Children who are bravely facing chronic illnesses often find joy in the simplest of moments. Royal Encounters, a group run by students at Indiana University, spreads joy and creates memories by dressing up as beloved princesses and superheroes. They make a positive impact on the lives of these incredible kids and their families. Through their selfless acts of kindness, Royal Encounters brings lots of hope and magic to the kids who need it most.
The non-profit student organization started in 2017 when two now IU alumni Haley Sample and Emily Boehm collaborated to create a club that works with local organizations and institutions. Their mission was to help ease the minds and offer a light-hearted moment of positivity to children in need. The group focuses on raising the spirits of the children on campus, in the Bloomington community, and throughout the state of Indiana. They have traveled to Riley Hospital for Children, IU Boys & Girls Club, Middle Way House, and other entities in Indiana that support families. Since the group first formed, it has only flourished since. Royal Encounters now has a sister branch at Michigan State University and is looking to expand the program at colleges nationwide.
The members of the Royal Encounters group traveled to the Indianapolis Airways 11th Annual Plane Pull on April 22nd for the “meet-and-greet for joy.” The meet and greet was a gathering presented by the Lucas Oil Stadium to engage and benefit children who are suffering from terminal and life-threatening illnesses. The non-profit group dressed up and arrived at the event for two hours to walk around and meet all the children. The event held stations for snacks, coloring books, and character meet and greets that all families could walk around and see.
Alexandra Knotts plays the role of Cinderella and describes the feeling of getting to meet children in need
To create an experience as authentic as possible for the children, the IU group assigned each person in Royal Encounters to become a specific character role for the event. The executive members decide which character would suit the members best by their personality and look. Once the members know which role they play, they learn how to embody these joyous characters and suit up. During the Indianapolis event, the volunteers wore the familiar garb of characters like Cinderella, Spiderman, Snow White, etc. The group use their roles to make the most out of each interaction with the kids.
During these times of illness, these families in need do not have the means to afford a trip or are not in a condition to travel to Disney World or Universal. This organization’s goal is to bring that sense of happiness Disney World brings to the children of Indiana. Locally they make a change with their smiles, laughter, and the magical presence that amusement parks resemble. The reactions the children have when they see the characters arrive is not only life-changing but touch hearts in a way words cannot describe.
The organization prioritizes experiences and events year-round to make an impact on campus. The group fundraises at its annual spring fundraising event to donate profit for support outlets in the Bloomington community. During the 2022 event, the group raised over $2000 dollars for The Middle Way House. This year, Royal Encounters looked to do the same at The Cinderella Ball event to provide donations for Riley Hospital for Children.
Royal Encounters will continue their services next school year. The group welcomes new members each semester to expand and grow its impact at IU. Currently, the group has reached over 100 members, with potential to make positive difference on the lives of children with the more students that get involved. The group will have their next application process in the fall season to continue offering their services to the community of Bloomington and bring hope to the lives of children in Indiana.
