Taylor Hicks an others Helps Kids final wishes come true

Thursday, October 23, 2008
MICHAEL TOMBERLIN
News staff writer
Some of Alabama's biggest celebrities are using their charms for Magic Moments.

The statewide charity that grants the wishes of chronically ill children has recorded a new series of public service announcements featuring such homegrown and adopted stars as American Idols Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, sports greats Joe Namath and Al Del Greco and Olympian Vonetta Flowers.

The "Stars Fall on Alabama" advertising campaign coincides with Magic Moments' 25th anniversary. The charity has granted around 3,700 wishes to children in all 67 counties in the state.

Pam Jones, executive director of Magic Moments, said it seemed natural to use some of the state's biggest names to help some of its smallest residents.

"We know we can go into their homes at a time when they have very little to smile about and give them some real happiness," Jones said. "These celebrities are happy to be a part of what we are doing."

The WilbanksElam marketing and public relations firm organized the new advertising campaign. Principal Bill Elam said the idea started with Studdard and Namath.

Both were involved in granting wishes before.

Studdard granted the wish of a young girl with cancer who wanted to meet the "American Idol" winner. He took her and her family to dinner and even sang her favorite song there in the restaurant.

"There was hardly a dry eye in the place," Jones said.

link:
http://www.al.com/business/birminghamnews/news.ssf?/base/business/1224749769222560.xml&coll=2