‘Believe in Magic’ show returns to raise money for Down syndrome

Submitted by National Association for Down Syndrome

Magic is hard to wrap your head around, but magician Paul Lee will attempt to turn the doubtful into believers, and for a good cause.

The National Association for Down Syndrome presents the third annual “Believe in Magic” show at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., in St. Charles. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

Paul Lee discovered his talent for magic after receiving a magic kit for Christmas when he was 10. His parents encouraged his interest, taking him to magic shops and a magic convention, and he realized he had found his calling. He has been a professional magician for over 35 years. He was the Ringmaster for the Franzen Brothers Circus for 4 years, and he also headlined his own show at the Riverview Park and Waterworld in the Wisconsin Dells. Now he maintains a busy performance schedule in the Chicago area, doing over 300 shows per year. He performs at family, birthday and holiday parties, schools, restaurants and corporate events. In 2010, CBS Chicago put him at the top of their list of Best Local Magicians in Chicago. For information, go to www.PaulLeeMagic.com.

In 2007, Paul Lee’s niece, Teagan, was born with Down syndrome. He had long done benefits for charitable organizations, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Starlight Foundation, but after Teagan’s birth, he was motivated to help organizations serving people with Down syndrome. At a party where he was performing, he met NADS board member Anne Reinertson, who was present because she had been serving as the parent support volunteer for the family hosting the party. That connection was the start of a collaboration with NADS that culminated in the successful NADS Magic Show last year.

Lee has once again generously agreed to donate his time and talent for show. Like last year, this year’s event will also feature special guests Chezaday, Trent Rivas, Ken Mate and his wife Terri, as well as ventriloquist Chuck Field, Anthony Stockton and Jamahl Keys. In addition to the magic show, the afternoon will include strolling magicians Plaz Garcia, Raime Townsend and Steve Joyce and face painting by Melody Pekarek.

Tickets are $20, $10 for seniors or kids, age 12 and younger. All proceeds benefit the National Association for Down Syndrome. For ticket information, visit www.nads.org or email info@nads.org, or call (630) 325-9112.