Academy of Magical Arts Establishes Fund for Magician Attacked in Dominican Republic

Online, December 3, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The Academy of Magical Arts (AMA), its Board of Directors and Board of Trustees, in conjunction with the Dai Vernon Foundation, Inc., has established a special fund to assist professional magician Wayne Houchin, who was severely injured during a Nov. 26 performance in the Caribbean.

Houchin, star of Discovery Channel's Breaking Magic and a performing member of the AMA, suffered serious burns on his head, face, neck and hands during a national television appearance on the Dominican Republic show Approach the Stars, during which the host threw flaming Aqua de Florida cologne in his face. Only the quick actions of Houchin's Curiosidades team saved his life.

Rushed to the emergency room, Houchin - who has extended his stay in that country for treatment is now recovering - commented on his Facebook page, "This was not a stunt or part of an act. This was a criminal attack."

Aqua de Florida is utilized by shamans in that region of the world - where much of the population continues to believe in voodoo and witchcraft and violent attacks by vigilantes are not unheard of - for healing and cleansing rituals. Speculation is that the host may have been motivated by superstition, as evidenced by a statement on the show's Facebook page calling the attack a "blessing."

TO CONTRIBUTE: Send a check (with "Houchin" written on the memo line) to: Dai Vernon Fund, c/o The Magic Castle, 7001 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028.

About The Academy of Magical Arts, Inc.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013, The Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) is a unique non-profit. The AMA's membership - including the world's most pre-eminent and celebrated magicians and illusionists - live by the "Magic First" creed, devoted to the advancement of the art of magic and preserving its history. Its headquarters and private club, The Magic Castle, has been an internationally revered gathering place for the magic brotherhood since opening its doors in 1963. Located in historic Hollywood in an elegant, Victorian-era mansion, the Castle is an experience within itself-a remarkable meeting spot that captures a lost era and is timeless in its appeal, having hosted generations of magic enthusiasts from around the globe, as well as show biz elite from Cary Grant (who also performed) to Johnny Depp. Leading the AMA as president of the board of directors is Emmy Award-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris. The Magic Castle was founded by writer, actor, magician and entrepreneur Milt Larsen and his late brother, Bill Larsen, Jr. Visit us online at: www.MagicCastle.com

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Greenleaf & Associates - 323.660.5800
Vicki Greenleaf - vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
Kelly Williams - kelly@greenleafandassociates.com