Chucko's 'Laughter Unlimited' receives grants to support programs for seniors and children

Special to the Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
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Chucko leads a group of children in song for residents of The Pines of Sarasota Rehabilitation and Senior Care Community. Chuck Sidlow and wife Noriko are a regular part of the intergenerational programming at The Pines.
Chucko leads a group of children in song for residents of The Pines of Sarasota Rehabilitation and Senior Care Community. Chuck Sidlow and wife Noriko are a regular part of the intergenerational programming at The Pines.

“Laughter Unlimited," the nonprofit founded by entertainer, clown, and World of Chucko's Chuck Sidlow and his wife Noriko Sidlow, recently received grants from the Sarasota Kiwanis Foundation and a Longboat Key family to support programming for The Pines of Sarasota Rehabilitation and Senior Care Community and Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary School.

Laughter Unlimited uses "humor therapy" and “music therapy” to reduce stress, decrease pain and have a positive and lasting effect on the immune system, heart, and brain.

“We are proud of our intergenerational programs at Pines of Sarasota,” president and CEO Mike Ward said. “Our on-campus child care center allows for invaluable interactions among the seniors and children in our care, and the activities provided by Chuck, Noriko and Laughter Unlimited enrich both groups. We are grateful for the generosity of the Sarasota Kiwanis Club for this grant.”

Chuck and Noriko Sidlow at a 2016 luncheon benefiting The Pines. The World of Chucko’s “Laughter Unlimited” has served Florida’s West Coast for over 20 years.
Chuck and Noriko Sidlow at a 2016 luncheon benefiting The Pines. The World of Chucko’s “Laughter Unlimited” has served Florida’s West Coast for over 20 years.

The gift from Thomas and Linda McDonald of Longboat Key will provide interactive, educational, and entertaining programing for 6- to11-year-old special needs children at Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary School. “The students and staff are looking forward to this special series of programs," said Dr. Cynthia Rush, a teacher at the elementary school. Chucko and Noriko Sidlow bring joy, needed laughter and music therapy to our students.”

The "Humor-peutic" interactive and empowering programs are enjoyed by the residents, their families, staff, and management teams at several senior care and special needs facilities. The Sidlows customize programs for community centers, veterans organizations, children's activity centers and special events.

“The encouragement and support from our donors have allowed us to continue to provide the unselfish gift of love through our unique senior care and special needs Interactive programming,” Chuck Sidlow said.

Chuck “Chucko” Sidlow was inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame in St. Armand’s Circle in 2018.
Chuck “Chucko” Sidlow was inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame in St. Armand’s Circle in 2018.

Chuck Sidlow began developing his distinctive talents at Atlantic City's famous "Steel Pier." He also studied the physical aspects of performance with famous professional wrestlers and studied at Clown College in Venice, where he received a performance contract with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Sidlow earned the title of ''The Youngest Boss Clown" in the history of the "Greatest Show on Earth.” Chucko is a featured interactive attraction at the Ringling Museum and Sidlow was inducted into the Circus Ring of Fame in St. Armand’s Circle in 2018.

The World of Chucko’s “Laughter Unlimited” is a multi-disciplined program that has served Florida’s West Coast for over 20 years. For more information, visit worldofchucko.org.

Submitted by Lisabeth Begin

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Grants help keep Chuck Sidlow's 'Laughter Unlimited' programs on track