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It's Never Too Late to Make a Wish Come True
by Tracy Line
October
1, 2007: Wishes really do come true; at least for those who ask Bob Haverstick for help. Haverstick is the Executive Director and founder of Never Too Late, an Indianapolis-based charity that grants wishes to seniors. Since January of 2000, Haverstick and his group of volunteers have been helping seniors make their wildest dreams come true.
And wild those dreams are. Take for example, Bob Leavitt, whose dream was to fly an N2S "Yellow Peril" biplane for his eightieth birthday. Or 94-year-old George Rush who wanted to record an album (you can hear him sing on the group's Web site, www.nevertoolate.org, under "wishes granted"). For their 60th wedding anniversary, Ester and Albert McDaniel chose to fulfill their dream of parachuting together. With over 1300 wishes granted, the list of fulfilled dreams goes on and on.
From reuniting family members to trips around the track to hitting the ball at Victory field, seniors everywhere are getting an experience of a lifetime. Why seniors? Statistics show, says Haverstick, that on average, 60 percent of those residing in nursing homes across the nation have no one to visit them. The elderly, he feels, are a forgotten generation. Giving these people a bit of joy gives him pleasure.
Haverstick has a long history of helping others. While serving in the army, he initiated a campaign to acquire dialysis machines for Methodist Hospital. Prior to founding Never Too Late, he worked for a large corporation where his job was to allocate funds to charitable causes. In 1998, Haverstick, along with radio producer Al Stone, created Heart to Heart, a program connecting persons in need with persons who can help. Helping others is a part of who Bob Haverstick is.
There was a time when he almost gave up on the idea; obstacles led him to believe he was on the wrong path. However, with a little encouragement from others, he granted what he thought would be the last wish; giving a senior with Alzheimer's a tractor ride. Watching the man come to life on that tractor, and seeing the tears of joy stream down the daughter's face changed everything.
"I realized what a ripple effect these wishes have," says Haverstick. Everyone involved, from the wish recipients to the families, to those who help put the wish, together is touched by the experience. "I get letters from vendors thanking me for asking them to be a part of the wish," exclaims Haverstick. Many are following his example; after hearing about the organization, people across the country have asked him to help them set up their own senior wish foundation.
Never Too Late is a 501c3 public charity. Because Haverstick does not take a salary and volunteers run the organization, 99 percent of donations go toward granting wishes. Those interested in requesting a wish or helping the organization can check out
www.nevertoolate.org, call (317) 823-4705 or e-mail Bob at
stick47@aol.com.