PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook Agency on Aging is excited to announce its inaugural “Wonderland of Wishes”, a magical community-centered event combining reflection, unity and giving. Scheduled for early evening on New Year’s Eve 2024, this gathering will illuminate the pathway into 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 primary fundraising activities each year. With each donation to the Foundation, a luminary will be lit in our Wonderland of Wishes event on Tuesday, December 31. Colored luminaries represent different giving levels, and donors will have the opportunity to have their luminaries inscribed with personal or community wishes for 2025.
From 4-6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, organizers will turn Riverside Park in Presque Isle into a wonderland of shining lights representing both the commitment of our community to our older residents and the good wishes that we’re collectively sending into 2025. The event will culminate with a fireworks display that officially kicks off Presque Isle’s New Year’s Eve Star Lighting Celebration, featuring 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 fundraising event; it’s an opportunity for participants to come together as a community and share their hopes for the year ahead.
“Each year, with the help of community supporters, we’re able to provide essential services to nearly 4,500 older adults and their care partners across Aroostook County — from Adult Day Services and Medicare counseling to caregiver support and home-delivered meals,” Davis, an Agency board member. “This care and connection wouldn’t be possible without a dedicated network of people who believe in the well-being and dignity of older adults,” she added.
A longtime Agency employee who currently serves as regional service coordinator in southern Aroostook, McGillicuddy sees daily the struggle many older adults face in aging in their homes and communities.
“This year, as state funding remains steady amid growing community needs, your support makes an even greater impact on the services we can provide. With your help, we’ll continue to meet the needs of our neighbors, building a bright and healthy future for Aroostook’s older adults,” 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 foster unity and optimism throughout Aroostook County. “We hope to establish Wonderland of Wishes as an annual tradition during the holiday season, with the potential to grow in scale and impact each year,” Barresi Saucier said.
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.
