She's Taking A Big Leap on 80th Birthday

Barbara Morales, along with her 82-year-old husband, Frank, will make a tandem skydive over Lake Elsinore to benefit a nonprofit they've supported for the last five decades—the Easter Seals.

"We're really not nervous or scared," Barbara Morales said. "My husband even plans to dive in his tuxedo."

According to Morales, she was inspired to parachute out of an airplane by former President George H.W. Bush, who celebrated his 85th birthday with a successful jump in 2009.

"Our motto is to 'have fun, make money and make a difference,' " said Frank Morales. "We hope to set an example for all people that you can do what you might think you can't."

The couple have been married for 62 years and have five adult children—Charles, David, Denice, Marcia and Victoria.

A champagne toast, raffle, prizes and other fare are planned before and after the skydive, which is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Skylark Field in Lake Elsinore. Admission is $15, and all proceeds go to Easter Seals Disability Services.

More than 50 people are expected to be on hand to celebrate with the Morales family. Barbara and Frank are hoping to raise at least $500.

"We want to help people at Easter Seals," Barbara said. "If we hear someone needs help, we don't ever walk away."

The organization provides a variety of services, including programs geared to childhood development, senior daycare, therapy for autistic kids and job training.

Two of the Morales' children -- David and Victoria -- will skydive with them, and there's room for more, organizers said.

For additional information about the birthday celebration, contact Denice Kennedy at DMKennedy6@gmail.com. To reach Skydive Elsinore, call (951) 245-9939. --City News Service