For a Good Cause -- Kay Walburger

* Story by Lolita Harper; photo by [tk]

Most women would be reluctant to walk around in a fairy godmother’s

costume, granting wishes to complete strangers, but not Kay Walburger.

Walburger, of Costa Mesa, is a self-ordained fairy godmother and is

gathering recruits to help raise money for abandoned babies who need a

little magic in their lives. As a result, Walburger has formed the Fairy

Godmother Guild to benefit Project Cuddle, which provides safe and legal

alternatives to baby abandonment.

“I just think of my grandchildren and how their little eyes light up

with love when we spend time together,” Walburger said. “Then I think

about all the poor babies out there who don’t have that kind of love, and

I know I have to do something.”

Members of the Fairy Godmother Guild are not required to walk around

with wands, granting wishes to people on the street. That’s just a bonus

that Walburger likes to do, she said with a smile.

Walburger encourages the fairy godmothers to hold teas, or lunches, or

bridge parties for their friends -- small little engagements that can fit

into even the busiest schedule, she said.

Once the groups are gathered, the fairy godmothers pass out

information packets about Project Cuddle, complete with donation

envelopes that are pre-stamped and addressed to Project Cuddle. Members

of the guild collect the donations and put them in the mailbox, Walburger

said.

“The idea is to keep it small so you don’t get overwhelmed,” she said.

“Some women’s schedules allow them to throw little get-togethers every

month; others will only be able to do it once or twice a year. Either

way, it helps.”

In addition to hosting teas and parties for non-wand-carrying members,

the fairy godmothers gather together to socialize, get creative and

brainstorm. Walburger said many of the guild members gather to make

individualized wands.

The wands are beautifully crafted with detailed ornaments, delicate

ribbons and shimmering strands of pearls. Each has its own theme and

reflects the maker, she said.

Walburger said her work with the guild brings a sense of magic to her

life.

“There is nothing more powerful than positive energy,” she said.