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.
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