Ann Butenas

We are all destined for certain paths and purposes in life. We all make choices as to the direction we lead our lives. We are all born to give of our talents in a meaningful and compassionate way to others, and no matter how many years we are given, it is up to us to make the most of them in the most unselfish and generous ways possible.

No matter what your age, state of mind, state of being or state of health, you have a purpose and a calling far greater than yourself. To surround yourself with excuses as to why you haven't done something you want to do in life only keps you from honoring your authentic self.

Kora Hollinger, nearly 108 years of age, has proven to everyone whose life she has touched that giving from the heart, living a life of stewardship and honing one's unique God-given gifts are part of the recipe for achieving a life of abundance and rich blessings that, when shared with others, only return to you.

When Kora's granddaughter, Ann Butenas, speaks, you discover how one remarkable 107-year-old lady gives new meaning to the concept of adding years to your life and life to your years. Not only did this gal influence hundreds of people in her life, but she also inspired some to achieve great things, including former US Senate Majority Leader, Bob Dole and a Kansas City local favorite, the late Wendell Anschutz.

Ann is also an internationally-recognized author and writer. She began her professional writing career at the age of 12 and began speaking while in college. She continues to energize audiences with her insightful, engaging and inspiring message that debuted at Prairiesta 2011 in Russell, KS, before 1,000 people, which included former US Senators Bob Dole, Elizabeth Dole, Arlen Specter and other notables. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area. She holds two graduate degrees. She also penned the memoir "Koraspondence: Living Life to the Letter," which is an inspirational message based on a series of letters written to and from Kora over the last 100 years, which also includes some indispensable every day advice.