Stanton named September 30 Gregory’s Fresh Market Day with the Governor Douglas A. Ducey recognizing the outstanding service of the organization.

About GFM: To date Gregory’s Fresh Market has served more than 6000 seniors living in 40 residences. GFM has helped address food access and health disparities among traditionally underserved communities. Their programs include classes on a healthy lifestyle, community organizing and advocacy. September 30 marked the 5th Annual Seniors Awards.