More than 10,000 people attended Premier Evening of the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus at the MCI Center recently as guests of the R&W. Since it started producing the children's charity event 8 years ago, R&W has hosted more than 50,000 children and their families at the circus's first night in town, said Randy Schools, president. "The R&W has given out over $500,000 worth of free tickets to children in local hospitals, such as NIH, Children's Hospital, Fairfax, Walter Reed and Georgetown," he said. R&W also works with local social service agencies to treat at-risk youth and those in need of partnership with Easter Seals, he added. "The joy of the event is seeing all of the children with their smiles and eagerness to have a good time," Schools said. The event began with a pizza dinner, at which circus clowns mingled with guests, then everyone entered the arena to see the Three-Ring Adventure.

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