The Special Learning Center Foundation brought its annual Moments of Magic show online this year in light of the coronavirus but still made some magic happen.
Executive Director Debbie Hamler wondered how in the world the annual performance would be possible with the limitations of a pandemic. She and the SLC sponsors thought about canceling it before looking to social media for help. As she said, "there's so much going on with Facebook Live these days."
Ginger Luetkemeyer mentioned the tech department at Calvary Lutheran High School's involvement with the Governor's prayer breakfast, and the new location was found. The show that resulted came complete with colorful props, songs performed by students and a stage - all captured on two cameras monitored by tech students from the high school.
Shae Marie Eickhoff led the audience through musical numbers performed by students, with children traveling on a yellow school bus prop from one number to the next. Luetkemeyer directed the performance off stage, leading performers where they needed to go in each number.
A few parents and alumni of the center also spoke during the performance.
Former SLC student Tony Grandison was one of the speakers of the night. He attended the center at age 5 and remembers Hamler as director when he attended. Grandison received two heel surgeries as well as eye surgery as a child and said the SLC has been a support network for him into adult life, working with athletic teams such as the Lincoln University basketball and Jefferson City High School soccer. He said part of his speech was for the parents of children with disabilities.
"Just stick with your kids. Give them that ability to say 'I can do this. You do your best, and you let God take care of the rest,'" Grandison said. "I know these kids have got goals. There are a lot of ways the Special Learning Center can help them out."
After a performance of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," longtime supporter of the SLC and former Major League Baseball relief pitcher, Tom Henke, spoke about the impact the center had on his family. Henke's daughter, Amanda, attended the center and changed his perspective on disability, in his baseball career and personal life.
"She has taught me so many things in life. She was there for me my whole career and helped me have the career I have," Henke said. "(The Special Learning Center) gave Amanda that first step up - she started when she was 1 year old. Every time I hear the name, it puts a smile on my face because I know what good they do in this community."
Amanda hugged her dad on stage and gave a "Go Cardinals!" at the end of his speech.
Jim Howard, who works with the SLC and is one of the founders of Moments of Magic, said the center has been as important for parents in the Cole County area as for their children.
"Really and truly, it's the parents that understand the most about the center," Howard said. "Moments of Magic is special because we see the kids, we get to share the love the kids have for us and that the parents have for the kids. The community has been fantastic."
The SLC stuck to its goal of keeping the show less than 30 minutes, and it garnered 1,000 views on its livestream by the end of the night. Hamler said the more than 13 students and parents who were allowed to attend were excited about the show - one had texted her "about 50 times" about their anticipation for it.
"Their lives are turned around right now; they haven't been able to do things and get out," Hamler said. "Some of these kids don't take dance classes or get to be on stage, so it's pretty exciting."