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Betheirvoice18 ago

http://www.aboutfacesentertainment.com/newsletters/2011/December

Mark Hoffman-listed in the civil lawsuit for his abuse of Plaintiff Thompson used to moonlight as a clown. Here is his creepy self description on the website. I believe he has since been fired from the company.

"Hi! It's Mark Hoffman, Oops the Clown and Mr. Funnyman. I have been performing stage shows and doing children's entertainment for 25 years. When I started I was emceeing, creating and performing skits, giving object lessons and puppet shows for large events up to 600 kids. About 15 years ago I began doing parties, shows, and corporate events as Oops the Clown or Mr. Funnyman (festive costume, balloon hat, no make-up). I perform in Northern Virginia, Maryland and DC.

I believe I have been given a gift to make people (especially children) laugh. Of the many gifts I have, the one I think that has the most effect on my entertainment is my gift of discernment. I have a very strong ability to read people, and be able to adjust my style accordingly Give me a few minutes with most kids and I can win them over, no matter what makes them tick. They will be smiling and maybe even laughing hard by the time our interaction is done. When I am making a balloon or painting a face, I don't want anyone to walk away with just a balloon in their hand or their face looking cool. I want them to have had a special experience with someone who they now feel a connection with. I want them to leave the event or party saying "That was the most fun I have ever had at a party!"

About nine years ago, my daughter had open heart surgery at Fairfax Hospital and my wife and I lived there (Ronald McDonald House, how appropriate is that) for 29 days. About two weeks in, I had to do a party as Oops the Clown that I had scheduled months before. When I returned back to the hospital (in clown), the nurse told me of a nine year old girl on the oncology floor who probably would not survive too much longer. I went into her room which was somber and I approached her gently, starting up a one way conversation with her. She was very depressed. Slowly, I engaged her and asked if I could do a trick for her, then another, then a balloon. When I passed gas with the balloon, she started laughing hard. I spent some of the most precious minutes of my life laughing and interacting with this sweet little girl. As I left, she gave me a big hug and thanked me for coming and being her friend.

The events where I can connect with another person are my favorite types of events. It gives me a big rush and it motivates me to get more of that reaction. So, if you want a balloon or a kid face painted and that's all, call someone who throws on a costume or does those things only to make money. If you want the kids (and adults) at your event to have their own special moment of laughter and joy, think about having Oops the Clown or Mr. Funnyman come to your event. Also know that my experience with About Faces is that they strive to bring on only the entertainers like me. So, if I am not available, check out some of their other fun characters. Many of them are my friends and mentors."

septimasexta ago

"The events where I can connect with another person are my favorite types of events. It gives me a big rush and it motivates me to get more of that reaction." This is off.