One of the joys of owning a local boutique are the people you meet in your own neighborhood. The McCarthy family was one of Vintage Charm’s original supporters. I’ve watched their kids grow up and have always enjoyed Katie’s vibrant personality. Little did we know the amazing hobby that Sean gave so much of his free time to. They’re all special people , but today we’re focusing on Sean and his incredible Open Heart Magic Foundation. - Nancy Allodi
The very first time I walked into a hospital room, performed magic, and made a child and their family laugh and smile…I was hooked. I knew I had discovered something that I was meant to do.
For over a decade now I’ve been a part of this amazing organization, starting as a volunteer Hospital Magician back in 2011 at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn. Shortly after that, I became a trainer for our Magic University candidates (where we teach volunteers to become hospital magicians). I’ve performed magic at our Annual Benefit and other OHM fundraisers and lost my voice cheering for our marathon runners as part of the OHM Cheer Squad at the Chicago Marathon each year. In addition, I’m part of a small group of magicians that launched our Bedside Magic program at Ronald McDonald Children's Hospital of Loyola University Medical Center.
Four years ago, I was invited to join the OHM Board of Directors and I’ve been the Chairman of the Executive Committee for the past two years. On the Board of Directors, I am surrounded by some of the brightest and most dedicated people that I have ever worked with. We all come from very different backgrounds and careers, but we’re united in the mission to help this organization continue to do what it does best….help sick kids get their magic back.
Needless to say, OHM is a MAJOR part of my life. I love being able to assist with the strategy and operations of this organization as well as witness the real impact we have within the hospital. I’m grateful to contribute and truly excited about what the future holds for Open Heart Magic.
- Sean McCarthy
