Carol Klein, AKA MisMatch The Clown, was teaching veterans how to make balloon animals during a festival at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center a decade ago when she and her family were inspired to form the nonprofit Our Heroes Night Out.
“The evening was so much for the guys and for me and they seemed interested in learning more,” Klein told the Press. “So I called the person who hired me and she connected me with the homeless facility.”
Two weeks later, Carol and her son Garrett, also known as YooHoo the Clown, went to the facility and began what has now become a welcomed and highly appreciated program.
“The veterans living at this homeless facility are amazing,” she said. “They have all served our country in so many different ways and are now in a tough situation in their lives. They served to keep us safe and it’s my feeling that now it is our turn to support them.”
“Our goal now is to bring as much entertainment or programs to them or takes them out for a night of fun,” she continued. “It’s a small group of guys but their appreciation is huge.”
Klein said the efforts have been very rewarding for her family. They have met so many people who share their feelings about the importance or honoring these well deserving men and women. The group invites businesses and individuals to donate time to bake, cook, sing, dance or tell jokes.
“We have had so many talented people come share their talents and so many businesses open their doors to provide a fun night out for these veterans,” she said. “We are a family organization that relies on people sharing their time with the guys.”
To find out more about Our Heroes Night Out, visit mismatchtheclown.com and click on the “Our Heroes Night” page.
