FOLEY, AL – OWA Parks & Resort is honored to once again celebrate the power of partnership and the magic of making dreams come true for Alabama children. For the 7th year in a row, OWA is partnering with Magic Moments, Alabama’s only wish-granting organization dedicated exclusively to children with chronic life-threatening and acute life-altering illnesses, to host its annual “Beyond the Moment” event on Friday, June 13.
This year’s event featured a special surprise reveal, donated by Poarch Creek Indians, for a local child to receive a ”Passport to Magic” theme park adventure — beginning at OWA!
Poarch Creek Indians have been a longtime partner of Magic Moments in their efforts to support children and their families throughout the state, and are honored to continue this partnership with an additional $25,000 donation to support a special wish granting ceremony at this year’s event. This contribution underscores the Tribe’s long-standing support for creating hope-filled experiences for families across Alabama. The wish granting provides an opportunity for a special child and their family to enjoy a “theme park adventure” beginning at OWA, followed by a trip to Disney World, Universal Studios and Seaworld in Florida.
This donation from the Poarch Creek Indians is above and beyond OWA’s longstanding support for Magic Moments; which annually has provided complimentary passes to Tropic Falls at OWA’s theme and water parks for each child and family attending the event. The day-long event provided these families with an opportunity to enjoy rides, entertainment and make lasting memories. This annual event began with just over 100 participants and has continued to grow, with over 250 guests participating in this years’ Beyond the Moment day long celebration at Tropic Falls.
“Each year, this event reminds us of the power of community,” said Cathy Pavloski, Director of Marketing for OWA Parks & Resort. “We are honored to continue supporting Magic Moments in their mission and to welcome the children and their families to a day that’s all about creating special memories.”
Founded in 1984, Magic Moments has granted more than 5,000 wishes to children in all 67 Alabama counties. Through regional experiences like “Beyond the Moment,” the organization fosters long-term relationships with families — providing moments of magic when they are needed most.
“Thanks to the generosity of Poarch Creek Indians and OWA Parks & Resort, we’re able to continue showing these children and their families that they are supported and celebrated, by giving them moments they’ll never forget,” said Rachel Rounsaville, Executive Director for Magic Moments. “These days are about more than just a moment of joy — they’re about lasting memories and real hope.”
To learn more about Magic Moments or to get involved, visit www.magicmoments.org. For more about OWA Parks & Resort, go to VisitOWA.com.
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About OWA Parks & Resort
Award-winning OWA Parks & Resort in Coastal Alabama is owned and operated by the Poarch Creek Indians. OWA’s name is derived from a Creek word for “big water,” and the tropical theme of the 520-acre property was inspired by the Gulf of Mexico, minutes away via the Foley Beach Express.
At the heart of OWA is Tropic Falls, which includes a 23-ride theme park and the region’s largest indoor water park—bigger than a football field and covered by a convertible roof. Adjacent to the indoor water park and connected by a retractable wall is Big Water Bay, a 30,000 sq. ft. wave pool and Coastal Curl wave simulator. Just outside the ticketed areas is Downtown OWA. This pedestrian-only streetscape was inspired by Southern small towns and features numerous options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. The destination resort offers a full calendar of events, from Downtown OWA’s own Mardi Gras Parade to the annual Christmas tree lighting with fireworks and snowfall.
For on-site accommodations, relax at OWA’s own award-winning TownePlace Suites by Marriott. And for the RV traveler, Tropic Hideaway is a luxury RV resort that has everything you want, starting with its location at OWA Parks and Resort, just minutes from the Alabama beaches off the Foley Beach Express. The sites are all extra wide and feature a full complement of Wi-Fi and hook ups. Premium locations and pull-through sites are available. OWA is the place in Coastal Alabama to thrill, then chill.
About the Poarch Creek Indians
The Poarch Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. From hospitality to aerospace, we continue to operate in a variety of industries across the World. Read more about our Tribe at poarchcreekindians.org.
About Magic Moments
The Magic Moments mission is to grant non-medical magic moments to children ages 4-18 with chronic life-threatening or acute life-altering conditions, who live or receive treatment in the state of Alabama, as well as continue a relationship through our Beyond the Moment program.