Everyone has an unfulfilled dream, no matter how old you are or how much success you have achieved in your life. That’s the basis for the Twilight Wish Foundation whose goal is to help members of the older generation achieve their special dream.

When you check out the website at www.twilightwishfoundation.org, you will be treated to a series of personal stories each one spelling out its own unique wish. Each wish has a price tag. Visitors to the site are asked to make a donation to that particular individual whose story inspires them to help underwrite their dream. Or, you can simply become a general sponsor at any of a variety of levels, ranging from $25 for the “Neighborhood Angel Individual Sponsorship” to $500 for the “Fairy Godparent Individual Sponsorship.” 

It would be difficult to leave that site, having read some of the stories, and not want to contribute to making someone’s dream (in some cases, a last dream) come true.

For example, one individual, whose wish has already been granted is a 95-year old woman who has lost her family, and spends her time knitting blankets for the elderly in her community. All she wanted was a birthday party.

An 86-year old male who just finished his last round of chemotherapy served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, but never got to fly in the Air Force. His dream is about to come true, with the help and generosity of a USMC Major and aerobatic pilot who heard of his story and wanted to help.

The principles of charity are founded in the innate need within all of us to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than we. While the act of giving is easy enough, having to make a choice among the tens of thousands of worthy causes in considerably more daunting.

Let’s see if I can help you make your choice easier this time around. Why not choose to help your own demographic? There is an organization called Touchmark Foundation, headquartered in Beaverton Oregon, whose mission it is to help “seniors” or those millions of boomers on the way to joining that lofty demographic. Their work involves two primary programs: 1) to provide scholarships for those wishing to enter the health care profession, and 2) financial support for low-income seniors to improve the quality of their lives—physically, spiritually, and intellectually.

In the process of funding scholarships for nursing instructors, Touchmark Foundation is partnered with Oregon Health & Sciences University for the purpose of supporting five Ph.D. nursing students in the John A. Hartford Foundation Center for Geriatric Nursing Excellence.

Through its Senior Benevolent Fund, individuals and nonprofit organizations may apply for grants, materials, equipment, activities, and programs geared to enhancing the well being of seniors experiencing financial difficulties.

Other of their activities includes the Low Vision Project and the Holiday Box program.

The Touchmark Foundation has a highly qualified Board of Directors with years of experience in senior issues, finance and management. Donations are combined with the support of others for the purpose of building a national program to meet the health and financial needs of seniors throughout the country. 

Motto for today: Help one of your own.