A Moment of Magic ♔

There are few things in this world that can put a smile on a little girls face like meeting a princess. Kylee Lauren, New York City based founder of A Moment of Magic (formerly known as the Princess Project), knew she could do just that.

This program equips young women to volunteer at children’s hospitals and schools dressed as some of the world's most popular princesses.

Kylee founded A Moment of Magic from a passion for working with children, excellent glitter skills, and dreams of spreading love and magic to those in need. 

♔ ♕ ♚ Let's get to know Princess Kylee! ♚ ♛♗

♗♔How did you start A Moment of Magic?

A Moment of Magic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that allows college students to visit pediatric hospitals and social service institutions dressed as princesses. We operate on the mission of "restoring the magic of believing at a time when a child needs to 'just be a kid' and reminding them to be brave, strong, and fearless". 

I was always extremely inspired by Taylor Swift through every facet of my life, but especially her work with pediatric cancer. After I watched Frozen with my family in December 2014, I really identified with the characters and realized that I even looked like Elsa a little bit. I kind of had this indescribable epiphany where all the things I loved really culminated into one magical idea - visiting children in pediatric hospitals as princesses. I texted my best friend Maggie asking if she wanted to do it with me, and she fearlessly jumped in without hesitation.

♞♕ Was it difficult?

Logistically, yes, it was very hard to get started. As college students, we filed our 501(c)(3) paperwork ourselves. I work day-in and day-out to make sure we're doing everything we can to continue to bring the magic to these children. We are definitely still working and learning. Right now, we're trying to find people to help us with accounting and a lawyer to help us with the business aspect, because we just want to make sure we're doing everything the best way possible!

However, every single time I go on a visit and hug a child, I am reminded that all of the hard work is definitely worth it to make a difference in the life of a child.

♚♞ How do you train your princesses?

Right now we are operating out of the college of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx. All of our character volunteers are required to do 40 hours of shadowing before they are able to be characters as well as attend mandatory training sessions. 

We cover everything from posing, dancing, singing, doing makeup, signing autographs, wig care, dress care, book reading, and voice inflection and mannerisms for characters. We also train our volunteers extensively in HIPPA laws and sanitary precautions. Our volunteers learn how to interact with children with varying developmental capabilities as well as making them aware of the different degrees of medical attention a child may require and ways to best support that need.  

Our volunteers also learn phrases in Spanish and sign language to communicate with even more children. Our trainings also include important reflections where volunteers are able to vocalize what they have seen and how to best process it due to the nature and gravity of our work. They also individually fundraise for their costume!

We are, however, looking to expand to colleges and universities all over the country!

♗♛ Your favorite princess?

I love Elsa and everything she stands for. She's dimensional and fiercely independent. She has to overcome her own insecurities and fear in order to mend a broken relationship and save her kingdom. Plus her amazing dress and killer song don't hurt either!

♕♜Special moment to share?

There have been so many amazing moments created by A Moment of Magic Foundation. One of the most amazing moments just happen to me. I visited a hospital last November (our third hospital visit ever) and met an adorable little girl. We sat on the floor of the hallways and read books and sang songs together. She really stole a big piece of my heart on the visit.

We finally were able to return back to the hospital this weekend (a year later), and I looked at one of my volunteers and said "this is where I met that beautiful little girl!" As soon as I did, I heard "Elsa!" from down the hallway. It was the same little girl. She came up to me and gave me a huge hug. She asked if I brought the "purple book" for us to read together. I rarely get emotional on a visit, but I was holding back tears. She remembered me the same way I remembered her and it was just so beautiful to know that we each had an impact on the other.

♕♚ Donating?

People can donate directly on our website, amomentofmagic.org

♜♛ Favorite quote?

“It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love is put in the giving.” -Mother Theresa

Watch this video for more info!