About:
The Shirley Bloodworth Senior of the Year Award
ElderCare of Alachua County is thrilled to introduce the Shirley Bloodworth Senior of the Year Award, an annual tribute to honor the extraordinary legacy of Shirley Bloodworth, MSN, RN. Shirley’s lifelong passion for advocacy, community service, and innovative programs has left an unforgettable mark on our community, and this award seeks to inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
Once nominations are submitted and reviewed, ElderCare will announce the recipient in December. The honoree will be celebrated at a special event in January, where their name will be added to the Shirley Bloodworth Legacy Plaque, prominently displayed at the Senior Recreation Center.
Purpose:
This award celebrates individuals who embody Shirley’s unwavering commitment to:
- Identifying gaps in resources and services for older adults.
- Creating impactful initiatives that improve the quality of life for our community.
Nomination Criteria:
Nominees should demonstrate excellence in the following areas:
- Education and Community Service:
- Dedication to addressing unmet needs and advocating for older adults.
- Significant contributions to programs or services that foster wellness, independence, and growth for seniors.
Nomination Process:
- Eligibility: Open to individuals whose actions reflect Shirley’s legacy of advocacy and care.
- Submission Requirements:
- A completed nomination form.
- A statement describing the nominee’s contributions and their impact on the community.
- Supporting materials (optional), such as letters of recommendation or relevant achievements.
- Timeline:
- Nominations Open: January 1, 2025
- Nominations Close: November 30, 2025
- Forms and additional information will be available here!
Recognition:
2025 Recipient Spotlight: Prue Tucker
We are honored to announce that Prue Tucker has been selected as the 2025 recipient of this award. Prue exemplified the very spirit of this recognition through her unwavering dedication to older adults, her commitment to lifelong learning, and her lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.
As one of the founders of the PrimeTime Institute, Prue played a pivotal role in creating a program designed to keep adults age 50+ active, engaged, and connected through educational programming, social opportunities, and community involvement. Her vision helped foster wellness, intellectual growth, and meaningful connection—values that continue to enrich our community today.
- Award Presentation:
The winner will be honored at a special event held annually at the Senior Recreation Center, where their name will be added to the Shirley Bloodworth Legacy Plaque, prominently displayed at the center.
Join Us for the Award Presentation!
We invite the community to join us as we formally present the Shirley Bloodworth
Senior of the Year Award in honor of Prue Tucker on:
Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Time: 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Senior Recreation Center | 5701 NW 34th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32653
To learn more about the Shirley Bloodworth Senior of the Year Award and future nomination opportunities – Click Here!
If you know someone whose service reflects the spirit of this award, we encourage you to stay connected and consider submitting a nomination.
Legacy of Shirley Bloodworth:
Shirley’s lifelong dedication to community service, education, and innovation included:
- Founding impactful programs like the PrimeTime Institute and the Community Coalition for Older Adults (CCOA).
- Advocating for underserved seniors and developing resources to support them.
- Fostering wellness and lifelong learning through her work at local and national levels.
ElderCare invites the community to honor Shirley’s legacy by nominating deserving individuals for this prestigious award. Together, we can ensure her remarkable spirit continues to inspire and shape our community for generations to come.
For more information or to submit a nomination, please contact ElderCare of Alachua County at 352-265-9040 or email ElderCare@Shands.ufl.edu.