...the 15 finalists for the first-ever Purpose Prize, a major new initiative to invest in Americans over 60 who are leading a new age of social innovation. The finalists – including a social worker, former mayor, farmer and car salesman – reveal the wide variety of backgrounds and experiences that those over 60 bring to the task of solving some of society’s most pressing problems in what used to be called the retirement years. “As the first of America’s 77 million baby boomers turn 60 this year, The Purpose Prize finalists are doing what society least expects people over 60 to do: innovate,” said Marc Freedman, founder and President of Civic Ventures. “These men and women – some national figures, some local heroes – disprove the notion that innovation is the province of the young and show us the essence of what’s possible in an aging society.” In addition to the 15 finalists, Civic Ventures named 55 Purpose Prize Fellows, all leaders in the movement to invent new ways to solve society’s toughest challenges. Finalists and Fellows have all been invited to an Innovation Summit, Sept. 7-10 at the Stanford Center for Social Innovation. Sherry Lansing, chair of The Purpose Prize jury, CEO of the Sherry Lansing Foundation and former chair of Paramount Pictures’ Motion Picture Group, said, “Unlike a lifetime achievement award, the Purpose Prize is a critical investment in what these creative individuals will do next to solve important problems. As Bill Gates said, ‘It’s not about retiring, it’s about reordering your priorities.’” Two foundations, the Atlantic Philanthropies and The John Templeton Foundation, provided funding to Civic Ventures for the Prize. Read the full news release here » DOWNLOAD THE PDF: Meet the Finalists for the 2006 Purpose Prize »