In 1992, Lynn Brooks walked away from a successful career because she had an idea about how she could help boost the image of her beloved New York City. 

At the age of 59, she launched Big Apple Greeter, the nation’s first-of-its-kind visitor welcome program. 

At first, everyone told her it couldn’t be done. Why would people volunteer to take strangers around New York City — for free? But Lynn proved all the naysayers wrong. 

Now, more than 20 years later, both the organization and Lynn herself are stronger than ever. 

In fact, she’s just been honored as the national winner of the Center for Productive Longevity’s Later Life Story contest, which honors those who live successful, inspirational lives while giving back to the community at the same time. 

The now 80-year-old Lynn explains how her small start-up organization has grown into a massive worldwide group that has given more than 12,000 visitors an insider’s look at New York over the past 20 years. 

Find out why she believes so many people were willing to volunteer their time to show off New York and how the program matches visitors with volunteers, based on their language and interests. 

Click here to learn more about the program and to fill out your application to meet with a Big Apple Greeter.