The Top 7 Over 70 Awards™ is a dream-turned-reality for founder Jim Gray, a renowned Calgarian, oil patch pioneer and philanthropist. Over the years, Jim noticed award programs sprouting up for people in a myriad of demographic groups, except for those who were older in years. At the same time, he seemed to be meeting an increasing number of people who were starting new ventures and initiatives even after they reached traditional retirement age.
The vibrant contributions these people were making to the community seemed to be getting a bit overlooked by society and Jim decided he was going to do something about that. He began dreaming — and talking — about an awards program that would recognize the contributions of community members after age 70.
“I am struck by the dynamic contributions I see Calgary seniors making in every facet of life, adding to the richness of our community,” says Jim. “That’s why I thought it is time to celebrate the unique achievements of seniors by recognizing the Top 7 Over 70.” (A video of Jim discussing the origins of Top 7 Over 70 is available by clicking here.)
Jim and fellow philanthropist Brian Felesky began rounding up a coalition of acquaintances and business professionals to help turn this idea into a solid project.
The result was the formation of a volunteer committee of community leaders and influencers. That first year in 2017, Brian Felesky, Bonnie DuPont and Steve Allan served as co-chairs. In 2019, Bonnie continued as chair of the Top 7 Over 70 executive committee. For the 2021 instalment, Kim McConnell took over this role, followed by Monica Zurowski in 2023 and Steve Allan in 2025.
The Calgary committee held the first Top 7 Over 70 awards gala in 2017.
The next official chapter of Top 7 Over 70 started in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Under the leadership of David Andrews, Top 7 Over 70 Southeast Alberta held its first gala in fall 2024 and is planning its next event for fall 2026.
Any senior who is over 70 — and lives in the area served by a specific Top 7 Over 70 chapter — is eligible to be nominated. Ideal nominees are those who have started something different or new, or implemented a new venture or idea, after age 70. The focus of the awards isn’t on past accomplishments or lifetime achievements. Rather, individuals should be nominated for new accomplishments. These achievements may be based or built on previous work or commitments, but they should have a “current” flavour or different twist, or perhaps be occurring in a completely new arena.
Nominees’ accomplishments can be occurring in fields such as: health and recreation; arts and culture; science; business; volunteerism; environment; overcoming adversity; and making a difference. To get more information on these categories and on the nomination process, please see the “nominate” tab on the menu of this website’s homepage or click here.
Another goal of the awards is to promote and encourage achievement of others, in addition to the nominees. To that end, the awards raise funds to initiate programming to foster engagement between seniors and younger people. The exchange of ideas, advice, experience and mentoring is key to the Calgary venture, called InterGen — a unique talent development program and matching platform. This helps re-energize our economy by partnering transitioning or retiring individuals with young entrepreneurs, thus creating multigenerational teams that can rapidly scale growth. The founders of many young companies have already been matched with experienced Calgarians, producing positive results in areas including networking, board leadership, financing direction and strategic planning.
***
CALGARY TOP 7 OVER 70
Executive committee: Jim Gray (founder), Steve Allan (2025 chair), Monica Zurowski (past chair), Catherine Brownlee, Alexandria Cuckow, Brian Felesky, John Fitzsimmons, Sandi Gilbert, Emily Hilman, Marcy Krafft, Walsh Mannas, Cameron McDonald, Linda McNally, Kim McConnell, Hal Walker, and Luanne Whitmarsh.
Past executive members: Elizabeth Carson, Bonnie DuPont, Bev Foy, Cheryl Hamelin, Lindsey Galloway, Phil Levson, Lori Paine, Mary Rozsa de Coquet, and Joanne Toller.
SOUTHEASTERN ALBERTA TOP 7 OVER 70
Executive Committee: David Andrews (chair), Frances Barnes, Chris Christie, Peter Donnelly, Niki Gray, Jim MacArthur, Todd O’Reilly, and Myrna Stark.
***
Special Thanks for previous galas
The following individuals and organizations have helped make this event a great success in the past:
- Al Muirhead and his band
- Amy Lippold
- Azin Ghaffair
- Barbara Surplus
- Big Rock
- Brand Alive
- Brent Morrison Creative
- Brookfield Asset Management
- Christina Ryan Photography
- Gavin Young
- Givergy
- Heritage Park
- Highlander Wines & Spirits
- Jason Kingsley
- Jill Thompson Photography
- Julia Reimer and Tyler Rock of Firebrand Glass Studio
- Karly Arcuri
- Kelly Brothers Productions Inc.
- Khalid Hansraj
- Mackenzie DePatie
- MobSquad
- O’Rourke Peak Cellars
- Olive Kaufman
- One West Event Design and Logistics
- Proshow Audiovisual
- Rozsa Foundation
- Toni Ignacio
- Wendy Leckie
- Special thanks to major InterGen partners and gala supporters: Alberta Innovates, Cenovus Energy, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, Prairies Can, RBC Foundation, Sandstone Asset Management Inc., and past supporters Dylan Jones, then Deputy Minister at Western Economic Diversification, and Jeff Boyd, regional president of RBC.
***
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
The Top 7 Over 70 organizers give a special tip of the hat to the many partners in our city who have helped support our initiative over the years:
- Calgary Arts Development
- Calgary Association of Lifelong Learners
- Calgary Chamber of Commerce
- Calgary Economic Development
- Calgary Foundation
- Calgary Public Library
- Calgary Opera
- Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society
- Centre for Newcomers
- City of Calgary
- Haskayne School of Business
- Heritage Park Historical Village
- JA (Junior Achievement) Southern Alberta
- Karma & Cents
- Studio Bell/National Music Centre
- Rotary Clubs of Calgary
- University of Calgary
- YWCA