Drs. BB and Prepared get taught how to effectively stick out their tongues by a resident at GPC

Jest for Joy is thrilled to announce that we raised $7000 at our Naughty Noses Nifty Fifities Gala at the River Rock Casino, thanks to the extremely generous donations of items and time from Friends of Jest for Joy.  This money will be used towards our continued work at George Pearson Centre and will keep us servicing there with weekly visits for months to come!

As of May, we will have been spreading joy and inspiration at GPC for two years, and our work has been met with outstanding praise and depth.

Sam Greenspoon, Social Worker at GPC says “I have witnessed moments of zaniness, laughter, and humour, which is much needed in a place where the residents have experienced more than their share of trauma and suffering; to more touching moments where I have heard the Clown Doctors gently singing to residents who may be more isolated… Their commitment, [has] more that once, brought tears to my eyes”.

Ron Stedman, Recreational Therapy Director and advocate of the Jest for Joy clown-doctoring program simply states, “The clown doctors have had a tremendously positive impact on the quality of life of the residents at GPC… they have brought countless smiles to the faces of the residents, staff, visitors and volunteers.

George Pearson Centre is hosting a small fundraiser, Fools Fair, on Friday April 1st to support Jest for Joy’s work.  All are welcome and encouraged to stop by either for bbq lunch or for activities and items for purchase – or stay the whole time!  The BBQ starts at 11:30am and the activities will begin at 1:30pm and run until 4pm.

Jest for Joy hugely appreciates the support of GPC and will need further support throughout the year to continue it’s services through 2011.  We are completely committed to servicing the Centre as our “base camp”, even when we begin programing at other locations.  The work is invaluable to all.  As one resident clearly puts it, “Life is hard enough in normal times.  [The clown-doctors] are needed to help bridge the gap.”

Folks, it’s here!

Jest for Joy is having an amazing evening of fun this upcoming Friday January 28th.  This newest edition to our Naughty Noses fundraising events is our grandest event yet, and we’re celebrating 50′s style.  Live jazz by Juno award-winning Creber music and fedoras and cocktail dresses will set the mood.  Stand up comedy by Greg Kettner, and a SLEW of amazing live and silent auction items up for grabs, including a Galiano weekend getaway, Canucks and Giants tickets, gift baskets, hotel packages and much more. This is one event you won’t want to miss!

Naughty Noses – Nifty Fifties Gala
River Rock Casino – Fraser Room
8811 River Road, Richmond

7pm

$35 per person

Get your tickets on Eventbrite:

http://jestforjoy.eventbrite.com/?ref=esfb

Funds raised at this event go directly to supporting the  2011 program at George Pearson Centre, where the clown-doctors have been providing service for over a year and a half to rave reviews.   We are also aiming to fund the expansion of our work to other Centres in and around Vancouver where clown-doctoring is needed and desired as an addition to the holistic treatment of patients and residents.

Your support is not only extremely appreciated by Jest for Joy, but also by the residents, their families and the staff of the Centre where our Jest for Joy clown-doctors ply their trade.  After matching by a corporate sponsor, $50 of donated funds provides two hours of clown-doctoring by the clown-doctors and can bring a smile to the face of dozens of residents and staff.  Those smiles often last well after the clown-doctors have left the building for the day.

To view a short video of our work, check out the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmU8AHa149w

We look forward to seeing you on Friday January 28th for a fun-filled evening supporting a great cause.