Ann Albert, a 52-year-old Berea mother of two who's clearly unaccustomed to the spotlight, just might see a wish of hers come true.

That is, if she can get enough fairy godmothers to vote online for her before Sept. 15.

As one of 10 finalists selected for the "Refresh Your Life" contest for people over 45, she could be the lucky baby boomer who wins $20,000 to pursue a dream.

In a video on the contest Web site, she somewhat shyly spells out her idea to create a program to provide instruments and art supplies for needy youths.

"A vote for me is a vote for the children of Cleveland, to support their goals and their dreams," she declares in the video, shot by a contest crew at familiar locations such as the Cleveland Museum of Art and Severance Hall.

The contest, sponsored by Subway, Microsoft and MSN, targeted boomers across the nation and asked them to state what they are passionate about doing in the next chapter of their lives.

The idea appealed to Albert, a former at-home mom who works as e-commerce coordinator at an online retailer, AmeriMark Direct, so she filled out the online essay.

Never dreaming she might have a shot at winning, she didn't even bother to save a copy.

She hasn't had a fairy tale life so far. Her husband, Frank, was laid off from a plastics job in 2002 and financial challenges continued after he launched his own business. She decided to become a Realtor, but the real estate market tanked after she earned her license in 2005.

Trying again to reinvent herself, she went back to school at age 50 for a master's degree.

"She's a real surprise. She's a quiet woman and she often speaks in whispers," said Elizabeth Stiles, director of John Carroll University's nonprofit administration program. "But the more that you get to know her and talk with her, the more impressed you become."

For years, Albert said, she has wanted to pursue her nonprofit idea, which she has named Cleveland Rocks for the Arts (rocksforthearts.org). She thought it might take years to build, but the prize money could jump-start it immediately.

So she's making the media rounds, in hopes that voting for her goes viral. Cleveland Rocks for the Arts is really needed now, she said, with the economy forcing local schools to cut back on arts programs and more parents unable to afford arts supplies.

To vote, go to http://fittoboom.msnbc.msn.com.

The winner will be announced Oct. 16.