Wishes Granted Across Nation

Through Twilight’s relationship with places such as SunBridge Healthcare, which operates 200 facilities around the country, wishes have been granted in more than 30 states. “SunBridge is making a huge effort to grant wishes,” she said, noting that the staff plays a big role in making wishes come true.

Twilight’s funding comes from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and grants; volunteers often help grant wishes, and in-kind donations help as well. It’s been a tough year, as corporations have scaled back their giving. But Forkin continues to work to grow the organization—there are currently 10 chapters in 10 states, with hopes of branching out into all 50 states.

Forkin works without pay in the Pennsylvania office, as does one other full-time employee; there are three part-time employees “who do so much.” The chapters, too, are run by people who don’t get paid. “It’s a need that’s there, and people see it and feel good when they do it,” she said.

Elders or their caretakers can request a wish. Seniors must be at least 68 years old or a permanent resident of a nursing home, have an income of less than 200% of the official poverty level, be a U.S. citizen, have a documented history of giving back to family and/or community, and meet the requirements on the wish application. The “giving back” component is important, she said. Foster parents, for example, gave continuously throughout their lives, Forkin said, “so when they need something, we want to be there for them. Sometimes we get caretakers who don’t have children of their own.”

A committee meets monthly to evaluate the application and “see if it’s possible to grant the wish,” she said.

The Twilight Wish Foundation runs other programs as well. The intergenerational caring program matches schools with local nursing homes and teaches students how to raise funds and grant wishes. This program is especially important to her. “If we can continue along this path, what we will do for our country is significant,” she said. “Not enough students are going into the geriatric field, so if we can get them, in a fun way, into the field, it will benefit all of us.” And it will “teach them to be philanthropic.”

The DUTY program (Dining Unexpected Thank You) hearkens back to what led Forkin to this place. Diners can pay for the meal of a senior they don’t know, and give the server a card bearing Twilight’s information to give to the senior. “They would know it’s a thank-you for what they’ve done in life and know that we remember and care,” she said.

The Jewel Cultural Arts Program is a pilot program in Santa Cruz, California, that grants wishes specific to the arts. 

And what about her daughter who was with her on that fateful day back in 2003? She’s now 25 and just illustrated the cover of a book called Twilight Wish Moments, written by Stanley Bronstein with input from Forkin, which will be released in the fall.

Watch a video on some of the wishes granted:

And here's an interview with Cass Forkin: