Photos: Clowns Cheer Cancer Stricken Children

For one night this week, the Mission Viejo Elk's Lodge ceiling transformed into a sky of floating balloons as clowns entertained over 300 children suffering from cancer.

Elks Lodge member Stephanie Bongartz organized and helped fund the event. Late last year she held a fundraising dinner to help pay for this event. Proceeds from bingo also helped defray costs.

There were carnival games, candy and stories read to the children by a giant bear.

See photos of the event above.

"For a few hours, the children and their families could enjoy time away from the effects of their illnesses and chemotherapy, radiation and other medical treatments," said Elk's Spokesman Hal Mattson.

On top of the free food and entertainment, every child received a t-shirt saying "We Have Friends at The Mission Viejo Elks Lodge."