Dreams already fulfilled include:
- Not able to get to a NASCAR race? No worries! We brought it to our residents. Staff transformed the community into a raceway complete with a giant remote controlled car track for car races and an autographed picture and life-sized image of the Jeff Gordon, the resident’s favorite driver. A member of the maintenance department built a Lego racecar for the resident to complete the day.
- What to do with the 97-year old woman confined to a wheelchair who wanted to go to the beach? Take her to the beach! Staff arranged a special trip to the beach for this resident and all others who wanted to go. As a keepsake, this resident received a conch shell with a note explaining that if she put the shell to her ear, she could continue to hear the ocean any time she wanted to.
- Another resident wanted to go to Disney one last time; as that wasn’t possible, we brought Disney to her! The lobby of her community became Disney’s Main Street, USA. Dressed as Disney characters, students from the local high school and an area dance school led a parade. A fun filled day was had by all, complete with Disney characters and even a 3-D rollercoaster ride!
- What about the 101-year old resident who had always wanted to be on television? Residents and staff braved the 20-degree temperatures waiting to report the weather live on the ABC affiliate and celebrate with this resident as she lived her dream.
- How about the residents that wanted their paintings displayed at an art gallery? The Journey of Dreams committee made that happen.
- One resident wanted her closet organized; two volunteers spent two days helping that resident completely reorganize her closet, something she was never able to accomplish on her own.
A special thanks to the Derby-Shelton Rotary for their generous grant of $1,000 to fulfill the dreams of UMH residents.
