On Tuesday, August 19, AARP marked the 90th anniversary of Social Security with a special night at Nationals Park during the game against the New York Mets.
Nearly 1,000 AARP staff and guests were part of a 23,000-plus crowd enjoying a summer evening of fun at the ballpark as well as a celebration of the 90th anniversary of a federal program that helps millions of older Americans.
AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan throws out the ceremonial first pitch before AARP’s Night at the Ballpark.
Cheriss May, for AARP
“Social Security and baseball are both great American traditions that bring people together,” said AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch. “For 90 years, Social Security has provided the security and peace of mind that millions of families count on. Social Security is the foundation that allows millions of Americans to retire with dignity — and that’s exactly why AARP will always fight to protect and strengthen it.”
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Among those in attendance was Talinda Hathorn, 68, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who won AARP’s #1 Fan of Social Security contest after describing in 50 words or less why she is Social Security’s top fan. She had received free round-trip air travel to Washington, D.C., hotel accommodations for two nights, two tickets to Tuesday’s game in the exclusive PNC Diamond Club section, an $800 Visa gift card to cover ground transportation and meals, Washington Nationals jerseys to wear that evening, and on-field recognition at the start of the game.
Hathorn and her husband, Robert, expressed their excitement about being in Washington for the game — and described the important role that Social Security plays in their lives.
“Social Security has been a blessing to me,” Talinda said. “I feel like I earned Social Security because I worked ever since I was 14 years old, so it’s a blessing to get to this age. It’s very important for me to have Social Security so that I can live comfortably. I rely on Social Security 100 percent. My sole support is Social Security.”
Robert Hathorn said Social Security has helped him avoid having to look for a job after retirement. (He worked for 37 years as an electrician in a factory that makes office furniture.)
Robert and Talinda Hathorn of Grand Rapids, Michigan (left), joined AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan and Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer, on the field prior to Tuesday’s game. Talinda was recognized for winning AARP’s #1 Fan of Social Security contest.
Cheriss May, for AARP
“It allowed me to build my Social Security by working all those years and put us into a position right now that we can live pretty comfortably,” he said. “I had a retirement [plan] from work. Social Security has given me some additional funding. Now I’m blessed to not have to look for another job like a lot of people. To be part of this 90-year Social Security celebration and to top it off by going to a baseball game, it’s going to be really special.”