Dai Vernon Foundation

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Dai Vernon Foundation Offering support, recognition, educational opportunities and financial aid during times of hardship to serious performers and students of the art of magic.

We began as the Dai Vernon Fund, a non-profit arm of the AMA, established via a bequest received from the estate of the renowned Close-up Magician Dai Vernon, after his 1992 death. The original purpose of the bequest was to fund the cash grant that accompanies the Close-up Award presented at the AMA’s annual awards show. In time others began to donate to the fund, and to hold fundraisers in support of it; for example, the AMA’s annual Soapy Smith night, and the donation of objects sold at the semi-annual AMA swap meet. The Fund’s activities expanded to include small cash grants given to aid magicians in financial or health trouble. In recent years, the decision was made to incorporate as a California non-profit organization so that we could expand both our educational and charitable activities, as well as help maximize our fund-raising efforts. Dai Vernon was an outspoken advocate of educational and skill-building opportunities for young magicians, and we hope to expand our offerings in this area through such projects as establishing a center for advanced studies in stage magic to conduct workshops, providing mentors to help magicians with their technique, staging, and performance, and facilitating access to a world-class magic research library. We also intend to set up programs to recognize and reward innovations in magic. At the same time, we wish to continue our charitable activities towards magicians in need, in accordance with the wishes of later bequests and donations.

Conjurly reports some news.
10/01/2026

Conjurly reports some news.

HOLLYWOOD, California, USA, September 30, 2026 — Gaëtan Bloom received the Max Maven Memorial Medal for Innovation in the Mystery Arts in person Tuesday night

Last night at The Magic Castle, Dave Egan, president of the Dai Vernon Foundation, presented the great Gaëtan Bloom with...
09/30/2026

Last night at The Magic Castle, Dave Egan, president of the Dai Vernon Foundation, presented the great Gaëtan Bloom with the Max Maven Medal for Innovation in the Mystery Arts.

The Medal, accompanied by a cash prize, recognizes artists whose originality and creative contributions have expanded the possibilities of magic and the mystery arts, just like Max did.

Honoring remarkable creators like Gaëtan — and supporting the continued development of innovative work — is one of the ways the Dai Vernon Foundation works to advance and support the art of magic.

Congratulations to Gaëtan on this richly deserved honor.

The Dai Vernon Foundation benefitted from an amazing Houdini Chamber Chef’s Table donated by Kristy Pitchford for our re...
09/27/2026

The Dai Vernon Foundation benefitted from an amazing Houdini Chamber Chef’s Table donated by Kristy Pitchford for our recent fundraising auction. A longtime Magic Castle magician member was the winning bidder, and it was one of the best w**e dinners the group has experienced at The Magic Castle. Big thanks to Kristy Pitchford for her generosity, which resulted in thousands of dollars being donated to the Foundation, and to Chef Carlos for the truly amazing meal!

The fourth race at Churchill Downs today in Kentucky. Thanks to the great Mac King for the heads up.
09/16/2026

The fourth race at Churchill Downs today in Kentucky. Thanks to the great Mac King for the heads up.

The Board of Directors of the Dai Vernon Foundation (a magician’s benevolent fund) would like to thank Kristy and Randy ...
07/16/2026

The Board of Directors of the Dai Vernon Foundation (a magician’s benevolent fund) would like to thank Kristy and Randy Pitchford, Magic Castle Enterprises, Janeen Puente, and Ben Roman and team for throwing a great party and fundraiser last night for the Foundation, one of the most successful fundraisers in our 30-year history. Also, big thanks to the great Pop Haydn for hosting Soapy Smith Night, and to Rob Zabrecky who was our fantastic auctioneer for the live auctions. All to help magicians in need, regardless their organizational affiliation! 

Will we see you this week for gambling and helping those in need?
07/13/2026

Will we see you this week for gambling and helping those in need?

07/07/2026
The Magic Castle presents the grand return of Soapy Smith Night, hosted by the great Pop Haydn. It is also a fundraiser ...
06/11/2026

The Magic Castle presents the grand return of Soapy Smith Night, hosted by the great Pop Haydn. It is also a fundraiser for the Dai Vernon Foundation, with live and silent auctions and VIP Wild West gambling rooms. We look forward to seeing you there!

Inspired by legendary close-up magician Dai Vernon, the Dai Vernon Foundation is the only nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizati...
05/14/2026

Inspired by legendary close-up magician Dai Vernon, the Dai Vernon Foundation is the only nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization providing direct support to magicians in financial hardship, and offering educational grants to young magicians honing their craft beyond the walls of The Magic Castle.

Over the last few years, the Dai Vernon Foundation has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to members of the magic community for medical bills, emergency expenses, and other unexpected costs, and in educational grants.

But what makes the foundation work is you. This magician’s benevolent fund needs your help. Magicians around the world bring us wonder and amazement and when they need help, you can be there for them.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit: https://www.daivernonfoundation.org/

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Studio City, CA
91602

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