This much Rhonda A. knows: There can be absolute magic in a moment – especially when that moment is a wish come true for a child with a life-threatening illness.

Rhonda, an Executive Assistant in Alabama, witnessed one of these magical moments firsthand several years ago at a Magic Moments fundraising event. Since then she has helped coordinate the Group’s efforts to support the cause.

It’s a relationship that stretches back to 2005, when Enterprise signed Magic Moments – a Birmingham-based nonprofit that fulfills wishes for Alabama kids with life-threatening illnesses – as a corporate customer.

“They use Enterprise to rent cars whenever they send families on trips – such as to Disney World,” says Rhonda. “We were incredibly inspired by their work and turned to the Enterprise Holdings Foundation for grant support. Then we discovered volunteer opportunities, and it has become one of our favorite partners.”

For many years, dozens of Enterprise employees pitched in each January to help Magic Moments staffers set up and decorate for their annual fundraising event – a Pre-Circus Party. It was at this event several years ago where Rhonda saw the true power of a magic moment.

“Princess Elsa from ‘Frozen’ came in and gave this sweet little girl her trip to Disney World,” Rhonda recalls. “It was so great to be there and see the whole family’s excitement!”

Another fundraising event – the Sporting Clay Shoot at Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin – also draws strong support from Enterprise volunteers every September.

“We usually take about 20 people to work the tournament,” says Rhonda. “It’s a fun event, giving teams of four a chance to compete for the highest score as they shoot target clays at various stations throughout the course. It’s a great team-building experience for us as well – to come together and help an incredible cause.”

Supporting the moments

Over the past six years, the Enterprise Holdings Foundation has supported Magic Moments through annual grant requests. That’s not unusual: About 98 percent of the grants made by the Foundation come in response to submissions made by employees, supporting causes they actively champion in their communities. In total, employee-backed charities received about $51.8 million in grants in fiscal year 2018.

“I feel so lucky to work for an organization committed to helping the community through the causes we are passionate about,” says Rhonda. “The Foundation and Taylor family have our very best interests in mind and that’s a true testament to their integrity and genuine desire to help those who need it the most.”