In celebration of its 10th anniversary in northwest lower Michigan, Comfort Keepers has launched a Golden Wishes program, giving local seniors a chance to have a wish come true this year. It could be something on a "bucket list," or something they may have thought was too late to pursue.

Friends and family are encouraged to nominate a deserving senior. They can be submitted online now through August 17. Forms are also available at the Comfort Keepers office in Traverse City. To be eligible, the nominee must be a minimum age of 65, a resident of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, Otsego or Wexford counties, unable to fulfill the wish on their own but capable of experiencing the wish.

Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges formed by Comfort Keepers, based on adherence to age and residence requirements, integrity of the nominee, senior’s community involvement, impact that granting of the wish would have on the nominee, and the ability and practicality of administering the wish. Winners will then be selected by review of written entries and/or phone interviews.

Winners will be announced in September, and a celebration will take place in October for Comfort Keepers 10-year anniversary and all Golden Wishes recipients. In 10 years, Comfort Keepers of Northern Lower Michigan has helped 2,598 families, served 21 counties, provided 1,278,000 hours of service to seniors, and awarded 28 college scholarships to caregivers.

For more information about Golden Wishes, call 929-9044.