As summer winds down, we look forward to a new season filled with hope, holidays, family and joy. In the past few months, An Elderly Wish Foundation (AEWF) has filled six new wishes, bringing joy to the faces of our beloved seniors here in Contra Costa County. AEWF grants wishes to seniors over 60 who reside in Contra Costa County and suffer from a life-threatening or terminal illness. Visit the organization’s website, www.elderlywish.org, and enjoy the glowing faces of the recipients as they celebrate life their way!

Among them are two of our seniors: Orland, in his Nascar debut, waving from his car as he circles the track, and Anne, reveling in her Mickey Mouse ears as the newest official citizen of Disneyland.

The organization’s annual Wish Angel Campaign runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. A donation of $25 or more will assist AEWF in its mission. Excitement is in the air as AEWF plans its second major fundraiser, the 10th annual Heart to Heart Ball. This elegant dinner dance will be held at the Lone Tree Golf and Country Club in Antioch on Feb. 25, 2012. For $60 you can enjoy a gourmet dinner, dancing and a fun auction. Auction items include trips, show tickets, golfing and Napa limo excursions. Terry Fator, winner of “America’s Got Talent” three years ago, has been headlining in Las Vegas ever since. His show is one of the best on the strip, and his tickets are a hot item. He donated two VIP tickets last year, including a personal meet-and-greet, and he’s doing it again this year. Every penny raised goes to the wishes and kick-starts AEWF’s year of giving.

Many local merchants have supported AEWF with donations of all kinds including yummy gift cards and freebies from Red Robin, Mia’s, Mimi’s, Cap’s, Grazie’s and Sticky Chicken, to name a few.

On each of the five Sundays in October, the senior appreciation campaign of Fresh Choice in Antioch is donating 15 percent of its profits to AEWF. With a coupon that you can find in a multitude of places (e-mail me if you need a list), Fresh Choice will also offer a 15-percent discount to seniors on every Sunday in October to match its already generous donation. The food is healthy, delicious and reasonably priced – with or without the senior discount. It’s nice to see the love and support from everyone.

More than 100 other businesses are donating to AEWF. A full list will published on the website following the Heart to Heart Ball.

AEWF recently celebrated Nellie Huillade’s 99th birthday. More than 100 people at Cortona Park sang happy birthday and shared cake with Nellie, who was overwhelmed with joy – and AEWF plans to make her 100th birthday next year even better!

For more information, call AEWF at 925-978-1883 or e-mail me at marla2054@aol.com.

Marla Luckhardt is a Discovery Bay resident and member of the East Contra Costa Senior Coalition. She works with several local senior care and advocacy groups.