Published: October 22, 2008 10:01 pm      

Magic show to benefit women’s clinic

DANVILLE — In the spirit of Houdini, magicians across the world have been asked to donate their time and talent for a worthy cause this month.

Local magician Christopher Bontjes has chosen his cause — the Women’s Care Clinic in Danville — and is ready to pull some tricks out of a hat to benefit the organization.

Bontjes will present a 90-minute show at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul’s Grade School, with all ticket proceeds going to the center.

“They do such great work of helping get healthy babies into the world,” Bontjes said, explaining why he chose the clinic. “They help women through the emotional and financial challenges of pregnancy.”

The show will present many classic tricks, which are geared toward the family. Children and adults of all ages will appreciate the tricks, he said.

The show also will involve audience participation.

“This is an ‘everybody’ show,” Bontjes said. “Anybody who comes will enjoy what happens.”

Seeing a magic show is a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon, he said, as it’s less expensive and more interactive than going to a movie.

And, he said, “It’s a chance to have a good time and help someone else at the same time.”

Kim Padan, executive director of the Women’s Care Clinic, was surprised — and excited — when Bontjes contacted her last month about the benefit.

“This was really, really awesome on his part,” she said. “He’s doing this of his own free will and big heart.”

The center will decide later how to use the money, she said, adding, “This will allow us to do more to help young women in need in Danville and across Vermilion County.”

The late Harry Houdini also used his talents to help others, Bontjes said. In fact, that’s the whole idea behind the benefit.

In remembrance of Houdini’s death on Oct. 31, the Society of American Magicians has designated the last week in October as “Magic Week.”

SAM National President Bruce Kalver said in a press release, “Houdini was not only an incredibly gifted performer, he was also a kind and generous man who helped those in need whenever he could. For this reason, I have asked SAM members around the world to use their magic to raise money and/or awareness for a local cause.”

St. Paul’s School will donate the room and the labor for set-up and tear-down, as well, so that all of the proceeds from ticket sales will directly benefit the Women’s Care Clinic.

Bontjes is a magician with more than 35 years of experience entertaining audiences of all ages. He is a life member of the SAM, president of the local SAM Assembly, and regional vice president for SAM Assemblies in nine Midwestern states.

He also is band director for Westville High School and Junior High.

The Women’s Care Clinic provides pregnancy testing and ultrasound to women in Vermilion County. Additional services include a mother’s support group that helps provide baby clothes and diapers, post-abortion recovery groups, and consultations on healthy relationships. All services are provided free.

COMING UP

Local magician Christopher Bontjes will present a magic show at 3 p.m. Sunday at St. Paul’s Grade School, with all proceeds benefiting the Women’s Care Clinic.

Tickets will be available at the door for $3 per person with a limit of $15 per family. Door prizes will be awarded.

Bontjes’ Web site is http://www.MagicalEntertainer.net.