SPONSORED CONTENT
Triumph 2025:
Celebrating Resilience, Connection and Community
Presented by the Benjamin Rose Institute
The 2025 Triumph event brought together the Benjamin Rose community for a lively and heartfelt celebration of resilience, connection and commitment to older adults. At the center of this year’s program was the much-anticipated presentation of the Golden Achievement Award, honoring older adults who continue to serve their communities, defy aging stereotypes and model active, engaged aging.
Nominees Shirley Overby, Bruce Amsel and Georgia Anetzberger were recognized for their inspiring dedication, with Bruce Amsel, a retired Social Security Administration claims representative, ultimately receiving the award for his volunteer work and commitment to protecting older adults from Medicare fraud.
The event also featured an inspiring keynote address from Margot Copeland, Independent Board Director of Banner Corporation and the national board of AARP. In a fireside chat moderated by Connie Hill-Johnson, Secretary of the Benjamin Rose board, Copeland discussed the important role quality resources and support services play in helping and protecting older adults and their caregivers.
Inspirational Stories
Following the keynote address, a client panel shared powerful stories about their life-changing experiences with Benjamin Rose programs. Julie Rohrich described how the WeCare…Because You Do care navigation program helped her create a care plan and strategy after her husband, Butch, was diagnosed with dementia.
Pam Pack-Pappas shared how financial education workshops put her back on track after struggling with credit card debt. Joyce Thomas spoke about overcoming isolation and depression through the Mental Health Day Treatment program, which provided a place where she felt heard and supported. Vanessa Jackson discussed her challenges in securing stable housing and how the homebuyer education program prepared her for homeownership, setting her on the path to finding her perfect home.
The awards segment of the event honored champions dedicated to improving the lives of older adults and their caregivers. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank received the Community Partnership Award for its innovative Community Resource Center, a one-stop hub connecting community members to vital social services.
The John A. Hartford Foundation took home the Above & Beyond Award for its commitment to advancing evidence-based programming and innovating aging services. Semanthie Brooks was recognized with the Inez Tillman Killingsworth Community Leadership Award for her extensive advocacy on behalf of older adults.
The day concluded with a lively community resource fair, where attendees connected with valuable local resources while enjoying live entertainment, dancing and giveaways. This year’s Triumph was a true celebration of what’s possible when our community comes together to honor, support and uplift older adults and their caregivers.
