The ‘Magic’ Continues to Spread
1/13/2017
A Moment of Magic featured on The Today Show
Riverdale, N.Y.– The Today Show has featured A Moment of Magic, a Mount Saint Vincent student–led nonprofit in which members dress as popular characters to visit children in hospitals, schools, camps, and social service agencies in New York State and beyond, in an exclusive story and video.
The group, formerly known on campus as The Princess Project, was recently recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The program’s mission is to lift the spirits of children who need it most—especially those hospitalized over a long period of time.
Mount seniors Kylee McGrane and Margaret McAndrew established the group to restore the magic of believing in a time when a child needs to just be a kid, reminding them to be brave, strong, and fearless. The co-founders continue to spread the hope of believing far beyond the gates of Mount Saint Vincent, encouraging the initiative to be adopted by colleges and universities across the U.S. as either The Fairytale Force, which focuses on characters from the world’s most famous fairytales, or Mission Superhero, which allows volunteers to visit children as caped crusaders. The group currently has over 40 volunteers—and continues growing.
A Moment of Magic reached 5,000 children in 2016 alone.
The students’ efforts reflect the Mount’s Leaders in Service initiative, in which students are united by a shared concern for others. Students are inducted into this culture of service during the First Year Experience course, and that commitment is sustained through ongoing projects addressing hunger, homelessness, educational disparities, and human trafficking, among many others.
The Seton Service and Leadership Scholars Program offers a special opportunity to students who have demonstrated an exemplary devotion to promoting the common good. Partnering with local social service agencies, students have the opportunity to volunteer with some of the most disadvantaged populations all across New York City.
Learn more about Leaders in Service.
About A Moment of Magic Foundation
A Moment of Magic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that allows college-age students an opportunity to volunteer at children’s hospitals and schools dressed as some of the world’s most beloved princesses. The organization visits children in need, free of charge to the institution. The group provides services such as individual visits, bedside visits, group visits, story readings, and special events—just to name a few. To learn more about the organization, please visit: amomentofmagic.org.
About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847 by the Sisters of Charity, the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers nationally recognized liberal arts education and a select array of professional fields of study on a landmark campus overlooking the Hudson River. Committed to the education of the whole person, and enriched by the unparalleled cultural, educational and career opportunities of New York City, the College equips students with the knowledge, skills and experiences necessary for lives of achievement, professional accomplishment and leadership in the 21st century.