Sometimes, one small moment can transform a life. That’s exactly what happened to Kylee McGrane-Zarnoch, founder and executive director of A Moment of Magic, when a personal experience with hospitalized loved ones inspired her to start visiting pediatric patients dressed as a princess.
What began as a college passion project in a dorm room has grown into a national nonprofit organization that operates in over 350 hospitals and communities.
In this episode of the Charity Charge Nonprofit Spotlight Series, we speak Kylee to explore the origins of A Moment of Magic, how it evolved through the pandemic, the power of volunteer-led chapters, and the crucial role of community in keeping the mission alive.
Q&A with Kylee McGrane-Zarnoch
Q: Let’s start with your background—what led you to start A Moment of Magic?
Kylee McGrane-Zarnoch: I never planned to start a nonprofit. I was in college when I lost both of my grandparents—my “real-life Notebook” couple—after extended hospital stays. While we were in the hospital, even in the hardest moments, we found ways to laugh and feel connected. That stuck with me. I wanted to create moments like that for others—especially kids. So I got a princess dress and started visiting hospitals. The rest is history.
Q: That story is so personal and beautiful. You were still a student when you launched this. What was it like building out the operations and getting your 501(c)(3) status?
Kylee: I was a sophomore at a small school. My professors really believed in what I was doing. They helped me write a business plan, connect with mentors, and even file the nonprofit paperwork. I had no background in this, so their support—and my now-husband’s encouragement—was vital.
Q: Nearly 10 years later, how has the mission evolved?
Kylee: We started by sending volunteers dressed as princesses and superheroes to hospitals. We still do that—that’s our “Magic Maker” program—but we also now run a program called Express. Create. Heal. It uses play-based programming to help kids understand and cope with what they’re going through, especially pediatric cancer. We developed it with our medical advisory committee, and it’s expanded how we define joy and healing.
Q: The pandemic was obviously disruptive for many nonprofits. How did it affect A Moment of Magic?
Kylee: It completely upended our model. All our volunteers are college students, and suddenly campuses closed and hospital access was gone. But our community showed up. We pivoted to virtual programming, shipped costumes and supplies to our volunteers, and continued serving families online. It showed me how powerful and dedicated our community truly is.
Q: Speaking of volunteers—what’s your approach to engaging and retaining them?
Kylee: We have college chapters across the country, each with a student executive board. That ownership keeps them engaged and empowered. They’re part of a national mission, but they also feel deeply connected to their local impact. That model of decentralized leadership with a shared mission is one of our biggest strengths.
Q: How have you diversified fundraising and built sustainable revenue streams?
Kylee: After COVID, we leaned into corporate social responsibility—specifically our Bravery Bag Packing program. Companies make a donation and employees pack care bags for kids in their communities. It’s tangible, meaningful, and scalable. We also developed some training platforms for our volunteers and continue to apply for grants. But we’re still very grassroots, and we prioritize stewarding even the smallest donations.
Q: You gave a TEDx Talk about how a single moment can change everything. Can you expand on that?
Kylee: Absolutely. Every hospital visit is a privilege. We’re welcomed into intimate, emotional moments. I think about a little girl we visited on her sixth birthday—her first birthday outside of a hospital. Nearly 10 years later, we’re still connected with her family. A moment can be just 90 seconds. That’s all it takes to change someone’s life—or your own. Never underestimate what can come from a single decision to show up.
Q: What advice would you give to someone stepping into nonprofit leadership?
Kylee: Trust your gut. Surround yourself with people smarter than you. Don’t try to do it alone. Always come back to your mission—that’s your North Star. And never be afraid to ask for help. This work is hard, but it’s meaningful. And the community you build around your mission will make all the difference.
Q: For those inspired by your story, how can they support A Moment of Magic?
Kylee: Visit amomentofmagic.org. We’d love to collaborate with nonprofits, partner with hospitals, welcome volunteers, and of course, receive donations. Whether you’re a student, corporate team, or individual supporter—there’s a way for you to be part of the magic.
Final Thoughts
A Moment of Magic reminds us that joy isn’t frivolous—it’s essential, especially during life’s hardest chapters. Through costumes, connection, and compassion, Kylee and her team help children feel powerful, seen, and supported.
If you believe in the power of small moments to create lasting change, consider getting involved.
