HERNDON, Va.—More than 100 patients receiving care at Inova Children’s Hospital, Falls Church, Va. attended the Night of Magic Ball – an event that offers chronically ill patients and their families an evening away from the stresses of being in the hospital.
The Night of Magic was one of many outreach events sponsored by Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation, the charitable arm of Northwest Federal Credit Union.
Since 2009, the Foundation has hosted a Night of Magic Ball for select patients receiving care at children’s hospitals in the Washington DC metro area.
The Night of Magic Ball is an exciting night for critically ill children and their families as they participate in an evening of laughter, dancing, crafts, games, food, prizes and fun, the creditunion said. These very special guests often miss out on fun social events like father-daughter dances, school dances and even their proms. The Night of Magic Ball is a way of creating an evening where they can forget about their medical concerns, if only for a few hours. The benefits of this special evening can have a positive, long-lasting effect on the patients as well as their families. The special night is being coordinated with the help of 40 volunteers and many generous donors from the surrounding communities.
The NWFCU Foundation also made a donation in the amount of $5,000 to Child Life Services for the purchase of iPads to be used by the young patients.
This year’s safari-themed ball started with patients selecting party attire from an assortment of new dresses and suits for them to keep. Then hair stylists and make-up artists will help get all of the guests party-ready. Safari décor and an African drum show provided by George Mason University students were the highlight of the evening’s events.