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THE CLOWN DOCTORS BALL
How It All Started ...
 Who knew that going to the doctor would lead to raising funds for The
Humour Foundation? It all began 20 years ago when we became
patients of Dr Peter Spitzer (also the Medical Director of The
Humour Foundation), soon after arriving from the UK.
Our involvement began in 2000, when I asked Peter how the Clown
Doctor Program was progressing. Ansett had just collapsed and he
told me that money paid for airfares to bring the Clown Doctors together
had been lost and that it would be a struggle to keep things going.
We felt compelled to raise funds so the Clown Doctors could continue their
wonderful work helping sick kids smile.
Jan and I had a discussion, made a couple of phone calls, talked with Peter
and before we knew it, organisation of our first 'Ball' was underway. We begged and pleaded for donations of items for raffle and auction prizes. Six weeks later we had a "Fun Raising Dinner" at Mittagong RSL Club on a Thursday evening, the only night available. Around 120 people, mostly from the Jo Jangles Dance School and the Lions Club attended. By the end of the evening we had raised $12,000 (a similar amount lost to Ansett).
Since then, Mittagong RSL Club - a staunch supporter - has provided a room at no charge, and even makes donations. Our numbers increased to 200 and income rose to $20,000 and then $25,000.
In 2006, we held our first huge raffle and raised $35,000. In 2007 we raised $54,000 with 300 people attending. From 2000 to 2007 the Southern Highlands Support Group raised $200,000 - all profit. In 2008 we raised and 2009 a fabulous themed evening which saw us raise $48,000 bringing the total to over $300,000.
Not only have we raised money but also awareness of the work done by The Humour Foundation and the Clown Doctors. This has been achieved by holding raffles, swimathons, cinema evenings, breakfast meetings and luncheons - all while we continue to run our own business.
We would like to thank our very wonderful committee, the staff at Jan-Dee Swim School (especially Maria Karykides who has supported us throughout), themany supporters who make donations of goods and their time to the cause and a special thanks to the Lions Club (particularly Mittagong) and Rotary. This group is truly special.
Jan and Paul Stevens-King
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