Student-Run Nonprofit Inspires Miracles for Children in Need
8/11/2016
Riverdale, N.Y. – A Moment of Magic Foundation works tirelessly to make miracles happen for children in need across New York State and beyond. The group, formerly known on campus as The Princess Project, has recently been recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Aiming to give all who need an experience that can lift them above the everyday—especially important to those who are hospitalized over a long period of time—the program provides college-age students the opportunity to volunteer at numerous hospitals, schools, camps, and social service agencies, dressed as some of the world’s most popular characters and princesses.
Mount seniors Kylee McGrane and Margaret McAndrew established the group with a mission: To restore the magic of believing at 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 magic of believing far beyond the gates of Mount Saint Vincent, encouraging the program to be adopted by colleges and universities across the United States as either The Fairytale Force, which focuses on the characters from the world’s most famous fairytales, or Mission Super Hero, which allows volunteers to visit children as superheroes.
The organization’s outreach has also allowed them to partner with other like-minded projects and individuals, including: The Magic Yarn Project, which provides children with yarn wigs from their favorite characters; Miss New York USA 2016 Serena Bucaj, who visited several New York hospitals with the group’s characters; and with Kutztown University student Rachel Behm, a graphic designer who generously donated the logos that the group uses on their website.
Beyond partnerships, volunteers have traveled across New York to visit children at the Ronald McDonald House New York in Manhattan, CURE Childhood Cancer Association in Rochester, Cohen Children’s Hospital and Miracle League Network on Long Island, Saint Mary’s Hospital in Queens, Montefiore Children’s Hospital in the Bronx, and the Riverdale Childhood Center and Saint Margaret’s Elementary School in Riverdale. They have visited the Children’s Specialty Hospital, Jersey Shore Children’s Hospital, and Saint Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in New Jersey; NIH The Children’s Inn in Bethesda, Maryland; Dodson Elementary School, The Graham Academy, and Kistler Elementary School in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania; as well as the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta Egleston and the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta Scottish Rite in Atlanta, Georgia, among many others.
This August, the organization held one of their largest events yet, performing in front of more than 350 children at the Sunrise Day Camp on Long Island, in Wheatley Heights, New York. The Sunshine Day Camp is the world’s first full-summer day camp for children with cancer and their siblings, provided completely free of charge.
A Moment of Magic isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and has many remaining events through the summer, including: visits to branches of the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, Georgia, from August 16 through 20; attending an event for children with severe disabilities in Florian Park, New Jersey, on August 22; and attending CureFest in Washington, D.C., to advocate for pediatric cancer and host a meet and greet with Frozen’s Elsa and Anna, from September 16 through 18.
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.