View Full Version : Clowning for Special Needs Children,What a Privilege!


PremierSparkles
06-08-2006, 02:18 PM
I had the honor this past weekend to clown for the special needs children & their families from the children’s hospital. I was so blessed by this, I just had to share. 1 night a yr. The zoo has “Dream Night”. They close to the public and open for free to about 200 families. I have been clowning a long time, and this is one of the best nights of “Sparkles’” life! :D

I actually bartered my services for a new costume. The lady who makes my costumes and also has made costumes for Disney, is a volunteer at the zoo. When I asked her to begin working with me to have a new costume made and mentioned this year finances were a bit tighter this year, she asked me how much I normally charge for events, then she asked if I would be willing to barter. When she told me what the event was, my eyes filled with tears! Thank you God!! This night was actually a gift to me. It was such a rewarding experience. Lately, I have had some crummy gigs with some rude & unappreciative people. I just look at my paycheck, & try to feel better, but money just doesn’t speak to me. These families & children were so beautiful! There were a variety of needs. Mental, physical or both. Down syndrome, Autism, quad, para, etc. you name it. The Down Syndrome children & youth, were very funny & full of energy, they were a little too excited at times, when they would hug or dance they would not know their own strength. The Autism children were a little shy of me, I had to be gentle back further. Some were blind, how do you clown for the blind……. Some were deaf, some were both. It was a challenge & a stretch for me to figure out how to bless each individual & out a smile on their face. I did a lot of quad squats to get on eye level to many wheel chairs, & strollers & the kids who were only knee high. Every muscle in my body hurt the next day, but I have been smiling from ear to ear ever since!

I love being a clown! What an honor to were a red nose & big shoes! :)

I wanted to share some pictures, but I can not figure out for the life of me how to get them on the site….
:x

Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine,
But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

saphireSue
06-08-2006, 10:39 PM
congrats, on your gig, even adults with special needs make a great group. and they love to particiapte.

GiGi
06-12-2006, 01:56 PM
Congrats!!! Sounds wonderful! I hope you get the pics up. Would love to see them, although I can't help, I don't know how either.


GiGi :D

GabbyGayle
08-02-2006, 02:37 PM
you can sign up at photobucket.com and then use the tag to get them in your message... thats how i do it. plus you have an online album!