Shriners Helping Children

The Barak Shriners say they are here to help children defy the odds. For the 50th year in a row, the Shriners put on the glitz and glamour, brought out the tigers and elephants and wooed the crowds with the clowns. The Shriners say all the time and planning are worth it because its all about helping the children; and the clowns participate to put a smile on their faces. "God Bless you [children] and thats what were here for," "Dandy" the clown said. "And we work all we can to make things happen for them and to turn their life around. And to make them have a good, normal life." The money from the circus funds go toward the year-long shriners projects benefitting the children in need. Those needs include orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palates to name a few. Circus attendees say they love the acts, but helping the Shriners mission makes the entire experience worthwhile. Annissa Payne, came to watch the circus. She said, "We dont mind supporting this event. Were very excited about it and we hope the money goes toward a good effort." Annissas 10 year old daughter, Allison Payne, said to the needy children, "I hope you have a good time in life." With more than 411 thousand Shriners in North America and 865 thousand kids benefitting from their services, the circus remains the biggest fund raising event of the year for the Shriners. Cliff Hall, a Barak Shriner, said, "Theres something for everybody at the circus, I guarantee it. " Onion and tamale sales are some other events that contribute to the Shriners mission. -Candace Miers, NBC 10 News