Magic Moments

What’s Inside
Magic Moments
Family Camp 2007
From the Eyes of...
a Magic Maker
Young Leaders of
Magic Moments
Fundraiser
Upcoming Events
2007 Tum Tum Tree
Foundation Wine
Auction Weekend
November 2-3
Holiday Card
Fundraiser
Night at the Circus
January 25
In The Next Issue
Read about another
fabulous Night at the
Circus
See how the clays
flew at the 3rd Annual
Children’s Harbor and
Magic Moments
Sporting Clay Shoot
Breanna is all smiles as she meets her hero, Toby Keith
ALWAYS THE TROOPER
Since the age of 2, Breanna has
had a series of illnesses a mile long.
The most serious one has been
panhypopituitarism, a rare condition
which has caused her to develop a
wide variety of complications including
severe hormone deficiencies, extreme
fatigue, liver disease and early-stage
diabetes. Despite frequent hospital
visits, extensive testing and a multitude
of medications, Breanna is still able
to maintain an optimistic attitude
towards life. For example, last year she
donated her hair to Locks of Love, an
organization that provides hairpieces
to children suffering from long-term
medical hair loss.
Like most teenagers her age, Breanna
loves music. So it was no surprise
when she asked to meet her favorite
country music singer Toby Keith. On
June 21, her wish came true, and
Breanna and her parents headed
to the Verizon Wireless Music Center
in Pelham. She was so excited,
not just because she was meeting her
favorite star but also because
this would be her first concert
experience.
Once there, they made their way
to the backstage area to meet Toby
Keith. Knowing that he was a former
football player, Breanna gave him a
football with a special note written
on it. Toby reciprocated the gift with
a huge hug which left her beaming
with excitement! After spending a
few moments with him, she and her
parents joined the rest of the crowd
for the concert. According to her
mother, Breanna’s eyes lit up with
Continued on page 2
Special Magic Moments
Continued from Cover
joy when Toby first walked on
stage, and she went crazy when
he sang her favorite song, “Angry
American.” It was the happiest she
had seen her daughter in a very
long time.
Since the concert, she has
received a copy of Toby’s latest CD
and an autographed photo which is
proudly displayed on her bedroom
wall. Breanna is now in the 8th
grade, and she has recently been
able to go back to school parttime. She continues to be a huge
inspiration to those around her.
X GAMES... X’TRA FUN
Nevertheless, he was not giving up
on his dream of skateboarding.
After months of rehabilitation and
surgery to insert titanium rods into
his right leg, he regained use of
his right side and was soon able to
walk again. He had also regained
most of his memory, but he still
could not skate. Instead, he would
sit on the back porch and watch
his friends, unsure of whether he
would ever be able to join them
again. Remarkably, Gunter was
soon back in school, skating with
his friends and anxiously awaiting
his magic moment – he was going
to the X Games in Los Angeles
to see his hero and legendary
skateboarder, Tony Hawk!
Gunter’s trip began on the first
day of August when his family
boarded a plane and set out for
November 26, 2006 is a day that
Gunter and his family will never
forget. They were involved in a
horrific car
accident,
and Gunter
was
immediately
flown to
Children’s
Hospital in
Birmingham
for
emergency
medical
attention.
He remained
in a coma
Gunter stands in front of one of the X-Game courses
for four
days, and the list of injuries was
California. Little did he know how
long. Through surgery, doctors
many surprises were in store for
were able to relieve the pressure
him. Upon arrival at their hotel,
on his brain, and Gunter woke
Gunter and his brother, Dylan,
up. However, the right side of his
were welcomed with milk and giant
body remained paralyzed, and he
cookies along with a sightseeing
had severe memory loss. While
tour and a visit to the famous
devastating to any child, this was
Hollywood Walk of Fame. But this
especially hard on Gunter because was only the beginning!
he had recently fallen in love with
The following day, Gunter and
the sport of skateboarding and had his family where whisked away
just asked for a new skateboard.
Page 2
to the Staples Center where they
received special VIP passes to the
skateboarding warm-up sessions
and tickets to the BMX motocross
and skateboard events. After
watching the competitors perform
amazing jumps and tricks, it was
time to meet his idol. Gunter was
taken to a special area where he
was greeted by Tony Hawk. They
took a few pictures, and then
Tony gave each of the brothers an
autographed skateboard deck.
August 2, 2007 also became
a day that Gunter will never
forget; however, this day would
be remembered by only happy
memories. According to his mom,
he has not stopped smiling!
AN APPLE A DAY
Megan, a bright young girl from
Dothan, is not your ordinary
teenager. Since the age of one,
she has had to deal with the
problems of sickle cell anemia, a
blood disease which comes with
a host of problems. The last few
years have been especially tough
due to lengthy hospital stays and a
bone marrow transplant. Originally
from New Orleans, Megan and her
parents moved to Dothan after the
wrath of Hurricane Katrina. Soon
after, she began having more
medical problems, and Children’s
Hospital became her second
home.
Once connected with Magic
Moments, Megan had the difficult
task of deciding on a wish. She
wanted to make sure she chose
something she could enjoy for
years to come. After thinking
long and hard, she opted for a
shopping spree at the Apple store.
Unable to actually visit the store
herself, Megan made a detailed
wish list for her wish chair to fulfill.
Special Magic Moments
ago, Joe was
diagnosed with
end stage renal
disease. Since
that time, he
has been on
daily dialysis
treatments,
a long list of
medications, and
has had to endure
numerous visits
to the doctor. But
he hasn’t let his
illness stop him.
Megan turns on her new Apple computer for the first time
This brave young
The list included a new computer
man has somehow managed to
for school, a printer and an I-pod
stay involved in numerous school
which would especially come in
activities like the yearbook staff
handy for this music lover.
and Key Club. He was even
On June 29, Megan experienced
elected student body president!
not one, but two special moments.
Last Spring, Joe was asked what
First, Megan received the news
his magic
that she was being discharged
moment would
from the hospital and could go
be. “Disney
home to Dothan! Then she was
World!” he
presented with her magic moment
replied with
from Apple. Megan couldn’t wait
a grin. So
to get the computer out of the box.
in July, Joe
After checking out its abundance
and his family
of cool programs and features, she
packed their
set out for home sweet home.
bags and
Megan will soon turn 17 and
headed south
hopes to return to New Orleans.
for Orlando.
She plans to get a degree in
He couldn’t
biomedical engineering at Tulane
wait to ride all
University, which she believes has
the thrilling
one of the best medical programs
roller coasters!
in the country. However, she has
Once they settled into their
a passion for following the stock
villa at the Give Kids the World
market and reading books on
Village, they hit the theme parks.
investing money. So who knows,
At Sea World they enjoyed the
Megan might instead end up on
dolphin and whale exhibits. Then
Wall Street!
they boarded a jet helicopter for an
unforgettable, motion-based flight
to the “Wild Arctic” where they
JOE’S THRILLING
were up-close-and-personal with
ADVENTURE
real walruses, whales and polar
bears.
After a series of serious health
Over the next few days, Joe
problems almost two years
Page 3
visited all kinds of wild creatures
at the Animal Kingdom and rode
spine-tingling rides at both MGM
and Universal Studios. The
“Tower of Terror” was definitely
the most memorable. Although
it was probably the scariest of
all, Joe couldn’t stay away from
this haunted hotel tour that sends
guests plunging 13 stories on
an old freight elevator. After the
exhausting rides, it was time
to chow down. Located inside
the Islands of Adventure was
Joe’s favorite restaurant, Toon
Lagoon, which featured many of
the characters from the Sunday
Funnies. He also enjoyed getting
a taste of Paris at Epcot’s France
Pavilion. While very different from
the usual American cheeseburger,
Joe loved every bite.
Joe (right) and brother Willie enjoy Disney World.
It was hard to leave the world of
imagination, but Joe and his family
soon returned home to Greenville
with a lifetime of memories. While
he’s now able to lead a more
normal life, he still struggles with
missing school due to checkups
and tests. However, he just began
his senior year of high school and
hopes to attend law school one
day.
Special Magic Moments
dealing with the high costs of
medical bills and is unable to
give Michael many of the comforts
and joys in life that so many of
By Jennifer Cousins
us take for granted each day.
Dear Magic Moments,
Through the grace of God and
On Thursday, September 14,
the generosity of Rooms-To-Go,
I had the opportunity to meet and
Bed, Bath & Beyond, and many
grant a very special wish for a
other supporters, I am happy to
13-year-old young man by the
announce that Magic Moments
name of Michael. Michael was
has helped bring joy to one young
diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease
boy who continues his struggle to
hold on to
life.
I’ve
included
a few
pictures
of Michael
and his
new
bedroom,
which is
equipped
with a new
captain’s
bed,
mattress,
dresser,
Michael thanks Jennifer with big a smile mirror,
and Pulmonary
night
Venoclusive Disease back in
stand and entertainment armoire
March of 2006. According to his
(all donated by Rooms-To-Go).
parents, the doctors have told
We were also able to get a 40%
them that Michael has about two
discount on items purchased
more years with us unless he has
at Bed, Bath & Beyond, which
both a heart and lung transplant.
included a new Nautica comforter,
Michael is a vibrant young man,
sham and decorative pillow. A
but is currently on 24-hour oxygen
new 20” television set complete
treatment that confines him to
with DVD and VHS player now
his home. He has been through
adorns the top of Michael’s enterextensive chemotherapy and his
tainment center. To complete
lungs have collapsed twice since
the room, we furnished him with
his diagnosis. Needless to say,
new pillows, sheets, draperies
he’s been through a lot since being and other nautical accessories to
diagnosed.
match Michael’s taste and wishes.
Michael’s wish was for a new
As an added bonus, we were
bedroom suite and television
able to give Michael an additional
set. Just like many other Magic
surprise. One of Michael’s wishes
Moment’s families, this family is
was for a van with a DVD player in
FROM THE EYES OF...
A MAGIC MAKER
Page 4
it. But given that Magic Moments
does not grant car wishes, we
were able to give him the next
best thing – a portable DVD player
and five DVDs to take with him
wherever he goes!
The joy and smile on Michael’s
face was priceless. Thank you for
the opportunity to be a part of such
an amazing organization and for
all that you do for these children.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Cousins
Look for
“From the Eyes of...
a Wish Child”
in the next issue of
ABRACADABRA!
FAMILY CAMP 2007:
MEET THE TEAM
May 26-28 was not just any
ordinary weekend. It was
Memorial Day Weekend, which
did make it different from
most Saturdays and Sundays.
However, there were 47 reasons
this weekend was so extraordinary
– 47 young adults who converged
upon Lake Martin to serve as
counselors at Magic Moments 7th
Annual Family Camp at Children’s
Harbor.
What makes these camp
counselors so unique? Could
it be because 24 of them are
veteran camp counselors, some
having served seven consecutive
years at our Family Camp?
Could it be because some come
from as far away Wisconsin and
Texas each year to be with our
Magic Moments children and
families? Or could it be because
23 dedicated young adults heard
Special Magic Moments
about this splendid weekend
and decided they just had to be a
part of the Magic Moments Family
Camp for the first time? The
answer to all of those questions is
What a great group of Magic Moments counselors
If you were to ask any of the
counselors why they do it, they
would say “because of the
children, of course!” Beyond that,
though, each counselor would
share something that is special or
rewarding to them. Some would
say it’s hearing the children’s
laughter at the pool. Some
would say it’s seeing the look of
exhilaration on the children’s faces
as they return from a boat ride.
Some would say it’s the feeling of
excitement when a child catches
his first fish or the sweet joy as a
child makes her own pillow during
arts-and-crafts time. Some would
say it’s the one-on-one time as
they help a child with his or her
meal while mom and dad enjoy
a “parents night out” on the other
side of campus. Some would say
it’s even challenging the moms
against the dads in an exciting
game of Pictionary! Some would
say it’s the uninhibited pleasure of
dancing with three children at once
during the annual Saturday night
dance. And some would say it’s
the pride they feel when watching
a child sing a song during the
Sunday night talent show. Without
to be anywhere else during that
three-day weekend, yet they
elect to be Magic Moments camp
counselors. Their jobs are not
easy, but they are rewarding. They
rise early each day
and rally the troops for
whatever activities the
day holds – swimming,
boating, canoeing, or
fishing. The counselors
help the children and
families
with their
needs
and keep
a close
Counselors help Taylor build a sandcastle.
watch on
a resounding yes!
every detail to insure
The Magic Moments camp
that everyone has
counselors are responsible,
a safe and fun-filled
dedicated, kindhearted young
weekend. And when
adults who have a common
these 47 counselors
goal: helping others. Under the
finally get to bed
coordination of Camp Director
at night, they bunk
Emily (left) and Caylen (right) hang out with camper Simon
Karen Kison, these individuals
down in a beautiful
a doubt, the whole weekend is a
come together as one of heart
but rustic – and unairconditioned
magical experience – because of
and spirit to make sure the Magic
– cabin. However, they rise again
the counselors, because of the
Moments families have not just a
the next day with helpful hearts
parents, and especially because of
good time but a magnificent time!
and big smiles.
the children.
The counselors could choose
Page 5
Donor News
polite and amazed that someone
wanted to grant a wish to her. She
felt she had not done anything
extraordinary, but we felt she had,”
states Michelle. To make this wish
Summit Products is a local toy
even more special, Michelle and
manufacturer that specializes in
her coworkers received an email
financial education toys, backyard
and photo from Jessica the night
exploration gear, and other toys
of her high school graduation.
for children ages four to teen,
Michelle said, “This just brought
and it has been named one of the
it home – how we can take for
fastest growing private companies
granted the everyday things we
in America and in the toy industry.
experience,
For the past
and here was
two years,
a young lady
they have
who was really
selected Magic
appreciating a
Moments as
second chance
the designated
to pursue her
charity for
future and
their corporate
dreams.”
gift. However,
Another
their motto of
employee
“giving back”
of Summit
doesn’t stop
Summit volunteers help grant a wish for Shelby.
Products,
there. Through a
Nathan Jones, Director of
volunteer program called Power of
One, Summit Products encourages Operations, also recalls his
favorite wish-granting experience
their employees to give their own
for John Michael who wanted a
time to others less fortunate.
Target shopping spree. He recalls
Several employees selected
Magic Moments to be the recipient how John Michael already had
a Bose sound system picked
of their time, and that was the
out and was ecstatic to make
beginning of some truly magical
such a large purchase. By the
wishes.
end of the shopping spree, John
Michelle McDonald, Summit’s
Credit Manager, recalls her favorite Michael left with two carts full and
wish for Jessica, a 17-year-old with was grinning ear to ear. As the
liver disease. Michelle remembers Summit volunteers left Target, they
discussed how fulfilling the day had
how touching she found Jessica’s
been. “It was so rewarding to be
story of being diagnosed at 17
involved in something that helped
during her senior year of high
school. In a matter of two months, put smiles on faces because
counting John Michael, his mom,
this young lady was diagnosed,
the Target staff, and the Summit
placed on the transplant list, and
team, there was not one without a
received her transplant. Michelle
smile,” said Nathan.
and her colleagues at Summit
This is just a sample of many
Products took Jessica to Best Buy
dreams Summit Products has
to fulfill her wish of a computer
made possible through their
and printer. “What touched me
about Jessica was that she was so generous support of funding and
THE POWER OF THE
VOLUNTEER
Page 6
time. We are most proud of our
unique partnership with them and
thank their entire team for making
so much magic happen for our
children.
REALTYSOUTH
NAMES MAGIC
MOMENTS AS 2007
CHARITY OF CHOICE
Maybe you are in the market
for a new home, or perhaps you
just occasionally peruse the real
estate section of the newspaper
to dream about that new home.
If so, you may have seen the
Magic Moments name associated
with RealtySouth, Birmingham’s
largest residential real estate
company.
RealtySouth is a strong
supporter of giving back to the
local community, and earlier
this year, they selected Magic
Moments as their Charity of
Choice for 2007. “Supporting
the needs of the community has
always been a big part of what
we do,” said Tommy Brigham,
RealtySouth’s CEO. “This
year, we felt it was important to
support Alabama’s homegrown
wish-granting organization
and help make the wishes and
dreams come true for Alabama’s
children,” Brigham said.
Over the past several months,
RealtySouth has been helping to
raise awareness and funding for
Magic Moments through a variety
of ways, including articles in
numerous real estate publications
as well as the inclusion of the
Magic Moments logo on some of
their real estate signage. So the
next time you are riding through
your neighborhood and see the
Magic Moments logo on a “sold”
Donor News
sign, it is one more way that
RealtySouth is supporting our
organization!
We are honored to have been
selected as RealtySouth’s
designated charity for 2007,
and we will be providing another
update on this partnership in the
next issue of ABRACADABRA.
CALLING ALL CARS
Old town Helena is usually pretty
quiet on a Saturday morning, but
May 11 was a little different. As
the sun shone on Buck Creek, the
cars began rolling in to participate
in the 13th Annual Sports Cars in
the Park. The Birmingham British
Motoring Club (BBMC), along with
the support of other British car
groups, produces this event, and
for the third year, Magic Moments
was the designated charity for their
event.
As a special addition to this year’s
show, the BBMC wanted to have
a Magic Moments wish recipient
serve as guest judge to select the
“Best in Show.” 12-year-old Cody
took on the challenge, and out
of 112 cars chose a 1984 Ferrari
Cody presents David his Best in Show award
Berlinetta Boxer belonging to
David Pratt. Ruben Greenwood,
BBMC Club President, said the
club was honored to have
Cody there and even made him an
honorary member of the BBMC!
The BBMC worked hard to secure
donations and raised $1,625 for
the Magic Moments Kids!
WE COULDN’T DO IT
WITHOUT YOU
Magic Moments is blessed to
have the support of groups all
over our great state. We would
like to take a moment and thank
a few who have been continuous
supporters over the years.
The Mid-Alabama Corvette
Club has been supporting Magic
Moments for 24 years! This year
was no exception when in May
they hosted their annual Corvette
Show benefiting Magic Moments.
From this one day alone, $2,250
was raised to help grant more
magic moments. This brings their
grand total to over $70,000.
Alpha Kappa Alpha (Omicron
Omega Chapter) has also been a
supporter of Magic Moments for
many years, and each year their
funding is used to grant a wish for
a child with Sickle Cell Disease.
For the third consecutive
year, David Carter and his
fellow motorcycle riders made
more magic as they conducted
“Making Magic With A Ride III” in
Tuscaloosa raising $1,025. They
also secured Modern Woodmen
of America as a matching donor
and doubled their donation! We
thank David and all the riders
who made this event a success.
The Cheaha Chapter of Credit
Unions has supported Magic
Moments over the past two years
through their fundraising efforts.
This year they donated $2,600 to
our children. Many thanks to this
great group.
As you can see, we really
couldn’t do it without the support
Page 7
of others, and we say a BIG
thank you to all who help raise
the necessary funding to make
the children’s wishes and
dreams come true. To find out
how your civic group, church or
neighborhood fundraising team
can help, please call the Magic
Moments office at (205) 9399372.
CROWN AUTOMOBILE
MAKES MAGIC
HAPPEN
Earlier this year, Magic Moments
was the recipient of some special
magic when Crown Automobile
of Birmingham included our
organization in a special sales
promotion. For every car that
was sold during one month,
Crown Automobile donated
$100 to Magic Moments. The
stupendous sales team at Crown
must have worked ‘round the
clock because when it was all
said and done, they presented
Magic Moments with a check in
the amount of $13,400! Needless
to say, this generous donation will
help provide so many fantastic
magic moments for Alabama’s
children.
We want to thank Johnny
Walker, General Manager of
Crown Automobile, and everyone
on the Crown staff – from the
marketing team who generated
the creative ads to promote the
campaign to the very efficient
sales team who “worked their
magic” and sold so many cars
– we sincerely thank you. We
are proud to include Crown as a
member of our Magic Moments
family of prestigious corporate
supporters.
Donor News
TENET HEALTHCARE
SUPPORTS
MAGIC MOMENTS
DOUBLE THE
EXPOSURE
Birmingham photographer
Katherine Berdy of KSB
Once again, Magic Moments
Photography wanted to find a
was the proud recipient of grant
way to incorporate her business
funding from Tenet Healthcare
into helping one of her favorite
Foundation. Gary Gause,
charities. She put on her thinking
President and CEO of Brookwood
cap and, after much thought,
came up with a way to
help her clients and Magic
Moments.
In order to help raise the
necessary funds to grant
wishes, Katherine is offering
a free set of proofs to all her
clients in exchange
for a donation to
Magic Moments. This
way, her clients will
gain extra memories
Gary Gause presents Pam Jones with the check
through the marvelous
photos of their own
Medical Center, presented a check
family, and at the same
to Magic Moments to support
time, they will be helping to
the cost of wishes for children
create a memory in the life
in Jefferson County. This is the
of another child’s family.
second year Tenet has provided
“This is a unique way to
support to Magic Moments, and
capture a moment in time
we are grateful to have their
for some and also create a special
continued support. Although
moment in time for others,” said
Brookwood Medical Center is not
a pediatric facility, they understand Pam Jones, Executive Director.
Magic Moments is grateful for
the importance of providing
Katherine’s support, and we
wonderful resources to children
appreciate her unique fundraising
who are facing extraordinary
strategies on our behalf!
circumstances.
Through their generous
donations, Tenet has been able to
CLASSY, TACKY, OR
brighten the lives of children in the
JUST PLAIN TRASHY
Birmingham area by providing a
trip to Disney World to an 11-yearWhether you were yearning
old girl and a Wal-Mart shopping
to break out the cut-offs or just
spree to a 12-year-old boy.
wanted to hear Freebird, a great
We are proud to be the recipient
time was had on Thursday, August
of Tenet Healthcare’s generosity
23, as approximately 200 young
and sincerely thank them for
men and women came together
helping make the wishes and
for the Young Leaders of Magic
dreams come true for Alabama’s
children.
Page 8
Moments Classy or Trashy Party.
Held at The Club’s Gold Room
& Terrace, the Young Leaders
partnered with YP Birmingham to
raise awareness and funding for
Magic Moments.
With an event theme such
as “Classy or Trashy,” you can
imagine that “anything goes” was
the theme of the night. Some
ladies entered the room in a
classy black dress with pearls,
while some of the men showed
up in their “trashy” southern rock
t-shirts and ripped jeans! The
highlight of the evening was when
the Best Dressed awards were
Young leaders party the night away
presented. Jackie Ingram won the
Classy award with her 80s style
prom dress, fish net stockings and
crimped hairstyle. The Trashy
award winner was an anonymous
young woman wearing a Joe Dirt
ensemble, including ripped jeans
and mullet wig.
While the attire ran the gamut,
so did the menu. Guests noshed
on fried green tomatoes with
remoulade sauce, popcorn
buttermilk-fried chicken drizzled
with honey, mini BLTs as well as
Cheetos and Twinkies for that
“trashy” side in all of us. The
evening also included some great
Inside Magic Moments
raffle items which helped to raise
even more money for Magic
Moments.
We want to thank the Event
Planning Committee – Ashley
Wood, Alison Jenkins, Blair
Badham, Keri Petrofsky, Ryan
Graham, Holly Lollar, Amy Bailey,
Courtney Gleysteen, and Shannon
Mayock – for their hard work
and tireless efforts to coordinate
this cool event. And we want to
thank all the Young Leaders and
Young Professionals who attended
the event in support of Magic
Moments. On behalf of the Magic
Moments children, we thank you
for bringing out your classy and
trashy sides all in the name of
granting more wishes.
April 2006 and jumped
right in fulfilling magic
moments. When asked
what her favorite wishgranting experience
was, Susan recalled
the wish for a 9-yearold girl battling cancer
who had wished for
her own playhouse.
She had chosen this
child because she had
previously met her in
the hospital while she
was clowning. Susan deemed this
magic moment a great success as
she watched the little girl’s eyes
light up as the playhouse was
delivered and flower boxes were
added to the windows for an extra
special touch.
Linda became a Magic Maker as
soon as friend and clown partner,
VOLUNTEER FOCUS
Susan, told her about the volunteer
opportunities available at Magic
Magic Moments is fortunate to
Moments. Linda’s favorite wishhave many outstanding volunteers, granting experience is a child with
and in this issue, we want to
whom she is currently involved
spotlight two ladies who have
– an 8-year-old girl who is awaiting
shone since they first became
a trip to Disney World. Linda says
Magic Makers in early 2006.
each time she visits the child in
the hospital, all she can
talk about is taking her trip
to Disney World. Trips to
Give Kids the World Village,
the fantastic place where
wish children stay for their
Disney trip, have a special
meaning for Linda, as she
has had the opportunity to
clown at the Village and
knows what wonderful place
it is.
When Susan and Linda
Petals and Lindy Lou clowning around
meet their wish children,
Susan Crosthwait and Linda Wolfe
they do not always mention the
heard about Magic Moments
fact that they have already met
through their affiliation with the Big
them as Petals and Lindy Lou the
Top Clowns of Children’s Hospital.
clowns but often keep it a secret.
Susan became a Magic Maker in
Susan stated that volunteering
Page 9
Susan presents a playhouse
for Magic Moments is her way
of bringing a little more magic to
those children she visits in the
hospital. When Susan goes back
to the hospital to visit them in her
clown attire, she can hear her very
own wish children talk about their
magic moment, and they never
even know it was Susan who had
a huge part in making the dream
come true! Linda says it is such
a special gift to hear what great
memories each child’s magic
moment has given them and to see
them smile even while dealing with
their difficult illnesses.
Susan and Linda have also
been a tremendous help at many
Magic Moments events including
facepainting at the Night at the
Circus, helping out during the Wine
Auction Weekend, working car
shows, and at all these events,
they even enlist the help of their
sweet husbands!
We cannot thank these precious
ladies enough for their hard work
and dedication to Magic Moments,
and we hope their stories inspire
our readers as much as they
inspire us.
Be sure to read about another
dedicated Magic Moments
volunteer in the next issue of
ABRACADABRA.
Contributors
Inside Magic Moments
GET TO KNOW US
Since we last came to you, we
have added some people to our
Magic Moments family!
In July, Charles Bradshaw of
Montgomery joined our Board.
Charles is a partner with Harmon,
Dennis & Bradshaw, a local
commercial insurance firm. He
also serves on the Administrative
Board of First United Methodist
Church, is the Board of Directors’
Finance Chairman of YMCA
Camp Chandler, and serves on
the Leadership Council of the
American Cancer Society.
In September, Tim Head also
joined our Board of Directors. Tim
is President of H & M Mechanical
in Pelham, and is the founder and
chairman of our very successful
sporting clay tournament. Tim also
serves as Chairman of the City
of Clay Library Jaffe Warehouse
Restoration Committee, is
a member of the Planning
Committee of Centercrest Baptist
Church, and is a member of the
Alabama Homebuilders and
the Association of Builders and
Contractors of Alabama.
In July, we also added a new
member to our Magic Moments
staff. Valerie Sylvester has
joined our organization as our
administrative assistant. Valerie
was previously with The Alabama
Youth Homes where she served as
a case manager for three years.
Valerie has also been affiliated
with Magic Moments since she
has been a counselor at our Magic
Moments Family Camp.
We welcome our newest board
and staff members to Magic
Moments. We know you will enjoy
getting to know all of them.
THE KEY TO OUR
SUCCESS
Magic Moments would like to
welcome 17 new members to our
volunteer program: Bridget Adams,
William Adams, Natalie Ard,
Jessica Doster, Amanda Groce,
James Henderson, Brooke Lowry,
Leigh Nicholson, Brandon Odum,
David Russo, Jennifer Campbell,
Jonathan Doroh, Jeanne Anne
Fowler, Doug Gillett, Myeisha
Hutchinson, Jackie Ingram, and
Tori Stewart.
Our volunteers are the backbone
of this organization. Without their
support, it would be quite difficult
to provide a truly meaningful
experience, which is what a
magic moment is all about. We
thank all our Magic Makers and
Young Leaders for all they do and
welcome these 17 members to our
family.
If you are interested in helping
fulfill magic moments and
would like to learn more about
our volunteer program, please
call Valerie at (205) 558-2426
or visit our website at www.
magicmoments.org.
We would like to thank the following corporations, foundations, businesses, civic groups, and individuals who
have recently made generous donations to Magic Moments.
Mr. & Mrs. Richard
Abernathy
Alabama Civil Justice Fdn.
Alabama Graphics
Alpha Kappa Alpha,
Omicron Omega Chapter
Juanita Amison
B.L. Harbert International
Bailey Environmental
Services, Inc.
BE&K, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Bello
Bibb Medical Center
Auxiliary
Birmingham British
Motoring Club
Birmingham Rail &
Locomotive Company
Blountsville Lions Club
Laura Bownes
Ethel Bowron
Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC
Tom Broughton
CNA
Mr. & Mrs. Truman Capps
Mary Carroll
Bobby Chandler
Cheaha Chapter of Credit
Unions
CHUBB Federal Insurance
Company
Shelley & Jerry Clark
Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Collins
Conklin Metal Industries
Crown Automobile Co., Inc.
CRS Engineering, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. James Darden
Jimmy & Mary Todd Davis
Joey Dobbs
Donnie Bryant
Transmission Service
Mr. & Mrs. William Dorriety
Mr. & Mrs. Tim Downard
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Fomby
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Fuller
Gamble Auto Parts &
Services
Ken Gilliland
Mr. & Mrs. Lytton Glazner
Matthew Hartigan
Dr. & Mrs. Hertzl Heiman
Mr. & Mrs. Jack Held
Nanaline Holt
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Isaminger
Jefferson County Board of
Equalization
Jim Myers Drug, Inc.
Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q
John Sasser Opticians
Mr. & Mrs. Carlisle Jones
KCS Group, LLC
Kiwanis Club of
Homewood-Mtn. Brook
Ganapathy Kunda
Mary Catherine Lewis
Buffie & Randy Marks
Daniel Markstein, IV
Marx Brothers, Inc.
Mass Mutual Financial
Group
Mayfair Women’s Club
Ryan McClendon
Porter McCollister
Mr. & Mrs. Michael
McMullen
Page 10
Medical Properties Trust
Mid-Alabama Corvette Club
Mr. & Mrs. Milton Miller
J.F. Mitchell
Modern Woodmen of
America
George Nolen
Over the Mountain Optimist
Club
P & M Mechanical
Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Parker
Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert Perry
Dr. & Mrs. Glenn Peters
Dorothy Porter
Mr. & Mrs. James Reid
Ethel Rhodes
Dodie Roberts
Russell Lands, Inc.
Russo Corporation
Mr. & Mrs. John Schulte
Roland Short
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Simon
Sabrina Simon
Sherman Industries, Inc.
Dr. & Mrs. Donald Slappey
Mr. & Mrs. Bryson
Stephens
Doris Stephens
Jim Stephens
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Stewart
Russell Stutts
Mr. & Mrs. Rodney
Sylvester
Devone Taylor
Tenet Healthcare Fdn.
The Caring Foundation
The Title Group Inc.
Racquel Tubbs
Vulcan Materials Fdn.
Wal-Mart Foundation –
Andalusia #1091
Hoover #2111
Phenix City #1284
Walter Schoel Engineering
Frances Watts
Holly Whitmire
Williams & Ledbetter
Wood Auto Sales, Inc.
Holiday Greeting Card
Holiday Greeting Card Program
For a tax-deductible donation of $10 per card, Magic Moments will send a beautifully
hand-addressed card to those special people on your mailing list. Our 2007 holiday
card design features a family of snowmen and was drawn by Frances, an 8-year-old
Magic Moments wish recipient from Fairhope who was diagnosed with cancer. You
provide us with your mailing list, and we hand address, seal, stamp and deliver the
cards to the post office for you!
Actual images will be in color.
Front of Card
Inside of Card
We also offer a discount for large orders.
Inside of card reads:
You have been honored by [your
name here] through a generous
donation to Magic Moments, an
Alabama non-profit organization that helps make wishes and
dreams come true for children with
life-threatening and life-altering
medical conditions.
Wishing you peace, love and joy
during this Holiday Season!
50-99 Cards
100-199 cards
200 or more
$9 each
$8 each
$7 each
To order your cards, please complete this form (you may attach a seperate sheet for
additional names) and mail no later than December 14 to:
Magic Moments, c/o Children’s Hospital, 1600 7th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35233
Your name and address
Phone Number
Email
How would you like your name signed on the card?
Please send a Holiday Card to the following: (Please print legibly)
Name
Address
City
State
Zip
Name
Address
City
State
Zip
Magic Moments offers another option to those who want the flexibility of a personalized card. We offer 11 designs - all drawn by our wish children - which you can
purchase for a tax-deductible donation of $500 each. Once you purchase a design,
it is unavailable to anyone else, which makes your card unique. With this option, you
would own the design and be responsible for your own printing and mailing. The only
thing we ask is that you include a statement about Magic Moments on the back of
your card. Please visit our website, www.magicmoments.org, to view these designs.
Page 11
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tom Shufflebarger, Chair
Greg Bass
William B. Blount
Charles Bradshaw
Tom Broughton
Edward Cassady, III, Esq.
Shelley Clark
Richard Davis, MD
Tim Downard, CPA
Mark Drew, Esq.
Melody Eagan, Esq.
Doug Eckert, Esq.
Paul Elliott, MD
Ryan Graham
Tim Head
Buffie Marks
Daniel Markstein, IV
George Nolen
Nick Sellers
Sabrina Simon, Esq.
Courtney Stephens
Margaret Ann Webb
L.E. Patton
Member Emeritus
Conrad Rafield
Honorary Member
ADVISORY BOARD
Lynne Cohen
Joe Covington, Jr.
Tom Curtin
David Dixon
Alan Dreher
Chris Eagan, Esq.
Larry Fine, CPA
Pat Forman
Bill Goodrich
Heidi Hallman
Tom Hinton
Bill Jones
Pat Kilpatrick
Lila McGahey
Ed Meyerson, Esq.
Bobby Naftel, MD
Kay Miles Pace
Henry Ray
Kit Samford
Roland Short
Bobby Thuston
Pete Van Pelt
Evie Vare
STAFF
Pam Jones
Executive Director
Jennifer Haynes
Wish Coordinator
Ashley Sargent
Wish Coordinator
Valerie Sylvester
Administrative Assistant
Magic Moments
Night at the Circus 2008
Come join the fun at the pre-circus
party and then enjoy the 138th Edition
of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum &
Bailey Greatest Show on Earth®!
What
Where
When
Friday, January 25, 2008
Pre-Circus Party: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Circus performance begins at 7:30pm
Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, North One
Special Reserved Seating: $600 (Includes a reserved
table for 10 at the pre-party and 10 circus tickets)
Cost
Party Package: Package of 4: $165 (Includes 4 dinner
passes and 4 circus tickets)
Single Tickets: $45 each (Includes 1 dinner pass and 1
circus ticket with each ticket purchase)
Circus Tickets Only: $10 (upper-tier tickets)
Invitations will be mailed on November 26, or call the Magic Moments office after December 3 to purchase tickets.
Tickets may also be purchased online at www.magicmoments.org.
Magic Moments
c/o Children’s Hospital
1600 7th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT 1279
BIRMINGHAM, AL