A ‘Magic’ Moment: Video of CMSV Student-Led Nonprofit Goes Viral
11/2/2016
An Elite Daily video showcasing 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, has gone viral, with nearly 70 million views on Facebook since its release in October 2016. And according to Elite Daily, it is the most watched Elite Daily video of all time.
The group is recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with a mission is to lift the spirits of children who need it most—especially those hospitalized over a long period of time.
Mount graduates Kylee McGrane ’16 and Margaret McAndrew ’16 established the group during their time at the College, 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. A Moment of Magic also encourages the initiative to be adopted far beyond the gates of Mount Saint Vincent—the group has over 50 chapter applications coming in from all over the country. Colleges and universities across the U.S. can participate 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 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 Program also 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 our 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.