If being a senior citizen is supposed to mean relaxing and taking things easy, someone forgot to tell Ted Unrue.
His story is a great example of one professional career ending through retirement, followed by many more doors opening to make a difference in the lives of others.
The 72-year-old Columbus resident recently received the Mill Race Center’s annual Joan Pearcy Senior Citizen of the Year award. The honor in 2011 was named after the late Mill Race board member and volunteer.
Although Ted Unrue and his wife Patty actually take two months each year to relax in Florida, he packs the remaining 10 months full with volunteerism. The former Cummins Engine Co. facility maintenance worker’s contributions include:
- More than 2,300 hours working with Housing Partnerships under Thrive Alliance to build homes for low-income families
- Helping build nearly 80 wheelchair ramps for the disabled through the Ramps for Freedom project with Thrive Alliance
- Serving as a delegate for the Ecumenical Assembly of Bartholomew County Churches
- Serving as vice president of buildings and grounds for Love Chapel, the nonprofit outreach program of the Ecumenical Assembly of Bartholomew County Churches that provides food, housing and financial assistance
- Volunteering at Mill Race Center
Unrue’s help in the community has made a significant difference in the lives of residents and the missions of important organizations that serve local residents.
He’s done so by using his golden years to provide golden opportunities for others.
