|
|
|
|
|
About Us
The Volunteer
Clowns of Orange County (VCOC), a non-profit volunteer organization,
spreads smiles around Orange
County at
children’s hospitals, senior centers, veterans’ hospitals,
orphanages, and parades
|
|
.
History
The Volunteer Clowns of Orange County (VCOC) began in the fertile mind of
its founder, Bunny Richards. While working as a waitress at the El
Pescador Restaurant in Newport
Beach, California,
Bunny, being Bunny, slowly began wearing her “funny”
earrings, then her “funny” hats to work. The customers loved
it.
When the restaurant
closed in 1989, Bunny was lost. She wanted to continue serving people.
The only questions was how. She prayed for three months for God to show
her the way. One day it came to her. Why not use the clowning skills she
learned at El Pescador to do some clowning for the community?
|
|
|
Bunny
Richards
1928 - 2007
|
In 1989 she held the
first VCOC meeting in her living room. Six people showed up. Soon her
living room became to small to accommodate all those interested, so she
went to her church and asked them to provide space. They graciously
agreed and the Word soon spread about this new volunteer organization.
Between Bunny’s contacts, her phone calls, word of mouth, and
newspaper articles, we now have between 25-38 active clowns. (Back to top)
|
Mission Statement
VCOC is dedicated to bringing laughter, smiles and comfort to those in
need.
We believe that a smile and a positive message can combat the effects of
many of society’s ills. Through laughter at charity sponsored events,
in the hospital, nursing home, day care, school, homeless shelter, and
other such venues, we attempt to bring a more holistic approach to well
being. We believe that when people are happy they are less likely to get
sick; if they are chronically ill, we believe their physical prognoses is
increased if not physically, at least mentally and emotionally.
VCOC is committed to these goals by enabling teenagers, community members,
students, senior citizens, and persons from all walks of life to have the
ability to dress up as a clown and provide this smile along with the
positive message that every member of society is not only worthy of
kindness, but deserves caring. By providing good works to others, our
members are in-themselves gaining a greater understanding of the human
experience and learning important skills that transcend societal stereotype.
After all, everyone can smile. (Back to top)
What We
Do
VCOC is available for charity organizations, including Special Olympics,
Down's Syndrome, American Cancer Association, Juvenile Diabetes, and
Make-A-Wish. We also perform in nursing homes, community runs and walks,
health fairs, and parades. Our activities include greeting people, face
painting, applying removable tattoos and stickers, handing out balloon art
figures and walking in parades. In 2006 the VCOC clowns appeared in nearly
250 events throughout Orange
County. We are an
eclectic group, coming from all walks of life, but with one goal in mind -
to promote smiles and laughter. (Back to top)
Code of
Ethics
The Eight
Clown Commandments
- I will keep my acts,
performance and behavior in good taste while I am in costume and
makeup. I will remember at all times that I have been accepted as a
member of the clown club only to provide others, principally children,
with clean clown comedy entertainment. I will remember that a good
clown entertains others by making fun of himself or herself and not at
the expense or embarrassment of others.
- I will learn to apply my
makeup in a professional manner. I will provide my own costume. I will
carry out my appearance and assignment for the entertainment of others
and not for personal gain or personal publicity when performing for
either the International club or alley events. I will always try to
remain anonymous while in makeup and costume as a clown, though there
may be circumstances when it is not reasonably possible to do so.
- I will neither drink
alcoholic beverages nor smoke while in makeup or clown costume. Also,
I will not drink alcoholic beverages prior to any clown appearances. I
will conduct myself as a gentleman/lady, never interfering with other
acts, events, spectators, or individuals. I will not become involved
in or tolerate sexual harassment or discrimination on the basis of
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or any
protected status.
- I will remove my makeup
and change into my street clothes as soon as possible following my
appearance, so that I cannot be associated with any incident that may
be detrimental to the good name of clowning. I will conduct myself as
a gentleman/lady at all times.
- While on appearance in
makeup and costume, I will carry out the directives of the producer or
his designated deputies. I will abide by all performance rules without
complaint in public.
- I will do my very best to
maintain the best clown standards of makeup, costuming, properties,
and comedy.
- I will appear in as many
clown shows as I possibly can.
- I will be committed to
providing an atmosphere free of discrimination and harassment for
clowns of all ages to share ideas and learn about the art of clowning.
(Back to top)
Meetings
We meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. at the
Presbyterian Church of the Covenant at 2850 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa,
(Click here to see a map and
directions to the meeting site.) (Back to top)
MEMBERS
TBD (Back to top)
|
