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Join Us for 2025 Seniors Who Rock

Building mural of woman and sign for 20th Century Theater in Oakley Square

Seniors Who Rock is Pro Seniors’ one-of-a-kind awards presentation honoring inspirational Ohio seniors who continue to impact the community. 

Join us at 20th Century Theater on Wednesday, August 20th, from 5-7 p.m. to celebrate these valuable and valued older Ohioans.

Seniors Who Rock also raises awareness of our services. Even if you can’t join us on August 20th, please consider a gift to Pro Seniors to strengthen access to justice. As a nonprofit, Pro Seniors does not charge for any of our services.

Meet the Honorees

Meet the 2025 Seniors Who Rock

Again this year it was challenging for our committee to select only three amazing Seniors Who Rock because there were many worthy nominees. Since 2015, Pro Seniors has been challenging ageism by recognizing older adults for their continuing service to improve our community and motivate others to do the same. Our honorees are at least 70 years old, and they are active, working or volunteering and adding a value to our community!  

Karen Bankston, Ph.D.

Karen’s dedication to compassionate nursing and social justice is reflected throughout her career in her community impact. A proven leader, with demonstrated expertise in counseling,  government relations, employee/labor relations, community building, and program development, Karen’s awards are too numerous to list here. As Chair of Council on Aging’s Board of Trustees, Karen is also an advocate for older members of our community and their caregivers.

Deanna Spatz

Deanna earned her social work degree later in life and used her skills to help the most vulnerable. Where there is work to be done, you will find Deanna. Friends describe her as a steward of the earth on many levels. Now retired from social work, she remains a champion for social justice, speaking up and taking actions that make our community better now and for the future.

William G. Thornton, Jr.

Bill is a grower. All his life, he has planted seeds and nurtured them to full flowering. In the process, Bill grew a business, enriched the lives of young people, helped his community grow, and he continues to develop budding leaders for the future. Bill is also an avid downhill skier, when he takes time out from advocating for older adults and caregivers in southwestern Ohio as a member of Council on Aging’s Advisory Council.

Meet former Seniors Who Rock.

Watch Seniors Who Rock through the years on our YouTube Channel.

Your $75 ticket includes lite bites, beer, wine and valet parking.  Even if you cannot join us on Wednesday, Aug. 20th, please consider making a gift to celebrate Pro Seniors’ 50 years of serving older adults in our community.

Join us at 20th Century Theater on Wednesday, August 20th, from 5-7 p.m. to celebrate these valuable and valued older Ohioans. Seniors Who Rock also raises awareness of our services. As a nonprofit, Pro Seniors does not charge for any of our services.

Highlight Your Community Impact:  Sponsor 2025 Seniors Who Rock

Each Seniors Who Rock sponsorship supports critical services like advocacy for people in nursing homes, education to avoid health care fraud and scams, and legal help for seniors facing situations that threaten their financial security. Your sponsorship improves access to justice for older adults while also highlighting your organization’s community involvement.  Full Sponsor Descriptions are here.

Contact Mary to customize your sponsorship for Seniors Who Rock 2025: SWR@proseniors.org or call 513-4585525    

Follow Pro Seniors on social media to thank our sponsors! @ProSeniors and @ProSeniorsInc