A Moment of Magic at GiGi’s Playhouse

On Saturday, April 5th, many GiGi’s families experienced a magical morning with several well-known characters from animated movies come to life, compliments of the University of Iowa’s chapter of A Moment of Magic. But how exactly did they appear at our Playhouse? And, what is “A Moment of Magic, exactly?

It all began in 2014, when two college students in New York state started spreading some magic by visiting children’s hospitals and schools dressed as well-known princesses. Within a year, 40 of their college friends joined them and they expanded their outreach to children’s hospitals throughout the east coast. In 2016, media picked up on their story and it went viral. From that, “A Moment of Magic” chapters began to spread across the country.

The University of Iowa chapter was started in 2019, with a mission to create an environment in which kids get to be just that—kids! They want to bring “a moment of magic” to children who face unique challenges and brighten their days with the presence of characters they know and love. And we love the fact that they reached out to bring their magic to the children of GiGi’s Playhouse. They certainly did that!

And, like all the programs offered at GiGi’s, “A Moment of Magic” was available to our families at no cost for free because this wonderful organization raises its own funds to read joy to groups like ours!

GiGi’s wants to thank the fairest of them all, the fanciest little fashionista, our joyful bundle of energy, the strong and savvy shepherdess, the adventurous explorer, and the sparkle-loving Southern belle for making the day so very special for our participants and their families. We also want to thank the additional “magic maker” volunteers that University of Iowa brought, as well as the volunteers that lent a hand from the Drake University Bulldog Catholic Service Group.