Last Time Around for Circus, Clown Visits

NIH patients, employees and their families were able to attend a special evening with the 146th and final edition of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The event Mar. 30 at Verizon Center adopted a theme of intergalactic adventure.    

For 20 years, the NIH R&W has partnered with Easter Seals to offer local children the chance to see circus performances in Washington, D.C. Both organizations bring many guests who normally would not be able to attend.   

Last time around for circus and kids.

Photo:  Ernie Branson, Michael Spencer

The evening begins with a pizza party for patient families from the Clinical Center, the Children’s Inn at NIH and families from Special Love Inc., which sponsors Camp Fantastic. This year, R&W was also able to host families from Montgomery County social service agencies, Operation Second Chance with military families from Walter Reed, along with many clients of Easter Seals. Total attendance for the evening was close to 9,000.

"Our gratitude [to R&W] is unbounded,” said Sue Kirk, executive director of Bethesda Cares. Added Holly Parker of the CC, “The children had a magical time and will always remember the evening. I have many fond memories of all the lives touched by R&W and its efforts.”

As in years past, clowns from the circus paid a call to NIH prior to the evening performance, stopping at both pediatric units in the CC as well as at the inn.