AARP today announced the cancellation of its annual member event*Life@50+ National Event & Expo*which was scheduled for September 29-October 1 in New Orleans.

"Our great concern is for the victims of the terrible tragedy in the New Orleans area and the entire Gulf Coast region," said Chuck Leven, AARP Board Chair. "Fortunately, our employees and their families living in the impacted area are all safe, but of course many, many others are not," Leven continued.

AARP is preparing to assist in the relief effort, as it did in 2004 in the aftermath of the Florida hurricanes and the tsunami disaster. As part of this, the thousands of AARP members who had purchased tickets and tours for the New Orleans event are being offered the opportunity to direct some or all of their refund to the AARP Foundation to give to local charitable organizations in the Gulf Coast involved in disaster relief.

In addition, many event and expo exhibitors and sponsors are joining with AARP in relief efforts. "We are pulling together funds, volunteers and other ways to help", said Leven. "Our Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama offices are involved, and we will do our best. This is our priority. And next year, our annual event will be bigger and better than ever, in Anaheim."

Registered attendees will receive a refund of all fees paid to AARP (including registration, concerts, Studio 50+, tours and hotel deposits). Refunds will be made in accord with the method by which you paid. If you registered with a credit, you will see a credit on your statement. If you registered by check, a check will be mailed to you. As we are making thousands of refunds, we ask that you have patience as we work through the Process. We are committed to issuing your refund as quickly as possible.

We encourage attendees to immediately contact your airline or travel agent to inquire about a refund of travel expenses you incurred. As a result of the natural disaster, the city of New Orleans has officially closed to events of our nature. The hotels in town have closed their doors, as well.

Our efforts will now focus on developing plans to harness the energy and collective power of our members and employees to provide financial and humanitarian assistance to those in need.