About
Mission Statement
The Magic Moments mission is to grant non-medical magic moments to children ages 4 – 18 with chronic life-threatening or acute life-altering conditions, who live or receive treatment in the state of Alabama, as well as continue a relationship through our Beyond the Moment program.
Magic Moments was founded in 1984 with the mission of bringing happiness to children in Alabama diagnosed with chronic life-threatening conditions. The idea was sparked by Birmingham mother Shelley Clark, who, after seeing a story about a sick boy whose dream to ride a fire truck was fulfilled, was inspired to help children in her own community. With support from a pediatrician, play therapist L.E. Patton, and fellow mother Buffie Marks, Shelley launched the organization with a $500 grant from the Junior League of Birmingham.
Since then, Magic Moments has granted over 5,000 wishes to children across all 67 counties in Alabama. These experiences include trips to Disney World, meeting celebrities, or enjoying a shopping spree. In addition to individual wishes, the organization fosters lasting connections through ongoing events that bring families together and build community support.
In 1999, Magic Moments introduced Family Camp at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin, providing a stress-free retreat for families. This initiative grew into the “Beyond the Moment” program in 2013, offering year-round activities like family nights, holiday events, and more—all at no cost to families. As the only wish-granting organization exclusively serving Alabama children, Magic Moments continues its mission with a small staff, strong volunteer network, and statewide support.
What is Magic Moments?
Magic Moments is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization chartered under the laws of the State of Alabama to grant non-medical magic moments to children ages 4 – 18 with chronic life-threatening or acute life-altering conditions, who live or receive treatment in the state of Alabama, as well as continue a relationship through our Beyond the Moment program. Our sole purpose is to put joy and hope back in these children’s lives.
How do we identify children who qualify for a magic moment?
Anyone can refer a child. Most of our referrals are received from Children’s of Alabama, from medical personnel throughout the state, or from the child’s relatives or friends. To be eligible, a child must live in or be treated in Alabama. Magic moments are granted to children ages 4-18 who meet our medical criteria and are cognizant that they are receiving this gift. We grant only one request per child, and children who have already received a wish from another wish-granting organization are not eligible for a magic moment. To refer a child online, click here.
How does a child receive a magic moment?
An application is sent to the child’s parent or guardian, and when completed, is returned to our office. A medical form is then sent to the child’s physician, and once it is returned, the request is presented to the Magic Moments Executive Committee for approval. Once the Magic Moment is approved, our Statewide Magic Moment Coordinator will reach out to begin the process of scheduling the Magic Moment. It is then assigned to a Magic Maker who contacts the family and assists in surprising the child with their wish.
What kind of magic moments are granted?
Just as each child is different, so is their magic moment! Whether it is a trip to Disney World, going on a shopping spree or meeting a favorite celebrity, each one is special and unique.
How many magic moments are granted?
It is our goal to fulfill approximately 100 magic moments each year. Since our inception in 1984, we have granted over 5,000 magic moments in every county of Alabama.
What happens after the magic moment?
Because Magic Moments is devoted solely to serving children in Alabama, we are able to establish lasting relationships with the children and families we serve. Though we can’t grant more than one magic moment to a child, what we can do is make sure that child and family become a permanent part of our family. Through our Beyond the Moment programs, Magic Moments families are invited to regional events throughout the year at no cost to them until the recipient turns 19 . These events include Family Camp on Lake Martin, Magic Moments day at OWA Parks & Resort, Breakfast with Santa, and an Easter Egg Roll at the Governor’s Mansion. Click here to learn more about our Beyond the Moment program.
How is the work of Magic Moments funded?
Magic Moments is not a United Way agency and is not affiliated with any other wish-granting organization. We rely totally on the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, civic groups and fundraising efforts for financial support. You can make a donation today by clicking here, by mailing a check made out to Magic Moments at 2112 11th Ave S, Suite 219, Birmingham, AL, 35205, or by calling our office at 205.777.5700.
Who is Magic Moments?
Magic Moments is governed by a Board of Directors in Birmingham. In addition, we have an advisory council, two regional councils, and Junior Boards throughout the state. Magic Moments employs a professional staff of five full-time employees based in Birmingham, and one part-time employee based in Mobile. Additionally, we are fortunate to have the support of numerous volunteers in the community and throughout the state to help us carry out our mission.
How can I contact Magic Moments?
You may contact us in person or by mail, telephone, fax or email:
Magic Moments
2112 11th Avenue South Suite 219
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: 205-777-5700
Fax: 205-868-3576
Email: [email protected]
Our 2024 Partners
We are so grateful for all of the support Magic Moments receives from our local community. Thank you for enabling us to bring magic to the children of Alabama suffering from chronic life-threatening or acute life-altering medical conditions.
Our Staff
Board of Directors
Jane Huston Crommelin
Chairperson
Ray & Poynor
Matt Chapman
Author and Community Volunteer
Shelley Clark
Ray & Poynor
Emily Cutt
Community Volunteer
Mark Emanuelsen
Vuepoint Diagnostics
Bill Fisher
Stringfellow Lumber Company, LLC
Ryan Fredella
Medical Properties Trust
Theresa Friedman
DLB Attorneys at Law, LLC
Jim Heilbron
Southern Company
Hud Hudson
Williams-Hudson, Inc
Buffie Marks
(Member Emeritus)
Community Volunteer
Owen Moore
Hoar Construction
Kelly Morrison
Community Volunteer
David LeCompte
Bridgeworth Wealth Management
Adam Peck
Lightfoot, Franklin, & White, LLC
Agatha Pihakis
Community Volunteer
Christy Smith
ProAssurance
Adam Snable
Guild Mortgage
Brad Tew
Brasfield & Gorrie
Stacy White
Community Volunteer
Garland (Gigi) Youngblood
Tots ‘N’ Teens Pediatrics
Advisory Council
Lynne Cohen
Community Volunteer
Joe Covington, Jr.
Covington Flooring
Jack Darnell
Community Volunteer
Kim Davis
Community Volunteer
J. Timothy Downard, CPA
Haynes Downard, LLP
Chris Eagan
Starnes & Atchison
Larry Fine, CPA
Community Volunteer
Pat Forman
Community Volunteer
Bill Goodrich
Richgood Corporation
Heidi Hallman
Community Volunteer
Tom Hinton
Hinton Properties
Bill Jones
O’Neal Steel, Inc.
Pat Kilpatrick
Community Volunteer
Daniel Markstein, IV
Markstein Consulting
Lila McGahey
Community Volunteer
Ed Meyerson
Baker, Donelson, Bearman,
Caldwell, & Berkowitz
Billy Morace
CMH Architects
Ron Morrison
Community Volunteer
Bobby Naftel, MD
Baptist Montclair
George Nolen
Mass Mutual
Kay Miles Pace
Community Volunteer
Will Pearson
mental_floss
Josh Petty
Fifth Third Bank
Conrad Rafield
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United
Henry Ray
Ray & Poynor
Jon Register
Stifel
Tom Shufflebarger
Children’s of Alabama
Courtney Stephens
Community Volunteer
Bobby Thuston
Southwood Machinery
Pete Van Pelt
Children’s Health System
Evie Vare
Community Volunteer
Birmingham Junior Board
Katie Bass
Balch & Bingham LLP
Molly Boggs
Children’s of Alabama
Austin Bradshaw
AmWins
Lee Castle
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP
Christi Cowan
Dawson Family of Faith
Christina Curtis
CareAllies
Kathryn Davis
Troy Rhone
Tucker Ellis
ABC Polymer Industries
Mary Kathryn Fletcher
Children’s Harbor
Macey Franklin
LAH Sotheby’s International Realty
Taylor Guthans
Milo’s Hamburgers
Ben Harrison
ServisFirst Bank
Katie Harrison, President
Cherokee Bend Elementary
Ella Jernigan
Roots Automation
Lil Kilgore, DMD
Alexis Knox
CRNA Student at The University of Alabama Birmingham
Ann Wilson Lazenby
Restore Therapy
Frances Richardson
Ray & Poynor
Rebecca Stump
Ray & Poynor
Allie Taylor
The Hydrafacial Co.
Kelly Wanhatalo
CareAllies
Patrick Weatherly
ServisFirst Bank
Thomas Webb
Ray & Poynor
Payton Wemert
PorterFreightFunding
Halley Wise
Boston Scientific
L. D. Woods
Associate Professor at UAB
River Region Council
Stacy Tinsley
Chair
Community Volunteer
Ross Agee
East Alabama Medical Center
Bubba Armstrong, MD
Retired Orthopedic Surgeon
Davy Autrey
International Paper
Britt Barley
Synovus
Heidi Beattie
Troy University
Andy Britton
Coca Cola Bottling Company
Hunter Bronson
Retirement Systems of Alabama
Melissa Bowman
Montgomery Area Council on Aging
Carl Calderone
Caddell Construction
Sheron Elmore
River Bank
Graham Esdale, Esq.
Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis, & Miles, P.C.
Nim Frazer
Industrial Partners
David Gadilhe
Jim N’ Nicks Community Bar-B-Que
Scott Parker
City of Opelika
Garrett Saucer
Petrey Wholesale
Jenny Thiessen
Community Volunteer
Chris Waller
Ball, Ball, Mathews, & Novak P.A.
Kelly Whitaker
Board of Medical Scholarship Awards
Christian Ware
ServisFirst Bank
River Region Junior Board
Charlsie Miller
Chair
Pharmacy Care Associates
Ashlee Allen
exploreMedia
Maghen Barranco
Stamp Idea Group
Kara Beatrous
Kara Anne Paper
Megan Bronson
Bronson Communications
Leeanne Dean
Meridiem Advisory Group
Mary Kathryn Fletcher
Children’s Harbor
Caroline Franklin
Business Council of Alabama
Caroline Hall
Advisory South
Charlie Hawthorne
District Attorney’s Office for 15th Judicial Circuit of Alabama
Brock Hendon
Rushton Stakely
Rebecca Holtsford
Physicians to Children
Anne Auston Morrison
St. James School
Katie Richard
Alabama Department of Finance
Lexie SoloRio
State of Alabama Personnel Department
Ryan Shubird
Jackson Thornton
Taylor Steen
Gilpin Givhan, PC
Emily Wise
Emily Wise Photography
Mobile Council
Donna Dewberry
Livian Gulf Coast
Mike Dumas
Michael Dumas Image Arts
Amanda Lofton
Alabama Power
Stacy Simmons
Alabama Power
Melissa Sprinkle
Elite Real Estate Solutions
Mobile Junior Board
Morgan Crippen
MC Productions & Design
Braxton Bostwick
EquipmentShare
Henry Mann
Dynamic Mechanical Solutions
Molly Middleton
Reese’s Senior Bowl
Sarah Johnson
Cardiology Associates
Dickson Thames
First Horizon Bank
Jake Turk
Richard Murray & Co.
