From Boob Tube to Big Top

Actor as Guest Ringmaster at Hospital for Special Surgery's Big Apple Circus Benefit

The Wall Street Journal—December 8, 2013

Actor Jack Gore ran off and joined the Big Apple Circus this weekend, if just for a night, at Hospital for Special Surgery's seventh annual benefit.

Before the circus show, kids could have their faces painted before heading to the photo booth or enjoy the jugglers, stilt walkers and plate spinners, all while leaving behind a trail of apple juice boxes, cotton candy and popcorn.

Hand surgeon Dr. Michelle Carlson created the family-oriented benefit, which this year attracted 500 guests. Many of her patients are children and she brought her own two children.

The hospital has treated two of board member Kate Doerge's three children. She is a co-chairwoman of the event, which she said is a nice opportunity for patients to see their doctors in a fun and informal setting.

Monica Keany, also a chairwoman of the event, was once a HSS patient and now brings her children to the circus. She said the event raised $430,000, which will support both clinical research and medical staff including social workers and nurses.

This story originally appeared at wsj.com.