Members of the
Washington Chapter
grant a local wish.
From L to R,
Cherie Dixon (TWF
Washington County
Chapter Director),
Laurean Kile,
Steve Illig,
Shirley Calabria
(Wish Recipient),
Kim Guthrie,
Tommi Calabria and
Rachelle Hudak.
Loot Fundraiser and a Vendor and Craft Show. All proceeds from
fundraising efforts are used entirely to grant wishes to deserving
seniors in the local chapter. The organization is additionally seeking
corporate sponsorship to financially assist with achieving its goals.
“Ultimately we hope to educate and inform Washington County
about Twilight Wish’s existence and all that the organization does
to honor and assist the seniors in our area,” says Dixon. “Sometimes
the group struggles to identify people to grant wishes for because so
few know about the organization and the good things it does for the
seniors of Washington County.”
With a long list of future goals, the Washington County Chapter
of Twilight Wish is determined. The organization intends to visit
businesses that work with seniors throughout the area to provide
literature and background information so more people can be actively
seeking those who may need a wish fulfilled.
Additionally, the group hopes for some visual exposure, and
intends to visit Comcast Newsmakers and the Peters Township
Community Television station for the opportunity to share that it is
the first national senior wish-granting organization dedicated to the
needs of the elderly, and explain the qualifications for
a wish recipient.
Since the Washington County
Chapter is still young, the
group’s immediate future
plans are to get the word
out to the community about
the organization and engage
more people interested
in volunteering their
efforts.
Kim Guthrie has
been a member
of Twilight Wish
since June 2014
and lends her
Wish recipient
Shirley Calabria
(right) with her
son Glenn and
daughter-in-law
Tommi.
talents to the organization as a graphic designer, creating fliers and
signage for upcoming events and maintaining the organization’s
Facebook page. “It’s incredibly rewarding to help people who have
given so much of themselves throughout their lifetime,” she says.
Suzie Fornof and Joylynne Paglia, both Twilight Wish members
from Peters Township, feel the same way. “It’s great to be involved
in an organization that gives back to seniors who are often forgotten
or neglected,” says Fornof. “It’s a generation that really appreciates
everything,” adds Paglia.
“Witnessing deserving seniors receive a very special need met, and
the look of joy on their faces, is priceless,” adds member Rachelle
Hudak from Canonsburg.
There are a number of ways to get involved with Twilight Wish
Foundation from simply donating funds to sponsoring an individual
wish or becoming an active member by attending meetings and
sharing ideas. “Our volunteer members are compassionate people
who live and/or work in the Washington County area,” says
Dixon. “We welcome people of all talents and interests to join this
worthwhile cause.”
The Washington County Chapter meets the first Wednesday of
each month at Harry’s Pizza, located in Waterdam Plaza in McMurray
at 11:30 a.m. For more information or to become involved, email
[email protected] or check it out on Facebook and
keep up with news and events. n
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