Clowns, kids and colorful balloons filled Greenbank Farm Saturday, Nov. 2. People came to see island clowns Charlie the Juggling Clown, Lolli, Pookie, and Jus Wally. But they really supported one 3-year-old girl and her family. Katie’s Clowns was a benefit for Katie Richmond of Coupeville. The little blond tyke has neuroblastoma, a cancer of the nervous sytem. Almost since her diagnosis in late August, Katie and her parents Jenni and Jeff have been living at Seattle’s Ronald McDonald House while Katie goes through treatment at Children’s orthopedic Hospital.

Charlie, Pookie and Lolli had met Katie at Children’s Hospital. “We wanted to let neighbors help neighbors by raising money plus have a fun community event,” Charlie said.

Katie made a surprise visit to her benefit. Her family came home for the weekend between Katie’s chemotherapy treatments; she began her fourth round of chemo Monday.

Katie’s mom Jenni explained Katie’s treatment: “Katie will have surgery between Thanksgiving and Christmas — probably in early December — to remove the rest of the tumor in her abdomen. She will have harvested stem cells auto-transplanted. And then more chemotherapy.”

“We’re lucky Katie’s personality hasn’t suffered. She’s had her ups and downs but she’s still happy, fun and energetic,” Richmond said.

During intermission, kids ran around, got their faces painted, munched popcorn and generally had a fine time. Adults bought raffle tickets for clown artwork and for chances on drawings for different toys and coloring sets.

Katie watched everything from the security of her mother’s arms.

“We’re totally speechless today,” Richmond said, tearing up. “Everyone has been so much like family. My husband and I are at a loss for words. We’re very grateful for where we live.”

Anyone wishing to help Katie can make donations to Katie’s Fund at any branch of Whidbey Island Bank.