The foundation is launching the “Wonderland of Wishes” campaign to address the unmet needs of the county’s elderly

(Aroostook Agency on Aging)

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – The Aroostook Agency on Aging is pleased to announce its first “Wonderland of Wishes,” a magical, community-centered event that combines reflection, unity and giving. Scheduled for the early evening of New Year’s Eve 2024, this gathering will light the path to 2025 with a heartwarming display of luminaries symbolizing hope, good wishes and generosity.

The Wonderland of Wishes is a celebration of community support for the Foundation for the Aroostook Agency on Aging’s Winter Appeal, one of the major fundraising events each year. Every donation to the foundation will light a lamp at our Wonderland of Wishes event on Tuesday, December 31st. Colored lights represent different donation levels, and donors have the option to have their lights inscribed with personal or community wishes for 2025.

From 4 to 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, organizers will transform Riverside Park in Presque Isle into a wonderland of glowing lights, symbolizing both our community’s commitment to our senior residents and the good wishes we send together into 2025. The event will culminate with a fireworks display that will officially kick off Presque Isle’s New Year’s Eve Starlighting Celebration, which features concerts and events for all ages thanks to a partnership between the City of Presque Isle, the Downtown Revitalization Committee and several other organizations.

According to honorary co-chairs Kathie Davis of Mapleton and Brenda McGillicuddy of Hodgdon, Wonderland of Wishes is more than just a fundraiser; It is an opportunity for participants to come together as a community and share their hopes for the coming year.

“Each year, with the help of community supporters, we are able to provide essential services – from adult day services and Medicare counseling to caregiver support and home delivery – to nearly 4,500 older adults and their care partners throughout Aroostook County meals,” said Davis , an agency board member. “This care and connection would not be possible without a dedicated network of people who believe in the well-being and dignity of older adults,” she added.

As a long-time employee of the agency who currently serves as regional service coordinator in south Aroostook, McGillicuddy sees daily the difficulties many older adults face as they age in their homes and communities.

“As government funding remains stable this year amid growing community needs, your support will have an even greater impact on the services we can provide. With your help, we will continue to meet the needs of our neighbors and provide a bright and healthy future for the elderly in Aroostook,” she said.

Executive Director Joy Barresi Saucier said the “Wonderland of Wishes” event aims to raise $50,000 to support the Aroostook Agency on Aging’s programs and initiatives. Beyond fundraising, the goal of Wonderland of Wishes is to increase awareness of the agency and promote unity and optimism throughout Aroostook County. “We hope to establish Wonderland of Wishes as an annual holiday tradition, with the potential to grow in scope and impact each year,” said Barresi Saucier.

For more information or to donate, please contact the Aroostook Agency on Aging at 207-764-3396/1-800-439-1789 or visit https://www.aroostookaging.org/2025-winter-appeal.