"Foundation aims to make dreams come true" - Foster's Daily Democrat, Friday, May 26, 2006

Posted: September 5, 2006

Copywrite used with permission from Foster's Daily Democrat

Friday, May 26, 2006

By JEREMIAH ROOD

Democrat Staff Writer

jrood@fosters.com

DOVER - Call them ageless, call them dreamers, but don't you dare call them old.

Laurie Widmark, whose energy and passion is enthusiastic, is working to change the face of aging in the United States and beyond. Widmark has started a new foundation - The Ageless Dreamer - designed to both help seniors live their dreams and cause people to rethink what it means to be old.

The foundation's mission is to assist our older generation in the pursuit of their unrealized dreams and to resource their untapped knowledge and wisdom into action. Ageless Dreamers pursue their dreams no matter what their age, with a program similar to Make-A-Wish for adults.

The Ageless Dreamer Foundation, whose slogan is An Attitude Worth Having, is dedicated to making dreams come true for older generations unable to do so for themselves.

Widmark, the founder of the organization, said in a press release, "Our interaction with agencies serving the needs of older generations has been a revelation into their dreams. Through our volunteers and, hopefully, members and businesses, we can turn someone's dream into a reality."

Requests already received by the fledgling organization include a family reunion for a 97-year-old local resident, a hot-air balloon ride for an 86-year-old, as well as an 85-year-old who dreams of sitting in the Green Monster seats at a Red Sox game.

Funds are raised through individual $12 memberships in the public foundation and a unique system of business and corporate participation.

Businesses which help the Ageless Dreamer Foundation bring an elder's dream to fruition are awarded the "Attitude Seal of Approval." Business and corporate sponsorships can include a financial contribution, proceeds or percentage of proceeds from the sale of a product, service, or event, as well as a direct donation of a product or service.

The foundation will also be on the lookout for products that are commonly purchased and used by our older generations, the press release said. These companies will be provided an opportunity to enhance their product packaging with the Attitude Seal of Approval alerting the consumer to their financial contribution to the Foundation each time the a product is purchased.

Board members and officers of the Ageless Dreamer Foundation include: Nancy Boyle, Joanne Dodge, Wally Johnson (treasurer), Fred Hall, a Rochester lawyer, Rev. Bob Lamson, the Rev. Dave Slater, Laurie Widmark (president/secretary), and Peter Widmark.

The Ageless Dreamer Foundation will be initially staffed by volunteers. The Foundation is looking for people interested in assisting with the program. They can contact the Foundation in Dover by calling (603) 953-0006, e-mail, or P.O. Box 457, Dover, NH, 03821-0457 or visit its website at www.agelessdreamer.org.