95 Year Old Ageless Dreamer Speaks to Rochester Rotary Club

Posted: April 1, 2008

Copyright with permission: Rochester Rotary Club News, Rochester, NH

Laurie Widmark, founder of the Ageless Dreamer Foundation, addressed the Club along with several guests. Laurie, who has always been accused of being a “dreamer” came up with the concept of the Foundation about 10 years ago, but envisioned a for-profit organization. The business plan was not working, so it went on the shelf until about two years ago when she decided to start the organization as a non-profit.

The Foundation opened in January 2006 and now has its’ first Executive Director, Beth Fischer. The mission of the Foundation is to give older people (70 or over) a chance to fulfill a life dream. Through the help of over 100 volunteers, many of whom are Rotarians, the group has already fulfilled many wishes.

Ruth Keene, at 95 years young, was one of the first “dreamers” to have her wish come true. Being a self-taught artist, Ruth really never thought that her work would be show-cased, but that is exactly what happened thanks to the Ageless Dreamer Foundation. Her work was shown at an art exhibit and she describes the experience as one that has incredible meaning to someone her age. She expressed that being 95, she does not have many friends or family left, but having a dream gave her something significant to be joyous about in spite of this.

Kenn Ortmann shared his experience of being able to fulfill the dream of Ashton Welch, a former WWII and commercial airline pilot. Ashton wanted to fly a plane again. Beth Fischer contacted Kenn and asked if he could make that happen. Kenn jumped at the chance to take Ashton up in his plane and hand over the controls.

An individual membership in the Ageless Dreamer Foundation is only $20. To become a member, a volunteer, or to submit a “dream”, visit their website at www.agelessdreamer.org