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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 |
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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?
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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)
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I
will do my very best to maintain the best clown standards of
makeup, costuming, properties, and comedy.
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I will appear in as many clown shows as I possibly can.
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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)
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