Making wishes come true.

That's the goal of the Dreamin' to Eagle Golf Outing.

The fourth annual event takes place Sept. 17 at Birdsfoot Golf Club, just north of Freeport. It is put together by Don't Stop Dreamin', a nonprofit organization based in Butler.

“We grant dreams to residents who are in skilled nursing facilities, personal care homes and hospice care under the direction of Quality Life Services,” said executive director Patty Kirkpatrick. “It's equivalent to the Make-a-Wish Foundation for kids.”

Over the past three years, the golf outing has raised $22,000, which has been used to make a wide variety of dreams come true.

“We had a 102-year-old veteran who wanted to go up in a hot-air balloon and we took him to Lancaster (Pa.) to do that,” said Kirkpatrick. “Another wish from a resident was to go fishing for walleye on Lake Erie. We've also taken people to Pirates and Steelers games and concerts like “Three Dog Night” and “The Rolling Stones.” Trips to casinos are also popular.

“Some wishes are simple while others are more extensive,” added Kirkpatrick. “All residents are allowed to submit an application, but family members and staff at the facility often help with that. A board reviews each application and decides if it is viable for us to fulfill the wish. A medical team has to OK it. We keep in mind the safety and welfare of the residents.”

This will be the second straight year the golf outing, a scramble format, will be held at Birdsfoot. It was played at Conley's Resort the first two years.

Fee is $80 per golfer and will include 18 holes of golf, cart, a continental breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. Entry deadline is Aug. 31. Kirkpatrick said the maximum number of golfers will be 144.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. the day of the outing and golfing will begin with a shotgun start at 10 a.m.

“We try to move this event around every couple of years,” she added. “Every year, it has been sold out and that's not typical for a lot of golf outings. We're hoping to do that again.”

For more information or to become a tee sponsor for $50, call 724-431-0770.

Kirkpatrick has seen the reactions and heard the responses of the residents who have had their wishes fulfilled.

“They say things like, 'This is one of the best days of my life!' and 'I can't believe someone did this for me!'

“They are very grateful.”