Volunteers Sought For Convoy
"Being a clown is about building relationships," said Andrew Imhoff, whose clown name is Roland. Imhoff has been a volunteer clown with the Make-A-Wish Mother's Day Truck Convoy for a number of years. "I love building relationships with kids and being able to see children happy no matter what they're going through."
Clown organizer Amy Nolt, who goes by Harmony when she is wearing her black vest adorned with musical notes, would love to see at least 25 volunteer clowns join her when the Make-A-Wish Convoy returns to its typical format after a two-year absence. For 2022, the Convoy will be held once again at the Manheim Pennsylvania Auto Auction, 1190 Lancaster Road, Manheim, where it will be held on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 8. The carnival will begin at 8 a.m., and the trucks will leave at 1:30 p.m. Event activities for the public will include a chicken dinner and live auction. Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children facing life-threatening illnesses, and the Truck Convoy provides funding for more than 75% of the wishes granted by the Philadelphia/Delaware/Susquehanna Valley Chapter every year.
Make-A-Wish clowns may begin as early as 8 a.m. by taking part in the carnival. Some clowns do tricks, but others simply brighten the faces of the Make-A-Wish kids. "If you can put a smile on a kid's face for 30 seconds, that may be the smile he needs for his whole life," said Imhoff.
About $10,000 of the funds raised by the Convoy is collected by the clowns, who grab buckets and follow the trucks in cars driven by volunteers. Amy noted that she will need one car and driver for about every four clowns who are sent out to collect.
"Anybody can be a clown," said Amy, who first began clowning as part of a college ministry. She connected with Make-A-Wish nearly 30 years ago when her husband, Mark, met up with Dennis Ober of Manheim, perhaps better known as Obie the clown. Amy soon convinced Mark to join her at the Convoy, and he chose a golfing theme for his clown outfit to go with the name Teed Off. Their first daughter clowned with them at the tender age of 9 months.
Imhoff performed magic tricks and twisted balloon animals for a few years before meeting Ober at a church event. "A lot of people think about (professional clowns) when they hear 'clowns needed,'" said Imhoff. But he said no experience is necessary to volunteer. Imhoff likes to keep his clown costume simple, choosing a hobo outfit because of the minimal makeup and uncomplicated clothing. He also feels the simplicity of his look makes him more approachable.
Both Mark and Imhoff noted that they enjoy the clowning experience. "Every year, I have more fun than the year before," said Mark.
"It's a whole new story every year," added Imhoff.
Amy emphasized that people of any age can be volunteer clowns. Whole families are welcome to clown together, and children may clown as long as a parent or other adult is with them. Amy will hold classes on Saturdays, April 9 and 23, to teach volunteers about makeup and costumes along with a little clown etiquette. Readers who are interested in volunteering to clown for Make-A-Wish may email nolt138@gmail.com for more information.
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