September 7, 2022
by Sheryl Wilde
When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you
When you wish upon a star
Your dreams come true
~Jiminy Cricket
When is the last time you wished upon a star?
I remember, as a young girl, camping on the shores of Lake Superior in Minnesota. Late at night, I’d lay outside by the crackling campfire, listening to the song of the crickets, and looking up at the sky in wonder. As dreams filled my heart, and shimmering dots of light filled the sky, I’d close my eyes tight and send my wishes to the stars.
It was a time when everything seemed possible.
We all have dreams. And part of our mission at Mountain Shadows is to help our family of residents fulfill their dreams – residents like Josh (see “Dreams on Clouds”).
You can help Josh, and other residents, live their dreams by joining us at the 28th Annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, October 24th, 2022.
Dan Marrs, Chair of this year’s Golf Committee, has played in nearly every tournament for the past 28 years. g us at the 28th Annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, October 24th, 2022.
Dan Marrs, Chair of this year’s Golf Committee, has played in nearly every tournament for the past 28 years.
Dan is a Senior Vice President at HUB International, a full-service insurance brokerage specializing in workers compensation and risk management. HUB International is one of the leading insurance brokerages in the world.
“The Mountain Shadows Fall Classic Golf Tournament has always been great,” says Dan. “I’m hoping to continue that legacy this year.”
Jim Swartout, Partner at Considine & Considine, and former Mountain Shadows Board Member, has played in the Classic for more than 10 years. “The Mountain Shadows Classic Golf Tournament is one of the best, if not the best run golf tournament I’ve ever played – and it’s one of the most worthwhile causes out there. Mountain Shadows serves a great need in the community.”
Don Vonk, Partner at Considine & Considine agrees, “I’m one of only 3 or 4 golfers that have played in every single tournament since the beginning. Somewhere in life, we need to pick what we believe in and stick with it. I believe in Mountain Shadows.
“I love when we get to meet the residents at the tournament. They are so friendly, so positive! We get to see why we are there. It’s wonderful to see that.”
Don also made a 60-foot putt at the Classic several years ago, winning $10,000!
“I’m so happy Mountain Shadows will be doing the tournament this year. I used to bring my kids to the Mountain Shadows parade and they still talk about it – 20 years later!”
Dick Marrs, former Golf Committee Chair and brother of Dan says, “The Mountain Shadows Classic is just a fun event. It’s great to get everyone together, play golf, socialize, enjoy good food & drinks, and support a worthwhile organization.
“It’s a quality event. And it’s wonderful to see the good work they do and support that. Mountain Shadows wants to give each golfer a great experience and wants to reward their support of the Mountain Shadows Community.”
This year’s tournament will be held at the exclusive Santa Luz Club, a Rees Jones-designed, 300-acre, championship course. The Classic is a unique opportunity to play at this private course. “It’s a challenging course and it’s a beautiful setting,” says Dan.
“This tournament isn’t just about playing golf,” he continues. “I care about Mountain Shadows. I’ve been involved long enough to see the great work they do. It’s truly inspiring.
“I have met some of the residents onsite and at the tournament. It’s great to see how happy they are to be there and how happy they are in general. It’s nice to see the smiles on their faces. They always seem to have smiles on their faces. I’m always struck by that. It’s nice to see.
“We’re looking forward to having a great turnout. We want everybody to come out and have a good time. We want everyone to come out and support the cause – to come out and support Mountain Shadows!
“I’m really honored to be involved in the Mountain Shadows Classic. And I’m thrilled to be able to give back and contribute in some small way.”
The Mountain Shadows Classic Golf Tournament is our primary fundraising event of the year. The funds raised are used directly to support our Mountain Shadows residents and programs – and they help us in our mission of making our residents’ dreams come true.
As I was writing this story, I was thinking about Josh, and how he had inspired me to live my dreams.
In honor of Josh, I went outside last night and just looked up at the sky. It’s something I hadn’t taken the time to do in a long, long time.
I was overwhelmed with the magnificence of it. And I thought back to all the dreams I’d had as a young girl – and about the dreams I have now.
Then I thought about Josh and his dreams.
And I closed my eyes tight, and wished as hard as I could – and I sent my wish to the stars:
“Josh, may all your dreams come true.”
Please join us on October 24th at the Santa Luz Club to help Josh, and all of our Mountain Shadows residents, achieve their dreams.
“I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?’” ~George Bernard Shaw
What are your dreams?
