A Night of Open Heart Magic

A couple weeks ago, Open Heart Magic held a "Tricks are For Kids" fundraiser in the west loop.  Over 500 people attended the event which raised money and awareness for this wonderful charity, which uses magic and laughter to raise the spirits of hospitalized children in the Chicago area.
I first became aware of Open Heart Magic because of Chuck Gekas, who was volunteering his time as one of the magicians who visited and performed at hospitals.  What a great concept.
As someone who spent a great deal of my early years in hospitals, I can tell you how much something like this would be appreciated.   A hospitalized child can feel any combination of confusion, abandonment, fear, boredom and many other negative emotions.  I know I felt all of that at some point.  I would have been ecstatic to have a real magician walk into my room and perform for several minutes.
Michael Walton is the founder and Executive Director of Open Heart Magic and he deserves praise, as does each volunteer.  Everyone involved with OHM is so dedicated and so giving.  This is a very special group, one truly worthy of your attention.  The prestidigitation they perform isn't the only thing magical about Open Heart Magical. 

Michael Walton of Open Heart Magic in Chicago, IL-April 2011.