A Rainbow and a Gourd with Backyard Laughter for Clowns without Borders

On July 24, we gathered in the backyard of Clowns Without Borders USA President Tim Cunningham for our 2nd Annual Atlanta Backyard Fundraiser,  hosted by Tim and me. It was an evening soaked in laughter, generosity, and yes, just a bit of actual rain. This gathering was not merely a fundraising event; it was a celebration of our community's dedication to bringing happiness and relief to those who need it most, particularly children facing difficult circumstances around the globe. As the late evening approached, dark clouds loomed overhead, and we were met with a rain shower that threatened to dampen our outdoor festivities. Despite the weather, we pressed on, determined to make the evening a success.

We were fortunate to have remarkable guest performers, including the talented cellist Jenn Cornell, whose music set a captivating tone for the evening, and the delightful clowns Matt Baum and Reuben Haller, who brought their unique clown skills to the festivities. As the rain finally relented, we were able to move outdoors and embrace the beauty of the evening. A particularly magical moment for me occurred when I joined my fellow clowns for their performance. Initially, I had planned to accompany them on the shaker—a gourd from our recent tour to Zimbabwe that was part of the evening's auction. But as I stepped into the space, a radiant rainbow appeared above Tim's house, arching across the sky like a bridge of hope and optimism. In that moment, I felt a connection to our mission and the goals we had set for the evening.

Throughout the event, we encouraged attendees to participate in a silent auction that featured photographs by Moshe Cohen, the founder of Clowns Without Borders USA. Additionally, I contributed the musical gourd, which I had brought back from a recent tour in Zimbabwe, adding a personal touch to our fundraising efforts. The evening not only showcased our commitment to one another but also highlighted the importance of using our voices and talents to bring laughter. We are thrilled to report that we exceeded our fundraising goal, raising over $12,000 for Clowns Without Borders. This will go a long way in supporting upcoming tours and initiatives worldwide. However, the demand for support continues, and we remain grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and shared in our vision. Together, as a community, we can continue to spread joy and laughter, ensuring that our efforts impact children in every corner of the world. For those who wish to contribute further, it's not too late to donate. You can click on this link to support this cause. Thank you for helping us make a difference!