Twilight Wish Foundation Makes the World a Nicer Place To Age
- Pam McCrory
- Sep 30
- 4 min read
The Twilight Wish Foundation turns dreams into reality for thousands of senior citizens. With multiple chapters across the country—including four in Western Pennsylvania (Allegheny County, Butler County, Fayette County, and Westmoreland County)—the foundation is supported by many dedicated wish granters who help make dreams come true.
Senior citizens are the fastest-growing population in the United States, and the number of Americans over age 65 is projected to double by 2060. Granting wishes for seniors in skilled nursing facilities and senior veterans in need can truly change lives—one wish at a time. North Hills Monthly asked Director of Community Relations Mary Farrell to share how the Twilight Wish Foundation brings dreams to life.
North Hills Monthly (NHM): Why was the Twilight Wish Foundation created?
Mary Farrell (Farrell): A life-changing encounter at a diner in Bucks County, Pennsylvania inspired the creation of the Twilight Wish Foundation. In 2003, our founder, Cass Forkin, noticed a group of elderly women counting out their change to pay for their buffet lunch. As a gesture of kindness, she anonymously paid for their meal. The women, touched and grateful for the generosity, insisted on knowing who treated them. Their gratitude for such a simple act inspired Cass to start the Twilight Wish Foundation later that year.
Twilight Wish became the first national nonprofit focused exclusively on honoring the wishes of deserving, low-income seniors. Over the past 22 years, we’ve granted more than 7,140 wishes and continue to lead the way in changing the culture of aging in our society.
NHM: What types of wishes do you grant?
Farrell: We fulfill wishes in four categories: Simple Needs, Celebrating a Life, Living Life to the Fullest, and Veterans’ Wishes.
Many of the wishes we grant fall under our Simple Needs program, which provides essential items that improve quality of life. For example, hearing aids and lift chairs allow seniors to maintain dignity and independence—sometimes even determining whether they can continue to live on their own. Without access to these items, many seniors experience isolation, loss of independence, and depression.
Celebrating a Life wishes are meaningful and nostalgic, often granted to hospice patients or those with limited life expectancy. These wishes might include family reunions, visits to hometowns, or the chance to return to a beloved job or career one last time—anything that validates and brings joy to the recipient.
Living Life to the Fullest wishes are for experiences a senior always dreamed of or wants to enjoy again. Examples include riding in a motorcycle sidecar, publishing a book, attending a Pirates game, or visiting the Philadelphia Zoo.
One-third of all the wishes we grant are for veterans. These Veterans’ Wishes can fall under any of the other three categories.
NHM: Who qualifies to have a wish granted?
Farrell: Our primary focus is low-income seniors who are either age 65 or older or permanent residents of a nursing facility. To qualify, individuals must have an annual income below 200% of the federal poverty level—which is $31,330 for 2025—and a history of giving back to their community.
NHM: How does the Twilight Wish Foundation help veterans in particular?
Farrell: One-third of all wishes granted are for veterans. While these wishes may fall into any of our categories, we highlight them specifically to honor and thank our veterans—many of whom are in nursing homes—for their service. It’s our way of showing them that we remember, respect, and care.
NHM: Can you share some examples of wishes that have been granted?
Farrell: We’ve granted some amazing wishes over the years! Recently, our Connecticut chapter granted a wish for a 93-year-old veteran who asked for river rocks, markers, and paints so he could continue creating kindness rocks. Our Allegheny County chapter took a group of women from Sharpsburg Tower to a tea party at Flowers in the Attic. In Butler County, we granted a wish for a 90-year-old veteran to attend one more Pittsburgh Pirates game.
NHM: How many wishes does the foundation grant each year?
Farrell: Our numbers continue to grow as we expand nationwide. In 2023, we granted 1,043 wishes. In 2024, we granted 827. This year, we’re on track to grant between 800 and 900 wishes. Our total wish count to date is 7,140.
NHM: W How many chapters do you have in Pennsylvania and nationwide?
Farrell: In Pennsylvania, we currently have seven chapters: Butler County, Allegheny County, Westmoreland County, Fayette County, Lehigh Valley, and Southeast PA. Nationwide, we have 21 chapters. Our headquarters in Doylestown grants wishes in areas where we don’t yet have chapters.
NHM: Do you have an executive board, and what role do they play?
Farrell: Yes, we have a strong board of directors and an advisory board. Our board of directors is led by Andrea Hoisl, who also serves as our Connecticut chapter director. The board is responsible for strategic planning, fundraising, and supporting our mission in every possible way.
NHM: How does your newsletter help spread the word, and how can readers subscribe?
Farrell: Our quarterly newsletter shares wish stories, organizational milestones, and updates. Readers can subscribe by visiting our website at twilightwish.org.
NHM: How is the foundation funded, and how can community members donate?
Farrell: Twilight Wish is funded by individuals, corporate sponsors, and private foundations. Community members can support us by donating to specific wishes through the open wishes page on our website or by making a general donation via our donate page.