The news that she had been selected from some 2,500 applicants across the country to be recognized as a L’Oreal Paris “Women of Worth,” honoree shocked Cass Forkin.
“It was such an honor,” said the founder and president of Twilight Wish Foundation, the Jamison-based national nonprofit that’s been granting wishes for seniors since 2003.
The high-powered recognition, said Forkin, 62, “shows there’s an understanding that seniors have wishes too.”
Each year, the cosmetics giant honors 10 women leaders of nonprofits who are inspiring a sense of worth in others. In keeping with the company’s “You’re Worth It,” branding, the program is titled “Women of Worth.”
For Forkin to qualify, representatives from L’Oreal Paris spent three days in Jamison learning about the foundation’s work, including traveling to Philadelphia to film the fulfilling of U.S. Navy veteran Roger Whitaker’s wish to sail on a wind-driven ship one more time.
Honorees are flown to Paris and treated to a five-star experience of hotels, gifts, flowers and dining. The lavish awards ceremony even includes a walk down the red carpet as a dozen professional photographers snap their picture.
“It was surreal,” Forkin said, in a recent interview. “I never expected to be walking a red carpet.”
Besides the celebrity-like treatment, there were also A-List actresses such as Andie MacDowell and Helen Mirren, who honored each woman and spoke of their charity’s work.
MacDowell, who introduced Forkin at the event, is considering being a spokeswoman for Twilight Wish, said the foundation’s founder.
“I really felt that everyone there understood that ‘we’re all worth it.’”
Each of the nonprofits received a $25,000 gift to support their work. Forkin said the money has already helped Twilight Wish open five more chapters across the nation. Each also has professionally produced social media content that’s shown on multiple platforms.
“I’m very thankful to L’Oreal for choosing me and Twilight Wish and helping make the country a nicer place to age,” said Forkin.
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