Socially Conscious Clowns - 2009 Calendar Funds MS (GALLERY)

The 2009 Naked Clown Calendar, though a fun theme, is being used to raise funds for researching a very serious disease: Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  Only the first two shots are from the calendar but the rest of the photos are images of graduates of the Clown Conservatory Class of 2008 who you may see within its pages. The calendar is family-friendly because the nude shots are done tastefully and all private parts are completely covered.

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord.  It generally affects people between the ages of 20 and 40, and is more common in women than men.  As of now, there is no cure for MS and treatment is aimed at dealing with the symptoms.  Many people live with MS without extreme complications, but others may find themselves completely debilitated.

The 2009 Naked Clown Calendar was started by Judy Finelli, a circus performer and founder of the San Francisco School for Circus Arts (Circus Center), who was diagnosed with MS in 1989.  Finelli, despite being a quadriplegic, wants to ensure those with Multiple Sclerosis fight for their dreams.

Each month next year, profits from the 2009 Naked Clown Calendar go to the Judy Finelli Fund, which, according to the calendar’s site “advocates cures and treatments of MS, promotes artistic expression through circus arts and enables those affected by MS to pursue their passions. 100% of the net profits from the sale of each calendar goes to the Judy Finelli Fund.”