On Friday May 1, 2020 Mansion Memories, a local non-profit for children in “crisis” celebrated their 5-year anniversary as an official non-profit. The children and their families who attend the organization's Magical Day events are navigating through a illness, loss or hardship.
As a non-profit organization, and as stated in their mission statement, Mansion Memories they is dedicated to serving children in crisis and their families by providing happy memories that will last a lifetime. Their goal is to create valuable moments through magical events, at no cost to the families, in the midst of illness, loss, or hardship.
These memorable events build moments that empower and inspire families to focus on and use laughter, love, and happiness as formidable
tools to endure the suffering and embrace hope for a positive future. “We believe that a child’s smile can be a path to
courage and the perfect way to show families we care”.
Mansion Memories has hosted 28 storybook themed Magical Day sessions, and served over 2,000 children and parents. Attendees are nominated from over 30 local agencies as well as individuals with in the community. A list of those agencies is provided on their web site. The Magical Day events are hosted at the Burrage Mansion in Redlands.
Due to the current situation, Mansion Memories has started a new virtual " Making it Magical"; social media series where they enlist the help of their “talented Mansion Memories friends”. This includes the Madd Hatter hosting Quaran-Tea parties. Sharing instructional, kid-friendly art projects, setting up a tea party, and character story times, just to name a few. With the help of many talented friends, they are also providing sign language classes and other activities for children and their families to do while stuck at home. These events have been very successful, and a fun way to stay engaged with our families and supporters, according to Dianna Lawson, Mansion Memories Founder and Executive Director.
If you would like to get involved, you can be a part of making these dreams become a reality. “Being a non-profit means we have to raise the funds so these families are able to attend at no cost, so donations are always welcomed”, says Dianna Lawson. According to their website, they typically have over 150 volunteers to make these events come to fruition. From decorating and food preparation to the final clean up, volunteers are a crucial component to the organization’s success. Volunteer opportunities will be announced as needed for each event.
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