“A Journey into Magic” Lights Up the Hearts of Special Needs Children — Southern California Youth Magic League Hosts Charity Event

LAPost / Temecula, Riverside County, CA (July 6, 2025) — Hosted by the Southern California Youth Magic League and co-organized by the Franklin Foundation, the charity event “A Journey into Magic – Enter a World Full of Fantasy and Into Their Heart” was successfully held on July 6 at the picturesque PORTOLA Magic Manor in Southern California. The event was specially designed for children with autism and their families, aiming to inspire imagination, enhance social skills, and spread love and warmth through the art of magic. The event was co-hosted by Kate Yunzhe Hong, President of the Youth Magic League, and Layla Xuehui Wu, Vice President.

More than 20 families from across Southern California enthusiastically participated. The event featured a star-studded guest lineup, including:

• Dale Salwak, Artistic Director of the Hollywood Magic Castle and Principal of the Chavez Studio of Magic,

• Juliana Chen, renowned international magician and FISM (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques) judge,

• Lixin Tian, General Manager of TM Winery,

• Jingxiu He, Founder of the Franklin Foundation.

Kicking off the event, Juliana Chen and Layla Wu presented a captivating series of interactive magic tricks—transforming candies, flying petals, silk linking, card flourishes—immersing the children in a world of wonder, drawing rounds of applause and laughter. This was followed by a “Mini Magician Bootcamp” led by Professor Dale Salwak, who personally guided children through beginner tricks such as flower production from an empty pot, transforming dice, and magic rings. The hands-on experience encouraged self-expression, confidence, and social interaction.

Lasting three hours, the event evolved from “witnessing magic” to “creating magic.” The children were not just spectators but became magicians themselves—donning cloaks, stepping on stage, and confidently demonstrating newly learned tricks, embodying the spirit of the next generation of magicians.

A special unveiling ceremony was also held during the event. Lixin Tian, General Manager of TM Winery, officially announced the establishment of the “Magic Practice Base” at the manor, with the plaque unveiled by Marketing Manager Tina Tian. Sarah Qin, event co-organizer, shared that the base will serve as an immersive and interactive learning and performance space for youth and special needs communities. Plans include enhancing infrastructure, fostering a unique magical atmosphere, offering regular classes, performances, and competitions—alongside specialized public sessions for children with autism to build social confidence and emotional growth.

“We hope families passionate about magic can explore, create, and help build a warm magical community together,” said Sarah.

Principal Dale Salwak emphasized the importance of the base in his remarks, praising the leadership of Kate and Layla:
“It’s wonderful to see their growth. I’m confident they’ll inspire and help many more people in the future. I will continue to support their magical journeys.”

Franklin Foundation President Jingxiu He also delivered a heartfelt speech, thanking the Magic League for its thoughtful planning and expressing high hopes for the base’s future:
“Today’s children didn’t just experience the joy of magic, but also the warmth of community. The launch of this base marks the beginning of a sustainable and impactful platform for long-term support.”

Before the event concluded, League President Kate Yunzhe Hong and guests recorded a farewell message for Vice President Layla Xuehui Wu, who, at just 15, was set to depart for Italy the next day to represent the U.S. in the FISM 2025 World Championship of Magic finals in the “Stage Manipulation” category—becoming the youngest contestant in that class. Layla began learning magic at age 4 from her mother, renowned Chinese magician Jinling Hu, and has won numerous accolades including the West Coast Magic Championship and an IBM Silver Medal, as well as becoming the youngest professional member in the history of the Hollywood Magic Castle.

“Participating in this meaningful event before my journey is a precious life experience,” said Layla. “This will forever be one of my most beautiful childhood memories.”

Since its founding in 2008, the Franklin Foundation has remained committed to supporting children with autism and their families through lectures, performances, training, and exhibitions—promoting awareness and inclusion in society. This collaborative event with the Youth Magic League embodies its core belief of “illuminating the future with love.”

Founded in 2023 by the then 13-year-old Kate Yunzhe Hong with support from the Franklin Foundation, the Southern California Youth Magic League aims to foster creativity and hands-on learning in youth, while building an inclusive space particularly for youth on the autism spectrum. As an IBM competition 4th-place winner and “Rising Star” honoree, Kate has performed at the Hollywood Magic Castle, the S.A.M Convention in New Orleans, and regularly stages public performances in schools and communities.

“The happiest moment for me is seeing a child with autism smile because of magic,” said Kate. “Magic is not just an art of performance—it’s a bridge that connects hearts.”

(Reported by Richard Ren / LAPost)