Charlotte Shines Bright at A Moment of Magic’s Fall Charity Ball
On a crisp evening in Charlotte, North Carolina, the spirit of community came alive at the UNC Charlotte campus. On October 19, the local chapter of A Moment of Magic (AMoM) held its annual Fall Ball, an event dedicated to raising funds for children facing severe illnesses and challenges. As the air cooled down to a pleasant low of 46°F, the excitement in the venue was anything but chilly.
Making a Difference One Smile at a Time
A Moment of Magic, founded in 2015 by Kylee McGrane, has been on a heartwarming mission to deliver joy to medically and socially vulnerable children. Through visits from costumed characters, AMoM not only brightens the days of these children but also emphasizes the importance of mental health. “We focus on the mental health aspect of things,” said Jada Sanchez, the chapter president. “So that’s just reminding the children that they are just a kid. They’re not a patient in a hospital. They’re not a foster child in an orphanage. They’re just a kid.”
A Night of Fun, Fundraising, and Connection
The Fall Ball turned out to be much more than just a fundraising event. It was a vibrant celebration filled with laughter, entertainment, and community spirit. Over several months of careful planning, the AMoM team set up a delightful evening that included live performances that spanned various genres—everything from lively K-pop dancing to captivating poetry.
As attendees mingled and enjoyed a delicious spread of food, the atmosphere was filled with excitement. Raffle prizes drew lots of interest, featuring enticing items like a 20-person wine-tasting class and tickets to the local Wet n Wild amusement park. Sanchez explained that tickets for the raffle ranged from an affordable $1-$2 for smaller prizes to $10 for more sought-after items, ensuring everyone had a chance to contribute to the cause.
More Than Just Fundraising: Spreading Awareness
The event served a dual purpose: raising funds while also shining a light on A Moment of Magic’s important mission. Representatives from the national AMoM team joined the festivities, sharing their personal stories and experiences. Attendees had the chance to hear firsthand accounts from parents expressing their gratitude for the support they received, as well as the impact it had not only on their children but the entire family.
“We’re not only serving the child, we’re serving their family. Hearing firsthand from parents how grateful they are for our services and even that they see us as companions really means a lot,” Sanchez added.
Funding New Initiatives: ‘Express, Create, Heal’
The funds raised during the Fall Ball will directly benefit AMoM’s exciting new mental health program called “Express, Create, Heal.” This initiative aims to provide emotional support through workshops and interactive activities designed to uplift children and families impacted by cancer. According to Sanchez, these workshops go beyond just basic coping strategies; they’re focused on empowering children to recognize their strength and resilience amidst challenging circumstances.
A Bright Future Ahead
The success of the Fall Ball sparked conversations about making this charitable event an enduring tradition in the Charlotte community. Sanchez expressed her hope for smaller, informal events throughout the semester to keep the momentum going. “Events like this empower people to come together and ensure that the programs we put on for the kids are amazing,” she said. “The kids deserve nothing but the best.”
Community Involvement Matters
The warm sense of community that filled the room during the Fall Ball underscored the importance of collective engagement in supporting such initiatives. The attendees learned that by participating, they could play a vital role in making a real difference in the lives of children who desperately need joy and support.
As the evening came to a close, it was evident that A Moment of Magic continues to create ripples of positivity not just among the children it serves but also within the student community at UNC Charlotte. With a bright future ahead, we’re excited to see how AMoM will continue to grow and inspire change in the lives of many.
