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This past summer, Daryl shared his incredible talent with families by putting on monthly magic shows that brought smiles, laughter, and plenty of “WOW” moments. His passion for making people feel happy and excited shined through every trick, reminding our families that joy and wonder are powerful gifts.
Can you tell us about your time as a magician and why you chose to become one?
I was first introduced to magic when a friend showed me a couple of tricks at age 12, and I was immediately hooked. What began as a childhood fascination stayed with me as a hobby throughout my life. Then, in 2004, I reconnected with that same friend, and he was still performing! Watching his show reignited the spark in me. From that point on, I dove deeper into the art, studying, practicing, and performing magic more seriously.
When I retired from my day job, I decided to follow my passion full-time and became a professional magician. I love magic because it’s fun, it makes people laugh, and sometimes it even makes them think. But what I love most are those rare and powerful “magic moments,” when someone sees the impossible happen right before their eyes, they get a sense of awe and wonder. In that instant, they believe, if only for a moment, that anything is possible. And if you can believe in magic, then anything truly is possible!
What inspired you to volunteer at Freedom House? Is there anything about the mission that spoke to you?
I wanted to give back to the community in a meaningful way. As I considered where I could make a difference, I realized that my magic could bring something special to families at Freedom House. Children especially light up when they experience magic, and I felt that offering moments of wonder could provide both comfort and relief from the challenges they’re facing. Beyond entertainment, magic carries a deeper message—it shows that what once seemed impossible can become possible. I believe the lessons of hope and possibility are especially important for families and children in difficult situations, and I’m grateful to share that with them.
How has your time at Freedom House altered the way you view homelessness in our community?
My time at Freedom House has shown me that homelessness can happen to anyone. The families I’ve met are not defined by their circumstances but are people who have faced setbacks that could happen to any of us. Seeing their resilience has deepened my understanding and compassion.
As a magician, I know that moments of wonder can shift how people see the world. Magic reminds us that what seems impossible can, with a little change in perspective, become possible. I’ve come to see that the same is true at Freedom House. It’s not just a shelter, it’s a place where families can find safety, support, and the opportunity to transform their lives. Just as in magic, transformation takes belief, courage, and hope, and Freedom House helps families discover those possibilities for themselves.
Every time I leave, I’m reminded that even small acts of kindness, whether it’s a meal, a safe place to stay, or a moment of wonder through a magic trick, can make a real difference. Freedom House has taught me that hope itself is a kind of magic, and it’s one our whole community can share.
