Therapeutic Clowns of Lev Leytzan Celebrate International Clown Week With Seventh Overseas Humanitarian Mission

WOODMERE, NY, Jul 30 (MARKET WIRE) --
On Tuesday, August 4, Lev Leytzan (Hebrew for "The Heart of a Clown"), a
New York based nonprofit therapeutic clowning program, will embark on a
humanitarian mission to Budapest, Hungary, to give the gift of happiness
to underserved populations such as residents of orphanages, hospitals and
nursing homes. The organization's seventh overseas mission, which is
self-funded by the participants, coincides with International Clown Week.

"Many don't measure the value of happiness as it relates to health and
well being," explained Dr. Neal Goldberg, Founder and Director of Lev
Leytzan (http://www.levleytzan.com/). "But through our efforts here and
abroad, Lev Leytzan's young clowns experience first hand the healing
effects of laughter and compassion."

Lev Leytzan was founded in 2004 by Dr. Goldberg, a child and adolescent
psychologist who couples his therapeutic expertise with his own
professional clown training. More than 180 teens and young adults have
participated in the program, learning clowning techniques and gaining
important skills that benefit them throughout life.

The Lev Leytzan clowns are all teenaged and young adult volunteers who
have gone through six months of training in the physical, emotional, and
psychological effects of clowning.

Adam Gindea (21) was a member of Lev Leytzan's first class of clowns. This
marks his second international mission. "I was fortunate to have
participated in Lev Leytzan's 2008 mission to Israel and Munich, where we
met Holocaust survivors. I was incredibly moved by this experience and
look forward to once again introducing Flower Top and Bonzo -- my clowning
alter egos -- to these special people."

The clowns reach their audiences by transforming them from mere spectators
into active participants. The distraction, emotions, and hope that come
from laughing freely and influencing the interaction with the clowns
provide audiences with a feeling of effectiveness that goes a long way in
both physical and psychic healing. Additionally, positive memories are
formed that the sick and disadvantaged audiences can gain strength as they
heal.

"It is a happy coincidence that our mission coincides with International
Clown Week," added Beth Friedlander, Director of Ambassadors Program, Lev
Leytzan. "With increased funding from the public and private sector we can
expand our international ambassadors program to two to three missions each
year."

Contact:
Suzanne Mannion
Office 201-445-8451
mobile 201-725-0471
Email Contact

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