Charlotte Brings Joy to Children in Need at A Moment of Magic Fall Ball
On a lovely evening in Charlotte, the spirit of giving filled the air as UNC Charlotte played host to the first-ever Fall Ball organized by the student chapter of A Moment of Magic (AMoM) on October 19. As part of their mission to provide joy and emotional support to children battling severe illnesses, this exciting event aimed to turn a night of fun into a beacon of hope for many medically and socially vulnerable kids.
A Heartfelt Mission
A Moment of Magic, founded in 2015 by the passionate Kylee McGrane, focuses on bringing smiles to the faces of children who need it the most. Through the presence of costumed characters, AMoM visits children in hospitals, foster care systems, and orphanages, reminding them they are still just kids—not just patients or foster children. “We focus on the mental health aspect of things,” shares Jada Sanchez, the chapter president at UNC Charlotte. “We want to remind children that they’re simply kids, capable of joy and happiness, no matter their circumstances.”
A Night of Community and Fun
The Fall Ball was much more than just a fundraiser; it was a vibrant celebration of community spirit. Months of planning resulted in an evening filled with live performances, delicious food, and engaging activities. Sanchez remarked, “Almost all our attendees were students, which beautifully brought the Niner Nation community together.” With talented performers taking the stage, including K-pop dancers and acapella groups, attendees were treated to a rich tapestry of entertainment.
Raffles and Rewards
In true festive spirit, the event offered a variety of exciting raffle prizes ranging from a ➔ 20-person wine-tasting class at Total Wine to ➔ tickets for Wet n Wild amusement park. Raffle tickets were available at different price points, from just $1-$2 for smaller prizes to $10 for the high-demand rewards. This made it easy for everyone to participate and contribute to the cause while also having a chance to win something fun!
Sharing Impact Stories
Throughout the event, representatives from the national AMoM team shared personal stories that emphasized the profound impact the organization has on both children and their families. Sanchez noted, “We’re not only serving the child; we’re serving their family too. Hearing heartfelt testimonials from parents about how grateful they are for our services means so much.”
Funds for a New Program
The funds raised during the Fall Ball are set to support A Moment of Magic’s new mental health initiative titled “Express, Create, Heal.” This exciting program is designed to uplift and empower children and families affected by difficult illnesses, especially cancer. Sanchez explains, “These workshops aren’t just about teaching breathing exercises. They’re all about empowering children to believe they are beautiful and resilient, no matter what they are going through.”
Looking to the Future
Thanks to the overwhelming support from the students, the Charlotte community, and volunteers, the Fall Ball has sparked discussions about making it an annual tradition, with plans for smaller, informal gatherings throughout the semester. “Events like this empower people to come together and ensure that the programs we put on for the kids are amazing,” concludes Sanchez. “The kids deserve nothing but the best.”
Transformative Engagement
The Fall Ball was not just a successful fundraising event; it was also a reminder of the importance of community involvement in making a difference. Attendees learned about the challenges faced by these children, leading to increased awareness and a strong sense of responsibility among participants. This engagement fosters understanding and encourages action from those who may have previously been unaware of these unique challenges.
As A Moment of Magic continues to grow through events like the Fall Ball, there’s no doubt that both the kids they support and the students who volunteer will feel the enduring impact of this heartfelt mission in the beloved city of Charlotte.
