Celebrating Those Who Started Something Remarkable - Later in Life

The Top 7 Over 70™ Awards honour extraordinary Calgarians who have launched new ventures, movements, or ideas after the age of 70. These inspiring individuals prove that ambition, creativity, and leadership don’t fade with time - they evolve. By starting something new later in life, they’re reshaping how we think about aging, inspiring the next generation, and reminding us all that it’s never too late to make a meaningful impact.

The awards are 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, after they reached traditional retirement age.

The vibrant contributions these senior people were making seemed to be getting overlooked by society, so Jim decided he was going to do something about that. He began dreaming about an awards program. 

“I was 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 was time to celebrate the unique achievements of seniors by recognizing the Top 7 Over 70.”

Jim and fellow philanthropist Brian Felesky began rounding up a coalition of community leaders to help turn this idea into a solid project. Check out this video telling you more about it!

The result was the formation of a volunteer committee and the launch of the Top 7 Over 70 Awards Gala. It’s a biennial event now in its fifth cycle, set to take place on October 21, 2025. 

The four galas have attracted more than 180 nominations and more than 800 people attend each sold-out event, at which we recognize the remarkable achievement of seven people who started a significant venture after the age of seventy. That’s 29 dynamic individuals making an impact in the community and inspiring so many others to do so also.

Nominations are open for the 2025 Gala, click here to learn more!

Four successful, sold-out events, since 2017 with over 800 attendees and over 180 nominations, suggest that this city loves our over 70s and their passion for this community! 

Top 7 Over 70 is honoured to have Dave Kelly continue to host the event year after year - his energy, enthusiasm and passion is unparalleled!

View the full gallery here. Photos taken by Jill Thompson. 

More photos of the 2022 gala here. 

More photos of the 2019 gala here. 

More photos of the 2017 gala  here.