OWA, Magic Moments partner to give Alabama kids with life-threatening illnesses a free day of fun

The OWA amusement park in Foley and the Alabama charity Magic Moments have again partnered for their second annual “Beyond the Moment” event that will take place Friday, June 19.

Magic Moments is a charity that grants kids in Alabama ages four through 18 who have been diagnosed with chronic life-threatening illnesses a special experience such as a trip to Disney World or a meeting with a favorite celebrity.

The Beyond the Moment experience put together in partnership with OWA allows the families of Magic Moment kids to enjoy a day at the world-class amusement park in Baldwin County at no cost to the family.

OWA says they expect over 350 attendees for the 2020 Beyond the Moment event between the kids and their families.

“It’s so important for our families because they get to know the other Magic Moment families who are probably going through similar circumstances,” Magic Moments Regional Director Kimberly Etherton told Yellowhammer News over the phone.

The amusement park says the event will be “a wonderful family day out, allowing children and their families to celebrate and connect.”

All attendees connected to Magic Moments will receive a free meal pass and refillable water bottle in addition to free admission.

The park reopened on June 5 with enhanced health and safety measures that were developed based on guidance from the CDC and health officials related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Coronavirus precautions include extra hand sanitizer being available throughout the park, including the Beyond the Moment check-in station, and OWA is checking the temperature of every person who enters.

Etherton told Yellowhammer that in 2019 she called OWA in the hopes of getting some free tickets for families, but then OWA “went above and beyond” by creating a free admission day and giving out free meals to all Magic Moment families that could attend.

“Before we could even say anything they were like, ‘Lets do it again next year,’” added Etherton.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95