Heart of Variety - Issue 1 - Write Solution Group, Inc.

Message
from the International President
How many of you remember the Variety
International letterhead which carried the
Barker logo spruiking “The Greatest
Children’s Charity in the World”? Today,
as I reflect on the breadth and depth of
the commitment and experience of our longer serving Ambassadors and accordingly I have appointed
a number to the President’s Council. It is my hope
that the Council together with Past Presidents
will have a role as a Board of Review, providing
stewardship for the traditions and historical
connections of Variety.
our work with children, I believe that this
phrase is more valid than ever.
Now in its 80th year, Variety is working on the
ground through 50 Tents in 14 Countries helping
needy children in those communities. This work
involves many thousands of caring and concerned
people who volunteer their time, thus ensuring our
overheads are kept low and a high proportion
of every dollar raised goes directly to help those
in need. In this respect I like to refer to our
Tents and army of volunteers as “Variety, the
World’s Local Children’s Charity”.
In September I am visiting the US, Canada and
Great Britain for meetings with International and US
Association Directors and Officers and also attending
the US National Conference in Pittsburgh. Back in
Sydney by October 4 to catch up with business and
family affairs, I will be flying out again on October
30 to attend the International Board Meetings in
Edinburgh.
“The Greatest Children’s Charity in the World”
Today, as I reflect on the breadth and depth of our work with
children, I believe that this phrase is more valid than ever.
Variety Children’s Lifeline was founded in
1982, when Nancy Reagan arranged to
bring 2 children from Korea to the US for heart
surgery. A quarter of a century later it is now
involved with an increasing number of medical
missions which provide life-saving and life-enhancing
surgery for children in developing countries. Last
year alone, over 3,000 children in 52 countries
benefited from this amazing work.
This makes us a very unique Organisation. In
some ways we are a charity in 2 parts but together,
Variety the World’s Local Children’s Charity and
our global outreach through Variety Children’s
Lifeline present a compelling story!
It is the prerogative of the International President to
appoint Ambassadors for the term of his Presidency. While I have re-appointed some previous
Ambassadors I considered it important to bring on
new people with fresh ideas and specific expertise.
I have also recognized the importance of retaining
I am in close contact with the New Zealand Convention Committee and can tell you that they are
putting together a great Convention for Auckland in
May next year. On the business front, I expect that
we will be rolling out a new vision for Variety internationally to take us to a new and higher level. It
will be an event not to be missed.
All of you who contribute to the great achievements
of Variety through your time, energy, expertise and
resources…..should take a bow! Thousands of
young lives have been saved or enhanced through
your outstanding work. That’s why we remain the
Greatest Children’s Charity in the World.
Grahame Mapp AM
Sydney, Australia
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Contents
Fall Issue 2007
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A Message From the
Variety International Office
As we prepare to celebrate the 80th year of Variety International and reflect on its rich history, we also look towards
an exciting and prosperous future. The visionary strategy
of new International President, Grahame Mapp challenges
us to build our brand on the International stage in order to
help more children around the World.
We warmly welcome the 7 new International Vice Presidents:
Jack Foley and Ken Loughnan (Heads of the United States
and Australian Associations respectively), Richard Freeman
and Pamela Sinclair (Great Britain), Nancy Klueter (United
States), Tony Hasham and Michael O’Brien (Australia) and 9
newly appointed International Ambassadors: Ronnie
Nathan, Norman Kaphan, Laurence Davis (Great Britain),
Alan Fraser (GB / Scotland), Penelope Mapp, Nicolas
Moore (United States), Bob Stewart (Canada), Doug
Christie (Australia) and Amnon Angel (Israel).
Congratulations to the new dedicated officers who have
agreed to serve on the re-invigorated President’s Council
under the guidance of co-chairs Marsha Rae Ratcliff and
Walter H Dunn:- Wayne Adsett (New Zealand), Kenneth
Greidinger (Israel), Julia Morley (Great Britain), James
Murray, Muriel Myerson (United States), Barbara Stewart,
Louis Trepel, Gordon Josie (Canada).
We take this opportunity to farewell and thank Jane Brody
for her tenure as Executive Director / COO and wish her
good luck in her future endeavours. Danielle Evans has
now assumed responsibility for maintaining the continuity
of the Administration.
Importantly, we express our gratitude to International Past
President, Michael Reilly for his leadership with this Magazine and to our publisher Julie Evans, for making the
”Heart of Variety” a reality.
wwv.varietychildrenscharity.org
VI staff member Frida Inchaustegui and Ambassador Sue
Mapp have worked together to transform the Variety International website so that we can all be proud of our informative and colourful window to the World. Features include
Variety History and Nomenclature, all Humanitarian Award
Winners since 1938 and Major Events and Programs. Various tools and documents can be accessed in the Board
and Tent Resources sections. We encourage your suggestions and creative input to ensure this most important promotional, marketing and fundraising tool is visually
attractive and user friendly. Please visit Variety International at www.varietychildrenscharity.org
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Variety:
1928-1948
A message from Marsha Rae
Ratcliff - The artist of the
original painting depicting
Variety’s First 20 Years.
It all really begins on Dec. 24th 1928 starting with Catherine Variety Sheridan who was left in the Sheridan theatre that Christmas Eve. In the painting she plays the leading role, the real Variety Star surrounded by the World
of Film. Catharine has 11 founding fathers, including the owner of the Sheridan Theatres, John H. Harris the “Big
Boss”. The ensuing press brings gifts in abundance.
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The note from her heartbroken Mother leads to the symbol of
the ‘Heart’ over every Variety Club Tent. In 1928 we
celebrate the births of Catherine, and Variety’s Pittsburgh’s
Tent #1. This was an important beginning that brought hope
to children who were in the cold and dark. (Note the two
children in the cold snow pointing to the Founding Fathers!)
The first fundraising event brings the circus theme to Variety
which includes the Top Hat. Variety Club travels to several
cities in the USA and as far south as Mexico and north to
Ontario, Canada. The first movies for Shut-ins were created
in Detroit and free ‘Milk for Children’ was distributed in several states.
The abundant gifts and Catherine are placed into Pittsburgh’s Roselia Founding Home. The carolers depict good
tiding, gifts and joy to the children. Years later, in front of the
Roselia, Catherine sits holding adoption papers with her
name changed to Joan Riker. This happened in the middle of
the Big Depression, which makes life even colder for the
children. Variety’s 11 founders need to stay strong and work
even harder.
There are 23 genuine Star Tents which you see on the American Flag. The film Industry continues to play a major role
with Variety and Hollywood’s Paramount Pictures creates the
film “Variety Girl”. This helps to beat the drum for Variety,
with 40 film stars appearing.
The “Birth” of Variety
The Variety torchlight which found Catherine continues to
shine brightly on the needs of children even though World
The Eleven Founding Fathers and Baby Catherine
War II brings tears and bloodshed. The waves crashing in
more ways than one (Waves name of Ladies in the Navy)
and Joan joins the Navy. By the end of the 20 years Variety has raised over $12 million for Children and The
Barker as the insignia of Variety is moving strongly forward to travel across the sea as the coming attraction,
bringing Variety to Europe the following year.
Eleven men in show business, all good friends, leased a
room in the William Penn Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 10, 1927, where they could meet after
their evening’s work and enjoy the fellowship of kindred
souls. Who knew that this group of showmen would go on
to help the children of the world in such significant ways.
Having acquired a headquarters, the group needed a
name. Many names were suggested, but the name proposed by J. Edward Fontaine was accepted. It was “Variety” which represented the men in the club from all
branches of show business.
The eleven charter members were: John H. Harris, Ralph
Harrison, David Brown,George Lai, Harold S. Dunn,
James G. Balme; John J. Maloney, J. Edward Fontaine,
John Morin, Jack White, and John J. McGreevey.
John H. Harris was elected the first president. Soon there
were 40 resident members; 11 non-resident members and
30 honorary members.
Almost a year later, the original Variety Club announced
its first banquet. They planned to use one of the small
private dining rooms at the William Penn Hotel expecting
about 35 men. They were wrong. More than twice the
original estimate made reservations to attend. The Variety
Club showmen tried but could not exchange their room for
a larger one. All that remained was the grand ballroom, which was
three stories high and had a capacity of 1,100 people.
With their banquet only three days away, one of the showmen
came up with the perfect idea: to hold a circus in the ballroom.
They found a full size circus tent and everyone pitched in to locate
circus acts, sideshows, pink lemonade, popcorn and all the trimmings for a circus. The banquet was a great success, and provided
an organizational focus. The Variety Club was christened a “tent.”
All members became “barkers” with the president the “chief barker.”
The treasurer became the “dough guy,” the secretary “property
master,” and the trustees “the crew.”
A mere month later something startling happened. At exactly 5
o’clock the afternoon of December 24, 1928, John O. Hooley, manager of the Sheridan Square Theatre in Pittsburgh, at the end of the
matinee performance, stepped into the theatre nursery. His eyes
fell upon an infant, carefully wrapped in swaddling clothes. Next to
the baby was a paper package, containing five clean diapers. A
note was attached to the package. It said,
“Please take care of my baby
Catherine. I cannot keep –
cost too much money.
Got eight more. My man
got little job. Me wash
clothes.Take good home.
(signed) A Heartbroken Mother”
Hooley took the little baby girl and the mother’s note to the theatre
office where owner John H. Harris was busily planning the Christmas program for the next day. First, a thorough search of the theatre premises was made. No trace of the mother was found and
the police were notified. Even the local newspapers joined in the
search for baby Catherine’s mother.
The infant girl was turned over to Mrs. John P. Harris, mother of the
President John H. Harris, who was a devoted patron of the Roselia
Foundling Home for unwed mothers. It was decided to place baby
Catherine there. During this time, Catherine’s birth mother called
Mr. Hooley often to inquire about Catherine. Unfortunately, these
calls could never be traced because they were from pay telephone
booths.
On December 28, at a Variety Club meeting, John T. McGreevey,
suggested that the members of Variety adopt baby Catherine. The
suggestion was enthusiastically accepted by all. The next important decision was to change her name. John O. Hooley suggested
that she be called “Catherine Variety Sheridan” – “Variety” after the
club and “Sheridan” after the theatre where she was found. All men
agreed and the Variety Club now had baby Catherine as their ward
with eleven “godfathers” to monitor her care.
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This decision created much publicity and put the Variety Club
on the front pages of newspapers around the world. Everything that little Catherine Variety Sheridan did for several
years would be news. The “godfathers” bought toys and their
wives made lovely clothes and bedding. Extras were given to
other children in the Roselia Foundling Home.
Catherine’s “godfathers” treated her just like they did their
own children. Catherine was a guest at Valentine parties,
Christmas parties and many other special occasions. As
she grew older, the “godfathers” would take her for a week
or two at a time and have her stay in their own homes.
Many longed to adopt Catherine, who was a genuinely
beautiful little girl. But in fairness to all, it was agreed
Catherine would belong to all rather than one.
When Catherine was five years old it became necessary for
her “godfathers” to make one of their most difficult decisions. So much publicity had followed Catherine that it was
decided that for her own good she should have a permanent home away from Pittsburgh. Two of the “godfathers,”
John H. Harris and John J. Maloney, were given the assignment to find a permanent home for Catherine.
After reviewing 300 applicants, Harris and Maloney selected
a couple living outside the City. At five years of age, Catherine officially moved to Long Island and became the daughter of Norman and Gladys Riker. She was enrolled in a
Catholic grade school in Manhasset, Long Island with her
new name, Joan Riker. She quickly acquired a nickname,
Bunny, which followed her throughout her lifetime. Joan’s
father was a veteran of World War I and she remembers
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him wrecking the family car upon hearing of the Japanese
attack on Pearl Harbor. He re-enlisted the next day. These
war years and the absence of her father would shape
Joan’s life forever. After graduation from grade school,
Catherine enrolled in a Catholic high school on Manhattan’s
east side. Throughout all of Joan’s youth only John Harris,
his mother and Maloney knew Catherine’s identity or location. Maloney kept a close watch on Catherine, and reported her progress to the other “godfathers” including that
Catherine had graduated from high school with high honors.
The 1930’s were tough times in Pittsburgh but that didn’t
deter the early Chief Barkers - all from the entertainment
industry; Paramount, Warner, Columbia and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer - from promoting Variety to their peers. By
1935, 15 new Tents had been chartered; Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, St. Louis, Detroit, Buffalo, Kansas City, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Washington D.C., Minneapolis,
Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Des Moines (chartered originally
in Omaha) and Dallas.
Many of these early Tents followed John J. Maloney’s lead
with annual Milk Fund Drives.
The tough Depression years required significant efforts and
Pittsburgh’s Milk Fund Drive raised over $22,000 in 1937
helping 2,207 children in 31 institutions. By 1939 Variety’s
Milk Fund Drive contributed more than $42,000.
Variety had greater plans to help and Pittsburgh showed the
way. In 1937 the Pittsburgh Tent assisted the DePaul Institute
opening classes for deaf children. Variety’s drive to do more
for the children is exemplified by Chief Barker, Ira Cohn of
Twentieth Century Fox in 1939 acquiring the deed to Camp
O’Donnell, a safe haven for children to play and enjoy life.
The way had been shown and a model was formed.
The early history of the 15 new Tents is as storied as Pittsburgh. While the Depression and War years were difficult
years for all, Variety continued to grow and significantly impact their communities. Space does not permit us to elaborate on all of the incredible acts performed by Variety
volunteers. Please note a few of the highlights which
demonstrate the scope of Variety’s important contributions
to the communities they served.
Buffalo, chartered in 1934, raised funds for Iron Lungs, incubators and an electroencephalograph for the Children’s
Hospital – the only one located between New York and
Chicago.
Children’s Charity is dedicated to promoting and protecting
the health and well-being of children around the world.
Through its global network of chapters, Variety reaches into
communities around the world to offer financial assistance
and services for children and organizations that serve children with special needs. Through hard work, thoughtful
stewardship, and single-minded focus on the needs of
youth, Variety strives to make a lasting difference in the
lives of children, their families, our communities and the
world . . . one need at a time.
Variety strives to make a lasting difference in the lives of
children, their families, our communities and the world . . .
one need at a time.
Variety Tents created Mother’s Milk Banks, provided free
movie sound trucks for shut-ins and ambulances for the
Coast Guard. Variety volunteers sold War Bonds, manned
U.S.O. canteens and sponsored blood banks.
The Washington D.C. Tent, through Sigley Memorial Hospital created ten premature birth centers which reduced the
birth death rate in the area from 60% to 31% in 1939. A
surgical wing at the Freeman Memorial Clinic was funded
by the Dallas Tent. Philadelphia became linked to the National Foundation of Infanticide Paralysis. To deal with Polio
epidemics the Sister Kenny Treatment Center was established by Buffalo.
In addition, New England joined Dr. Sidney Farber to establish the Cancer Research Center at Children’s Hospital. Dr.
Farber’s work is credited with achieving the first complete
remission of Leukemia.
Minneapolis created the Variety Club Heart Hospital. Located in the University of Minnesota Hospital System, Dr.
Christian Barnard ‘s early training occurred in these operating rooms funded by Variety.
The National Children’s Cardiac Home was funded in
Miami. St. Louis, Detroit, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Des Moines were also making a great impact
in caring for children. Further details of their accomplishments will be in future issues of Heart of Variety .
The first 20 years of Variety include recognition by Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman. The period
also marked the active involvement of leading celebrities
and the production of “Variety Girl”, a major motion picture
starring Bob Hope and Bing Crosby in 1947. The story of
Catherine and the men of Pittsburgh has become a beacon
of humanitarianism. A child had begun to lead people to remarkable feats.
The adoption of baby Catherine set an early pattern for Variety Club. Today, Variety Club (now Variety the Children’s
Charity) has 50 chapters (tents) in 14 countries. Variety the
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25th Anniversary
Variety Children’s Lifeline
2007 marks the 25th anniversary of Variety Children’s
Lifeline, founded in 1982 in response to Nancy Reagan bringing two children from Korea in need of heart
surgery. Variety Children’s Lifeline has grown, not
only specializing in providing medical assistance
through pediatric cardiac medical missions to children
with treatable heart conditions in developing countries
but also pediatric neurosurgery, craniofacial procedures, neo-natal clinics, pediatric rehabilitative medicine, reconstructive plastic surgeries, basic medical
clinics and treatment for the prevention of mother-tochild transmissions of HIV/AIDS. Variety Children’s
Lifeline has also formulated plans for disaster responses providing potable water which is critical to
the prevention of water-borne diseases which lead to
death in children as well as adults. At this writing, Variety Children’s Lifeline is on site in Peru having already been instrumental in the installation of ten water
treatment units following the recent earthquake which
caused the destruction of 35,000 homes, the death
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and injury of several hundreds and leaving 150,000
persons without water. Lifeline has initiated a drive
seeking additional funds to meet this crisis.
Salah Hassanein has served as the Chairman of Variety Children’s Lifeline for 24 years. It is his extraordinary vision and passion that have created the vast
Variety Children’s Lifeline network reaching around the
globe. On behalf of more than 20,000 children over
the past 24 years who are the beneficiaries of Salah’s
fervor in responding to children in need, we thank and
congratulate him as the worthy recipient of Variety’s
Humanitarian Award.
In this past year alone, Variety Children’s Lifeline has
directly, indirectly or in conjunction with others, treated
more than 3,000 children from the 52 countries listed
below:
* In conjunction with Chain of Hope, London
Bali
Barbados
Bolivia
Cambodia
Caribbean
Chile
China
Colombia
Congo
Dominican
Repuclic
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethipia
Fiji
Former countries
of USSR
Ghana
Guatemala
Guyana
Haiti
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Israel
Jamaica
Jordan
Kenya
Mauritius
Mexico
Morocco
Mozambique
Nepal
Nicaragua
Peru
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Sri Lanka
St. Lucia
Tibet
The Gambia
Tonga
Nigeria
Palestinian Authority
Panama
Papua New
Guinea
Trinidad
Ukraine
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yucatan
Zanzibar
Dr. Michael Madani and Dr.
Jolene Kriett on Lifeline Cambodia mission with 5 year old
boy, Chin Bunleng and his
brother, after surgery
Lifeline cranial facial mission to
Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine.
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Emma Samms
Catherine Variety Sheridan Award Recipient
This award is named for the baby that was abandoned on Christmas Eve in 1928 at the Sheridan Square Theatre in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. The baby had a note pinned to her basket, “I have
seven other children. My husband is unemployed. I have always
heard of the goodness of people in show business. Please take
care of my baby.” Signed, “a heartbroken mother.” P.S. Her name
is Catherine.
Eleven men belonged to a social club called Variety. They
decided to adopt the little girl.
The rest is history. Variety has
spread all over the world.
Emma Samms grew up with
The Variety Club. Her father
Michael Samuelson was
Chief Barker of The Variety
Club of Great Britain
in the 1970’s and International President in the 1980’s.
Emma Samms
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As a child, Emma would
watch her father, and mother
Madeleine, putting in long
hours to help children less
fortunate than herself. She
saw also that it could be
enormously fun as well as
extremely rewarding.
Emma had been studying ballet at the prestigious Royal Ballet School but at the age of 16 that particular career was
waylaid by an injury. “At the time I thought it was a disaster
but actually, looking back
on it now, it was the best thing that could have happened.”
Emma’s second choice of career was modeling and at 16
had already appeared in Vogue and become the face of
Kanebo, a major Japanese make up company. But it wasn’t
enough for Emma. “To be a model doesn’t exactly require
much brain power,” admits Emma, “And I found it rather annoying that they assumed I didn’t have any, just because you
didn’t need it. Likewise, you couldn’t exactly take pride in
getting the work because it was all due to fortunate genetics
and an excellent orthodontist.”
Acting seemed a natural progression and at her first audition
Emma landed the female lead in the motion picture fantasy
“Arabian Adventure” opposite Christopher Lee and Mickey
Rooney. The fledgling actress went on to win the British Film
Industry Award for Most Promising Newcomer.
Encouraged to broaden her career opportunities, Emma relocated to the United States. After a period of time working
as a waitress, “And I thank God for that!” laughs Emma, “because imagine what a brat I’d be if I hadn’t had to struggle at
all”? Her big break came when she was chosen to play the
role of Holly Sutton, Luke Spencer’s love interest on ABC’s
“General Hospital.”
When she was 9 years old, her brother Jamie was diagnosed with aplasticanaemia. Despite frantic efforts by the
worldwide community of Variety to find a cure, in those days
there was none to be found, and at age 8 he tragically died.
Audiences went wild for the romantic pairing of Holly and
Luke and then even wilder for Holly and Robert Scorpio. In
1985 Emma joined the Carrington/Colby as Fallon in the
prime-time dramas “The Colby’s and “Dynasty.”
The effect on Emma and her entire family was profound. “At
9 years old there’s not much you can do to help your family
beyond making cups of tea.” Says Emma, “I found it desperately frustrating and that sat with me right into my adulthood.”
“Dynasty did for me internationally what General Hospital
had done for me within the United States.
All of a sudden it seemed there wasn’t a country in the world
where I could go unrecognized. I even got asked for an au-
tograph when I visited the Galapagos Islands and I
think there were only 100 people living there at the
time!”
And it was this celebrity that Emma seized upon and
has used to not only continue the philanthropic tradition of her parents but to ease the frustration she felt
as a 9 year old losing her brother. In 1985 Emma cofounded The Starlight Children’s Foundation, a charity
that grants wishes to children who are critically, chronically and terminally ill and provides them entertainment when they are hospitalized. Starting out in the
United States, the charity then opened in the United
Kingdom, Canada, Japan and Australia. At this time
the Starlight Children’s Foundation helps literally millions of children throughout the world each year.
such delightful children! There has never been a single second when I have regretted the change
in focus in my life. My children are my priority and
I thank God every day that they are happy
and healthy.”
Emma also works with other charities including Winston’s Wish in the United Kingdom and is still very involved with the Variety Club, helping to host the annual
telethon in Des Moines, Iowa for the past twenty years.
“It is truly the best part of my career.” Says Emma.
“I can’t imagine how anyone who is lucky enough to
find themselves in my position would waste such a
golden opportunity.”
Emma is now the proud mother of two children,
Cameron, 10 and Beatrice 9. She lives with them in
the Cotswolds, England in a 300 year old house. She
works as a photographer and writes screenplays, two
of which she has sold and one, “His Bodyguard”, was
filmed in Toronto and aired on USA Network in 1998.
Emma has limited her acting to only a couple of short
projects each year.
“I’ve always wanted to have children and I’ve always
wanted to raise them myself and not hand them over
to nannies. Little did I know that I would have two
Catherine Variety Sheridan
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Mobility Goes Global
In my 31 years in Variety and having attended many Conventions around the world, nothing excited me
more than a particular part of the International Board Meeting held in Las Vegas, the site of the 2006
Convention. I had put forward the suggestion that a Wheelchair should be as synonymous with Variety as
a Sunshine Coach. This was enthusiastically received and a Committee was immediately formed to
investigate the possibility, comprising Jack Cannons, a past Chief Barker of Tent 56, New South Wales and
Jane Brody, C.O.O.
• Sunshine Coaches was launched in 1962 and what
a tremendous success they continue to be. However, we
need to look at individual children and their everyday basic
needs, not just when they are being transported from one
place to another. These
children need their own mobility to give them the independence they so richly desire and deserve.
• In 1988 we launched our Easy Riders Wheelchair Programme which next year will celebrate its
20th Anniversary. This is achieving its objective and to date
Tent 36 has provided over 3,000 Wheelchairs.
• Australia has provided Wheelchairs and Mobility since their
inception 31 years ago. Last year there were 282 Wheelchairs granted across Australia.
• New Zealand is increasingly more active with their Liberty
Swings.
• The U.S. Tents had recently started a national mobility programme called “Variety Kids on the Go” which is gathering
momentum.
• Israel’s Tent 51 Mobility Programme consists of supplying
many wheelchairs and using their two specially equipped
ambulances to transport the children to and from their
homes, to their schools
or institutions.
• Canada, Tent 47, British Columbia provides high tech
model wheelchairs and Tent 28, Ontario provides physical
activity programmes to large groups of young people who
are wheelchair bound.
• In September Variety Ireland launched their Wheelchair
Programme.
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Following the discussion at the Board Meeting,
Jack, Jane and I worked as a Committee by e-mail and telephone, with a view to producing an Agenda for our first International Meeting which was to be held by way of a
conference call at the end of January. During our discussions, we worked out how a programme such as ours could
go global encompassing all the Tents with various aspects of
mobility.
Going global means that we can all share our ideas and information, on all aspects of mobility such as equipment,
fundraising and awareness to name but a few. This is what
Variety International is all about and we are having our first
formal mobility meeting in Palm Springs in May.
How exciting it is, that we can deliver a Variety International
message, under the same banner worldwide about the work
of Variety in caring for children through mobility.
Through going global and working together, we can demonstrate to the world not only how many children will have the
gift of mobility through our support but also that these numbers will increase through the pooling of our resources.
This is our chance to make a dramatic difference to the lives
of disabled children a possibility, not
just a dream.
Pamela Sinclair, Vice President
Tent 36 - Great Britain
International Ambassador
Betty’s Story
(Great Britan Mobility)
Betty is an 11 year old girl with arthrogryposis; this causes
a great deal of stiffness and discomfort in her joints and in
particular her legs. Betty lives at home with her parents
and three older sisters. She did have some very limited
mobility around the house but not enough to independently take herself to the shops, school or her friend’s
houses. For these trips Betty had to be pushed in her
manual wheelchair.
Betty was also due to go to hospital to have a number of
operations and to have some external leg fixators fitted.
An electric wheelchair would greatly improve life for Betty,
particularly at this difficult time.
Ryan’s Story
Meet ten year-old Ryan Campbell-Laws. Ryan’s is an amazing
and touching story and shows where the money raised by Variety goes and how it changes people’s lives.
Ryan suffers from cerebral palsy and epilepsy. He desperately
needed a new powered wheelchair and moulded cushion to
allow him to move independently, which his single mother of
two was finding it difficult to afford. Variety recently funded
Ryan’s wheelchair and cushion, which is worth over $15,000.
At the end of last year, Betty received her much needed
electric wheelchair. This has custom made leg rests in
place while Betty has the external fixators on her legs.
Betty is so excited that she is now able to get around independently and make her everyday journey to school alone,
without needing someone else to push her all the way.
Betty’s Mum wrote to thank Variety’s Easy Riders Wheelchair Committee saying;
‘The wheelchair arrived in hospital between Betty’s first and second operations (for the external fixators) and was an immediate
hit! It has given her a level of mobility and independence we could
not have imagined. This wheelchair has been a godsend, for which
I thank Variety very much.”
Ryan started what he calls ‘big’ school for the first time in July,
where his new chair is proving essential for his mobility and
independence. While Ryan suffers from physical problems, his
mind is sharp, and a main-stream school (with a special unit)
will provide Ryan the mental stimulous he needs and craves.
Until now he has attended a special school, and was very excited about this monumental step.
“As you can imagine, Ryan was very excited and scared about
his new school,” said Kristie-Lee Campbell, Ryan’s mother. “I
know that his new powered chair will help him keep up physically with the able-bodied children and will be very positive for
Ryan. He feels like a big boy now! Thank you Variety!”
Ryan Campbell-Laws features in the documentary,
‘TODAY on the Variety Bash’ that follows the actionpacked 2006 Variety Bash, and details the great work of
Variety, The Children’s Charity. To purchase a copy of this
touching and informative DVD, please fill in the order
form on the back page or contact Variety on (02) 9555
1688, or visit www.varietynsw.org.au
Betty at Bristol Zoo, England on a day out.
19
Sarah: An Inspiration To Us All
A story from the United States Association
Imagine just graduating from 8th grade with honor
roll grades. Imagine playing the violin in the high
school orchestra and playing volleyball and soccer
with all the energy a teenager can muster.
Imagine ice skating at the local rink and dancing
at school dances. Imagine going to the beach and
enjoying time dodging big ocean waves. And then,
imagine it all slipping away.
It was June 30, 2004, a day her mother Becky, will always
remember. Becky was at work when the telephone rang.
It was her daughter Sarah calling to tell her that her back
and legs hurt. Becky advised Sarah to take a couple of
Tylenol. “It was nothing,” Becky reassured her daughter.
When Becky returned home a short time later, she learned
otherwise. Her soon-to-be son-in-law Tom had been at the
house when Sarah called her mother. They were outside
on the deck. After the call, Sarah stood up with a Pepsi in
one hand to go in and take the Tylenol. She walked about
15 feet to the door, fell to the ground and has not walked
since.
Tom carried her to the couch where she rested until Becky
arrived home. Sarah had taken a short nap. She was not
experiencing pain, but once awakened became increasingly fearful as she was losing sensation rapidly in her
lower body.
Tom and Sarah’s sister Jessica took Sarah immediately to
the emergency room while Becky made arrangements for
the care of her younger son. By the time Becky arrived at
the hospital, Sarah could not even move her toes. It was
determined that Sarah had Transvere
Myelitis, a eurological disorder seen in
one person out of every million.
Sarah had a 33% chance of a full recovery and a 33% chance of never
regaining anything. Sarah fell in the
middle.
“They called in Dr. Varma, and
thanks to his quick diagnosis and
treatment, Sarah was spared from
total paralysis. Sarah spent seven
days in the hospital where she received the best of care. Sarah was
then transferred to The Children’s
20
Institute, where she began therapy and stayed until two days
before school started. We missed two beach vacations, but the
staff helped to enable Sarah to attend and be in her sister’s
wedding. Sarah, also, was able to attend a Rascal Flatts concert,” recalls Becky.
At the time of her admission to the hospital, Sarah had lost all
sensation and function below the waist. By the time she left
The Children’s Institute, Sarah had regained a substantial
amount. But, unfortunately, Sarah’s lower abdominal muscles
and hips did not work. The sensation in her legs to temperature and touch were felt only in certain locations.
Three years later, Sarah is going to be a high school senior.
Sarah’s got straight A’s in her junior year. Sarah wants to pursue a career in adaptive sports management and is looking at
Edinboro and Alabama Universities, as they both have wheelchair basketball teams. Although Sarah will never walk, she
does rock climb and play tennis, ice hockey and basketball.
Sarah also finds time for water skiing and karate and is
currently taking bodybuilding classes twice a week. And, just
this past winter, Sarah found a new love in snow skiing.
Helping Sarah to achieve these accomplishments was Variety
the Children’s Charity of Pittsburgh. Accessibility seemed to be
holding Sarah back from participating in her favorite activities.
With a concrete wheelchair house ramp now in place, provided
by Variety Pittsburgh’s Kids on the Go! Program, Sarah can
go anywhere and do everything. And, wow, does she ever!
Sarah still loves the school dances. Her friends will drag out a
folding chair and they will dance like Sarah — sitting down.
Sarah’s favorite musical group is still Rascal Flatts. Her best
friend is Ashley, someone Sarah has known since she was four
years old. In fact, Ashley just got her driver’s license and a
new car. When Ashley went to buy it, she told the dealer she
didn’t care about extras. All Ashley
wanted was to have enough room for a
wheelchair. Sarah, now, wants more
than anything to drive.
With her outspoken, friendly personality
Sarah is an inspiration to many. Sarah
will tell you that given the chance
to walk, she would rather not. Sarah
believes her illness happened for a
reason, and she intends to make the
best of it by helping others along the
way. And we believe her!
Variety “Kids On the Go”
North Texas – Tent 17: William Is Not
Deterred by Cerebral Palsy
Philadelphia- Tent 13; Gabe and Donte
Make A Perfect Pair
Walking is an ability that many of us take for granted. Put yourself in the shoes of a parent who is raising a child who cannot
walk. Would you not want to give that child every opportunity to
be as mobile on his/her own as you could? This is exactly what
Devon and Wendy wants for their 4-year-old son, William, who
has cerebral palsy. They want to give him the opportunity to be
as mobile as possible without the assistance of other individuals. These parents are like many of us. They have good jobs
and are covered by insurance - but what happens when insurance says they will pay, but you have to cover a portion?
Sometimes, especially when you are raising other children, the
co-pay is difficult to cover. Such was the case in this family.
William’s insurance agreed that a wheelchair and walker was in
William’s best interest, and it was even covered by the insurance, but only at 80%. So Variety of North Texas stepped up to
assist the family in procurement of these two mobility devices
for William through its Heart of Variety Fund and Kids on the
Go! programs. Variety covered the full co-pay for both William’s
walker and wheelchair. After having his new chair for less than
24 hours, a Variety volunteer posed a very simple question to
William: “Have you seen how fast you can go in your new
chair?” Like many children, William’s response was to look
around for where his parents were. Once he realized they were
a safe distance away, he turned to the volunteer, and pointing
at a spot on the chair, said, “Release the brake.” And, off he
went. This family is exactly who Variety is helping. Those who
have the desire to do what is in the best interest of their child,
but simply lack some of the means to do so.
Gabriel DaCosta turned 6 years old this August and is a typical
Leo, his astrological sign. “He loves to be the center of attention,”
says his mom, Savine DaCosta of Quakertown, PA. Gabriel is one
of a hundred and more children who benefit each year from Direct
Care for Kids, Variety of Philadelphia’s last-resort medical equipment donation program. Direct Care for Kids began more than 25
years ago as a result of Variety families seeking support for the
medical needs of their children. The program, which is currently
supported by grants from the CVS Caremark Charitable Trust, the
Innovating Worthy Projects Foundation, St. Christopher’s Foundation for Children, and the Sunshine Lady Foundation, provides
durable medical equipment to children with disabilities when medical insurance carriers will not provide coverage.
Gabriel received a Freedom Concept Tricycle, a $3,000 tricycle
that his doctors recommended because it could greatly enhance
his physical strength, coordination, and self-esteem. Because
Gabriel has cerebral palsy, he requires a tricycle for balance and
straps that hold his feet to
the pedals and his torso
to the seat. “We wanted
to get him something fun,
something he could do to
be with kids his own age
and that would also give
him an opportunity to
work on his physical development,” says Savine.
“He likes to be outside, so
we thought a bicycle
would be a perfect Christmas gift.” However, the
DaCostas’ medical insurance denied coverage of the bike, saying that it was a “luxury item”
and not their responsibility, despite a letter from Gabriel’s doctors
stating the physical, social, and emotional improvements it would
bring. The DaCostas could not afford to pay for the tricycle out of
pocket. That is when Steve Wilmot, a Variety Board Member and
Director of Specialty Programs at the Children’s Hospital of
Philadelphia, referred the Dacostas to Variety. They applied for the
tricycle and it was in their home in less than three months.
Gabriel loves the tricycle,” says his mom. “No one has to hold him
up or push him. He can do it himself. The cool part is that when he
first got it home, all the neighborhood kids gathered around him for
hours checking out the bike, then they asked him to ride with them
around the neighborhood. He was so excited!”
21
More than Seventy Years of Loving Help
Buffalo, Tent 7
Tent 7 received its charter on March 12, 1934. While the Tent was
social it also was dedicated to providing funds to local charities.
Specific community needs were identified and in the late thirties
the Tent gave an ambulance to the Coast Guard. Variety also purchased the first Iron Lung in Western New York for Meyer Memorial Hospital.
1940 marked the beginning of a formidable partnership that bene-
Rehab center. The day after the Telethon, papers headlined the
fact that all phone lines, even emergency lines, near the television
station were tied up. So the NBC affiliate dropped the Telethon.
Luckily, the ABC Network was starting up at that time. The station
manager at WKBW-TV invited Variety to his station and the rest is
history. 2008 will mark the 46th Annual Variety Kids Telethon.
fited thousands of children when an electroencephalograph was
donated to the Children’s Hospital, the only one located between
New York and Chicago.
In the late forties after numerous polio epidemics, Variety appropriated $35,000 to establish a Sister Kenny Treatment Center. A
short time later the Children’s Hospital researched the possibility
of a cerebral palsy center in Buffalo. At the time there was only
one such center in the country. After Variety agreed to donate
$20,000 per year, the “Variety Club Cerebral Palsy Department of
the Children’s Hospital” was established.
In the 1950’s, the Boards of the Children’s Hospital and the Crippled Children’s Guild decided to set up a rehabilitation center. Variety agreed to pay $30,000 per year and the center was opened.
This enormous commitment led the club to go public to raise
funds. There were theatre collections, movie premiums, hockey
game sponsorships, bingo games and door-to-door collections.
In 1962, Tent 7 was approached by Public Relations Service of
Pittsburgh who convinced tent 7 that a Telethon could make large
sums of money for the charity. The General Manager of the local
NBC affiliate stated that Tent 7 could have time after the 11pm
Saturday news until late Sunday afternoon for a Telethon. So on,
January 31/February 1, 1962 the 1st Variety Tent 7 Telethon was
broadcast with stars including Loren Green (Bonanza) and Joe E.
Ross (Car 54). The Telethon netted $70,000 for the Dr. Warner
24
In the mid 70’s, the hospital underwent a serious financial crisis
and was in jeopardy of closing. Variety responded by donating $2
million, so the hospital could renovate and expand much needed
space. In 1980, the Variety Tower was opened, which houses
three pediatric and three maternity floors of 29 private rooms
each, three newborn nurseries and Child Life Playroom areas,
Labor and Delivery units, C Scan, Ultra Sound and MRI Center.
A large portion of the money during these years was from Buffalo
News Kids Day, now in its 25th year. This project developed into
the largest of its kind in the world, where volunteers throughout
the Western New York community man street corners beginning at
5:00am selling copies of the Buffalo News at $1.00 per copy, with
proceeds going to the Variety Telethon.
During the 1980’s Variety completed a $4 million pledge to upgrade the Children’s Hospital Pediatric Outpatient Center which
houses: the Division of Endocrinology and Human Growth Foundation; blood and laboratory services; Pediatric Surgery; Plastic
Surgery; Neurosurgery; Urology; Ophthalmology and the Lung
nter. In addition, Variety continued to fund the Rehab Center,
which provides multiteam rehabilitation services for children with
physical, motor, cognitive, communicative, sensory, genetic and
developmental impairments.
In the early 1990’s Variety supported 4 major areas: A Variety Education Center; A Variety Heart Lung Center; A Variety Genetics
Center; A Variety Therapies Center. In November 1997, Variety
committed $3 million for a new Neonatal Intensive care Unit
(NICU) at Children’s Hospital. In July 2003, Variety International
President Ory Slonim and Past President Bob Hall were in Buffalo
at the opening dedication of the state-of-the-art Variety Neonatal
Intensive care Unit.
Once the NICU project was completed, Tent 7 agreed to fund the
upgrading of monitors, ventilators, and special giraffe beds in the
Pediatric Intensive care Unit at a cost of $700,000. this upgrade
was completed in 2005. Tent 7 announced a $1.7 million commitment to modernize the pharmacy within Children’s Hospital in
2006.
Since its beginning in 1934, Tent 7 has donated over $30 million
to the Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and the Dr.
Robert Warner Rehab Center. This total does not include many
other agencies which have received funds, nor does it include the
Variety Camping Program, The Sunshine Coach Program, or Variety-at-Work events. With the 10 story Variety Tower as well as the
state-of-the-art NICU and PICU areas, and a major center for
Rehab programs, Tent 7 truly has been instrumental in saving,
treating, and providing quality of life therapies to the children of
Western New York for almost 75 years
25
Variety Club’s Camp and Development Center
A Children’s Tradition in Philadelphia
As the summer of 2007 fades into autumn, Variety – The
Children’s Charity of Greater Philadelphia brings to a
close their tremendously successful 59th annual season
of programming at Variety Club Camp & Developmental
Center. Long known as the heart of Tent 13, this facility
offers programs and services that make a difference in
the lives of children with disabilities, as well as the community at large.
Located in Worcester, PA, Variety Club Camp was
founded in 1949 on land donated by Vera and Leo
Posel. These 84 acres of picturesque farmland were initially used as a summer camp for children with physical
disabilities. The Camp continues that proud tradition to
this day, and
has greatly
expanded its
programming
over
the
years, as well
as the population that it
serves.
Variety Club
Camp & Developmental
Center has
evolved into a
year-round
facility which serves children with physical, emotional,
and developmental disabilities and disorders. Although
best known for their summer day camp program for children with developmental disabilities, the camp is continually seeking to expand upon its vast array of
programs and services.
Coinciding with this growth is the expansion of their vocational program, where children with developmental
disabilities are able to gain real work experience
throughout the summer at the camp’s store and café.
The Extended School
Year Program is offered
to students whose
school districts approve
additional
education
throughout the summer
as a means to prevent
skill regression. The opportunity for learning
through social means,
26
work experience and additional education has proven
vital to the development of children who benefit from the
camp’s programs.
The Family Resource Center for Autism continues to
grow in its success, emerging as the region’s premier
provider of care, services, and leading edge programs
for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their
families. Established in conjunction with the Regional
Center for Autism at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the center provides vitally important support for individuals and families affected by autism. This coming
spring, the Family Resource Center will host a fundraiser
to honor individuals from the local community who have
made a significant impact towards a better understanding of the Autism Spectrum.
In addition to offering an umbrella of care and network of
support for children and their families, Variety Club Camp
has also become a leading provider of adapted athletics
programming, such as wheelchair basketball, adapted
aquatics, track & field for children with physical disabilities, and soccer for children with developmental disabilities. In order to ensure the quality of these programs,
Variety has forged relationships with the Montgomery
County Special Olympics and the Philadelphia Section
PGA. Through their help, children with disabilities are
given tremendous opportunities, such as lessons from a
professional golfer.
The increased ability to positively impact the lives of children with disabilities comes through the continued expansion and growth of Variety Club Camp &
Developmental Center. The next exciting new venture
will be our Saturday Arts Program, which will encourage
children with disabilities to explore and enjoy creativity
and expression through art.
We are extremely grateful to all of our program staff and
volunteers who have worked tirelessly this summer to
ensure the success of our programs and helped us make
a difference in so
many lives. It is with
pleasure that we acknowledge that the
Camp & Developmental Center continues to grow and
that it remains, as
always, the heart of
Tent 13.
27
Marcus Theatres
Has Raised More Than $1,000,000 for the Variety Children.
Front Seat: Driver is Peter Heff and Bruce Olson
Marcus Theatres and Variety the Children’s Charity share more
than just a common link to showbiz. Ever since the first Variety
Club formed its Tent in Wisconsin in 1935, which is also the year
Marcus Theatres was established, Marcus has been part of Variety.
Marcus Theatres founder Ben Marcus was an early supporter of
Variety. Ben had gotten his feet wet in the exhibition business by
selling newspaper ads to theatre owners in Minneapolis and soon
decided that the movie business was his destiny. He moved to
Ripon, Wisconsin where he opened his first theatre and soon
began his lifelong association with Variety. Ben was instrumental
in helping to establish Tent 14 in Wisconsin and served as its
Chief Barker in 1954.
The goals and philosophy of Variety fit with what Ben Believed
and lived – give back to the community in which you live and do
business. In the midst of the Great Depression, the way that Variety helped people in need appealed to Ben. The, as now, Variety
provided much needed aid to local individuals, groups and organizations, focusing on how to make the community a better place
for everyone.
Ben Marcus was a man who was generous in both his time and
resources. That enthusiasm for generosity became part of Marcus Theatre’s culture. Today, Ben’s son Steve who is Chairman
of The Marcus Corporation continues the long and strong partnership established by his father 71 years ago.
Although Ben died in 2000, his name lives on in the Ben Marcus
Variety Golf Classic. This annual event is held each July at the
Grand Geneva Resort and Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and
attracts golfers from past associates such as Gary Berkley and
Pete Helf along with Golf Outing Committee members, Chairman,
Jerry DeQuardo, Pat Downs, Dave Hallenbeck, Gary Herdegen,
Charlie Osborn Sr.., Chris Rebholz, Pete Schneck, John
28
Back Seat: Steve and Ben Marcus
Schroder, and Brad Wing all worked on the committee this year.
Monies raised through Golf Classic have been over $90,000 annually the past four years and will exceed $90,000 in 2007.
Under the leadership of ardent Variety supporter and past board
member, Marcus Theatres president Bruce J. Olson, have been
instrumental in both the formation of the Golf Classic as well as
giving encouragement to Ma4rcus employees. Bruce Porlier, Director of Concessions for Marcus has rallied their theatre staffs to
raise more than $350,000 through Gold Heart sales since 1999.
This year alone, sales are on track to bring in more than
$100,000. Combined with the Golf Classic and other gifts, Marcus Theatres and the Marcus Corporation have raised well more
than $1,000,000 for Variety in recent years.
The spirit of sharing and generosity that started with Ben Marcus,
passed down to his son Steve and has now filtered down through
all ranks of the organization. It is not unusual for teenage Marcus Theatres’ ushers or cashiers to sell thousands of dollars in
Gold Hearts.
While Variety is the heart of show business, it is people like the
associates at Marcus Theatres who are its lifeblood. If Ben were
alive today he would be proud that his ideals of giving and sharing are still held so dearly by both Variety and the company that
bears his name.
INSPIRED BY THE CHILDREN
A COMMITMENT TO DO MORE- TENT 15 IOWA
The Variety Club of Iowa was chartered in
Omaha, Nebraska in 1939. As with many of the early Variety
Tents the formative and War years were spent trying to assist our country deal with the difficult circumstances they
faced. During the 1940’s the film industry began to move in
mass to Des Moines, Iowa. As a result Central States Theatres, lead by A. H. Blank, committed their resources to helping the community through Variety. Blank enlisted Art Stein,
Abe Clayman, Lou Levi and Ralph Olson to rally support for
transportation for the handicapped children. This resulted in
a coach program and theatre parties for the children through
1974. As a result of these pioneers hard work, more joined
the cause and the vision expanded to include neonatal care.
During the next 33 years Variety grew to raise over $65 million for Iowa’s children at risk.
During the next 33 years Variety grew to raise
over $65 million for Iowa’s children at risk.
Variety’s new vision was formulated in 1974 when Steve
Blank, Ray Johnson and Stan Reynolds went to the Variety
International Convention in San Francisco. With Iowa raising $4,000 in 1973, Variety’s International Board was prepared to close Iowa’s doors. The group asked for a second
chance. There was a new energetic group that was committed to raising dollars to provide eight isolettes for Blank Children Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Iowa was
placed on probation for one year.
The group went to a seminar on telethons and decided to
produce one in Des Moines. As they say…”I guess we were
too dumb to think that we couldn’t do it.” Mike Reilly joined
the group and the telethon quest began.
The General Manager of the local ABC affiliate, WOI, agreed
to a one-year trial. Adventureland, a locally owned amusement park, agreed to provide a place for the show and
rooms for the cast. The group recruited many of their family
members and friends to be a part of the Variety telethon
team.
Legendary host, Monty Hall, agreed to emcee the show. The
initial cast included Maureen Arthur, Blake Emmons, Jack
Smith, 10-year old Carrie McDowell, Scott Smith, Des
Moines natives Karen Morrow and Cloris Leachman and
many local celebrities and talent.
Enough money was raised prior to the telethon to pay for all
the expenses to put on the show. This was very important to
the Variety members as this allowed the cast to tell the television audience that 100% of the money raised would be
used to help children. Little did the Variety members know
that they would end of raising $151,000! The whole committee cried on stage. These were tears of happiness knowing
that they had made a difference in kids’ lives.
As the years went by, the telethon got better and raised more
money each year. Individuals and organizations were re-
30
cruited to raise funds. Casey’s General Stores was the
first statewide corporate donor. By adding the ABC affiliates in Cedar Rapids, Quad Cities and Sioux City and
the cable company, Mediacom, Variety became a
statewide telethon and thus a statewide organization.
Iowa went looking for the next big idea to continue its
growth. Toronto’s tent conducted a Cash for Kids program that incorporated the grocery industry and Iowa
thought it would be a good fit. Variety convinced Iowa’s
largest grocery retailer, Hy-Vee to jump on board. Variety recruited other major grocery wholesalers, retailers,
manufacturers and food brokers by asking them to put
aside their rivalry for a program that benefited the consumers and ultimately Iowa’s children. Cash for Kids
enabled Variety to reach a new level.
Of course, Cash for Kids needed a spokesperson and
recruited Emma Samms, a 21-year old British actress
who appeared on the daytime TV show, “General Hospital”. Emma’s first telethon was in 1986 and she continues to travel to Iowa every year to help host the annual
telethon.
Variety’s VIP (Very Interested Persons) panels have
also become a major part of the telethon’s fundraising.
Dedicated volunteers work miracles, raising awareness
as well as dollars. VIP panels alone generate close to
$1 million each year. VIP spokespersons, Ed Podolak
and Ben Davidson, two former NFL football players, and
current Miss World representatives interview the VIPs
during telethon each year.
The telethon is the foundation that Variety of Iowa was
built upon and continues to be the highlight of our year.
Variety is blessed with outstanding entertainers who
come back year after year, along and with thousands of
volunteers and donors who continue to give their time
and money to support Iowa’s children.
Over the years, Variety of Iowa has helped improve the
lives of hundreds of thousands of children. And to think,
it all began with four men, Steve Blank, Ray Johnson,
Mike Reilly and Stan Reynolds, who were challenged to
raise dollars for Iowa’s children. And if you asked them
today why they continue to support Variety their answer
would be simple…”it makes them feel good.”
PRINCIPAL CHARITY CLASSIC PRESENTED BY WELLS FARGO
ATTRACTS 60,000 FANS – BIG WINNERS ARE IOWA CHARITIES
In June 2007, the PGA’s Champions Tour traveled to Des Moines to compete in The Principal
Charity Classic presented by Wells Fargo. The
event was held at Glen Oaks Country Club in
West Des Moines. This week long event drew
75 professional golfers, including Jay Haas, Tom
Kite, Peter Jacobsen, Hale Irwin, Gil Morgan,
Jim Thorpe and Fuzzy Zoeller.
Taking home the trophy and $240,000 was Iowa’s first
time visitor, Jay Haas, winning by three strokes. Haas
said, “My first trip to Des Moines and Glen Oaks Country
Club was fantastic. I look forward to defending my title at
The Principal Charity Classic in 2008”.
But the big winner….Iowa’s children! The goal of the
2007 Principal Charity Classic was to raise money for
five organizations that support children, Blank Children’s Hospital, BRAVO, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, United Way and VARIETY! At the
conclusion of the tournament, a check for $110,000
was presented to each organization. “The tournament
surpassed expectations, and brought the community
together, said J. Barry Griswell, chairman and CEO of
the Principal Financial Group, the title sponsor of the
event.
Plans are underway for the 2008 Principal Charity
Classic presented by Wells Fargo scheduled for
May 26-June 1 at Glen Oaks Country Club. For
more information about The Principal Charity
Clasic, please visit ww.principalcharityclassic.com.
A Pro-Am event was held Wednesday and Thursday at
the Classic and drew 448 amateur golfers including actor
Rob Lowe, Nascar driver Kyle Petty, and other local
celebrities. Rob Lowe made national news for his
“birdie” during the tournament – his tee shot hit Iowa’s
state bird, a goldfinch, midair.
Over 60,000 spectators supported the Classic. The
Champions Tour professionals interacted with the crowd
and signed autographs for fans, especially the kids. In
fact, crowd favorite, Fuzzy Zoeller, had a young fan as
one of his caddies.
31
HY-VEE’S FIRST ANNUAL WORLD CUP TRIATHLON
THRILLS THOUSANDS AND DELIVERS HUGE BENEFITS TO VARIETY OF IOWA
Des Moines joined the ranks of leading cities of the world when
it hosted the first Hy-Vee ITU World Cup Triathlon in June 2007.
An ITU World Cup Triathlon includes .9-mile swim, 24.8-mile
bike and 6.2-mile run.
Ric Jurgens, president and chief executive officer of Hy-Vee,
Inc., said Des Moines is only the fourth U.S. city to host a World
Cup elite triathlon since the competition began. “Only Honolulu, New York City and St. Petersburg, Florida have hosted
ITU World Cup events in America,” he noted. “The Hy-Vee ITU
World Cup Triathlon was the only one held in the US in 2007, so
our role as hosts was somewhat rare and somewhat remarkable, given the relative size of our city.”
The Hy-Vee ITU Cup Triathlon drew top athletes from around
the world. It was a qualifying event for the 2007 World Triathlon
Championships in Hamburg, Germany in September 2007 and
for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.
“The event is world class and so is Hy-Vee,” said Sheri McMichel,
Executive Director of Variety of Iowa. “The thrill of the Hy-Vee
Triathlon will live on in the hearts of all the children that have
benefited from Hy-Vee’s generous donation of $150,000 to our
Tent. The HyVee Triathlon is helping Iowa’s children at risk win
every day.”
The ITU World Cup and Hy-Vee Triathlon events will attract a
significant number of competitors. The elite competition was limited
to 75 men and 75 women from among the top 125 in each division. But the amateur event drew over 1700 competitors from
around the country. The audience also will have a distinct international flavor, both on the ground in Iowa and through telecasts in more than 100 countries around the world. This
weekend also hosted the Junior Elite and Youth Elite triathletes
from across the country.
The Hy-Vee ITU Cup Triathlon was the richest ever on the elite
triathlon circuit, thanks to a number of sponsors, led by PepsiCo
and HUMMER. When
HUMMER added an H3
to the winners of both the
elite men and women’s
races, the Hy-Vee ITU
Cup Triathlon became
32
the talk in triathlon circles before the event even took place.
The total purse of the Hy-Vee Triathlon was $700,000. Laura
Bennett (USA) won the women’s race in 2 hours, 4 minutes
and 33 seconds. Rasmus Henning (Denmark) won the
men’s race in 1 hour, 50 minutes and 4 seconds. Each winner earned $200,000 and an H3 Hummer.
A concurrent citizens’ race – the Hy-Vee Triathlon – was held
for amateur athletes of all ages. These athletes competed in
age group and team events. The amateur event components
were the same as the elite athletes, .9 swim, 24.8 bike and
6.2 run. More than 1700 amateur athletes, ages 15-75, participated in this inaugural event.
The Hy-Vee Triathlon didn’t forget about the youngest of athletes. Approximately 150 children, ages 5-12, participated in
a triathlon organized specifically for them. The kids’ components for 5-8 year olds were a 50-meter swim, 1-mile bike
and .5-mile swim and for 9-12 year olds, a 100-meter swim,
2-mile bike and .75-run. All participants received a Hy-Vee
Triathlon t-shirt and participation medal.
The Hy-Vee ITU Cup Triathlon was well received by everyone involved…athletes, volunteers and spectators. The athletes were awed by the reception they received from
everyone they met during their stay in Iowa. Hundreds of city
workers, Hy-Vee employees and more than 1,100 volunteers
of all ages stepped forward to support this world-class event.
Over 15,000 people, the largest crowed to watch a World
Cup race on American soil, came out to cheer the athletes to
victory.
The future of the Hy-Vee Triathlon is bright! The 2008 HyVee ITU Cup Triathlon is scheduled for June 22 and is the
last qualifying race before the 2008 Summer Olympics in
Beijing, China. The goal is that all triathletes, regardless of
competitive level, will want to participate in the 2008 Hy-Vee
Triathlon.
For more information on
the 2008 Hy-Vee
Triathlon, please visit
ww.hyveetriathlon.com.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, TENT 25’S
STORY OF SUCCESS
This year, Tent 25 is celebrating our 66th anniversary of leadership service to the
children of Southern California. Historically located in the heart of Hollywood, Tent
25 has always been fortunate to receive vital support for our programs from the
film studios and theatre chains who exhibit major motion pictures.
Over the years, our success in raising an amazing $60 million
to help our region’s children highlights and gives tangible
meaning to the vision that Variety represents the Heart of
Show Business. Variety -Tent 25 is made up of men and
women primarily in the entertainment industry who raise muchneeded funds. Since our inception, the majority of funds raised
in our community stays in our community, and our primary goal
is to provide support wherever the need is greatest.
We are proud of our distinguished record of accomplishment in
providing funds for children’s organizations, agencies and deserving young people. During the 2005-2006 fiscal years, Tent
25 distributed over $2.7 million in grants, scholarships, and as-
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sistance – providing life-saving and life-enriching assistance to children with special needs in the region.
Last year, Variety distributed 20 grants to local organizations who
serve special needs children in Southern California. These funds
support a full range of services encompassing, medical, health,
recreational, and social services; and provide a wide array of therapeutic, literacy, and mental health programs not traditionally funded
by other private or public sources. Our total grants last year represented more than 140% over the amount we distributed in 20042005. And that amount exceeded the total of what we granted in the
last 2 years combined.
What We Do to
“Make a Difference”
Variety Boys & Girls Club
Tent 25’s major commitment is to support the Variety Boy’s and Girl’s Club
in East Los Angeles, which will soon announce the public phase of an
$11.2 million “Changing Children’s Lives” Capital Campaign. The Variety
Boys & Girls Club has been serving children in the Boyle Heights Community for 57 years. Founded in 1949 by Variety – The Children’s Charity of
Southern California, the Boys & Girls Club now serves over 4,000 at-risk
and primarily low-income children a year. The club provides daily programs
such as: homework assistance, mentoring, computer lessons, literacy, arts
& crafts, games and more. Variety – Tent 25, has committed $3 million to
this campaign and is very proud to say that the Club currently has a commitment of 75% of the necessary funding. Groundbreaking for the new facility is set for the first calendar quarter of 2008.
Caption on back reads: “Mrs. Sylvia Schwartz of
2715 Cincinnati Street points to sign showing
location of new $200,000 Variety Boys’ Club,
located at 2530 Cincinnati Street.”
ents are at-risk youth from the greater Los Angeles area who
have worked hard to better their lives through education. Among
our graduates are the Mayor of Los Angeles, doctors, lawyers,
teacher and other community leaders.
Surfer’s Healing
Variety – The Children’s Charity of Southern California (Tent 25) co-hosts
an innovative and wonderful family event each year at Topanga State
Beach to honor the memory of one of our industry friends, Pat Notaro, formerly of Sony Pictures. Surfer’s Healing is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a unique therapeutic experience for children facing
autism. Surfing is used as a tool to enable autistic children to gain self-confidence skills and to promote the therapeutic benefits of the sport’s positive
effects on the vestibular system. Mr. Notaro was an avid surfer, and in his
memory the Notaro Family has directed a portion of the Pat Notaro Memorial Funds through Variety to Surfer’s Healing.
Tent 25 Sunshine Coach Program
This program was born 30 years ago as a means to literally bring the “shutin” child out into the “sunshine”. Today, thousands of these specially
equipped Sunshine Coaches are traveling the world’s roadways, as each
local Variety Chapter has developed regional programs. In Southern California alone, over 250 Sunshine coaches transport children to medical
treatment, therapy, education and recreation.
Scholarship Programs
Our Southern California chapter, Tent 25, supports the Los Angeles Community with a rewarding Scholarship Program that gives our youth an opportunity to expand their knowledge base, enabling them to strive for their
dream. Our Scholarship Program has awarded over $1 million to over 500
recipients since the inception of the program. All of the scholarship recipi-
Fundraising Programs:
How We Support our Vital Work
“No Tux, No Gown, No Dinner.”
Each year, Variety – Tent 25 honors a well respected and deserving individual in the entertainment community with the
Lifetime Achievement Award. Industry sponsors, supporters
and friends join in celebrating the life and career of the recipient by purchasing pages in the journal which pay tribute to
the honoree. To date six Journals have been published, raising over $3 million in support of Tent 25 initiatives to help our
special needs children.
Variety’s Kids – Ebay Auction
Variety’s Kids is an innovative charitable fundraiser that offers
new, one-of-a-kind entertainment memorabilia at an on-line
auction. Items like Motion Picture Premiere Tickets, Music &
Special Event Tickets, Autographed Entertainment Memorabilia and Exclusive Movie Props, have successfully earned
well over $200,000 for children’s causes in Southern California. The best in specialty entertainment items can be found at
our Variety’s Kid auction website.
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Gold Heart Campaign
The Gold Heart Pin – a collectible keepsake designed to
honor children – originated in the United Kingdom as a
fundraising initiative. In 1993, the program launched in the
United States and Tent 25 reached out to its Hollywood partners to produce what has become its largest annual
fundraiser, the Gold Heart Campaign. The commitment between the Hollywood community and its exhibition partners
became so successful regionally, that Variety then rolled it out
nationally, to record results. The Gold Heart Campaign has
now raised more than $110 million since its inception.
Young Variety
Young Variety is a young professionals (21+) fundraising
group that helps connect and network with people in various
fields of entertainment and business. The focus of Young Variety is to organize fun social events including mixers, sports
games, toy drives, and outings. Through these various
fundraiser events and volunteer opportunities, Young Variety
is directly contributing time and money to children’s charities
throughout Southern California. This year Young Variety is
helping to launch “Junior Variety” This new project is being
created to encourage teenagers and college students to help
less fortunate kids by organizing fundraising programs and
events. While still in development, annual events will include
a carnival, night at Dodger stadium, bowling outing and a
fourth event to be determined. It’s great to learn how to give
back at such a young age.
Golf Tourney
Each October, Variety – The Children’s Charity of Southern
California hosts its annual Golf Classic, a tournament for entertainment industry supporters and many of Variety’s primary
sponsors. In October 2007, the 36th Annual Tournament will
take place at the Robinson Ranch Golf Course in Santa
Clarita. Digital media industry leaders, Texas Instruments DLP
Cinema®, NEC Display Solutions, Ltd., Christie Digital Systems, Inc., and BARCO Media & Entertainment LLC. are the
principal sponsors this year. Since its inception in 1971, the
Golf Classic has raised over $1.5 million to fund scholarships
and other charitable programs. This event has become a
highlight on the entertainment industry calendar, and the live
auction/raffle which follows the golf outing is a favorite of our
loyal attendees.
Kids Walking for Kids
The Annual Kids Walking for Kids walk and carnival is chaired
and organized by Jenny Tannenbaum, and supported by the
entire Tannenbaum Family. As a 3rd grader, Jenny wanted to
make her philanthropic impact early on. Still going strong six
years later, Jenny continues to organize a wonderfully successful event that sets new records each year. Kids Walking
for Kids has raised over $100,000 to help children with special needs in our community.
Day at the Races
Day at the Races was started in 1998 as a way for members
and prospective members of Variety to enjoy an afternoon
with friends and colleagues. Each year more than 250 people
attend our annual Day at the Races extravaganza at Hollywood Park Racetrack. It is an afternoon filled with laughs, dialogue, goodwill and cheers. We are putting the “fun” into fundraising.
36
Tent 25 is proud to be a founding Tent and
our members will continue to fervently help
the children of Southern California through
volunteerism and funding.
A Sneak Peak at
Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
Tent 47 British Columbia
Two thousand years ago the Greek philosopher Socrates proclaimed, “A life not examined is a life not worth living.” Cynics today might add, “A life not lived is a life not worth examining.” Somewhere there is a fine balance,
and if we can accept both precepts simultaneously, then that can be our motivation to bounce out of bed every
day with a positive attitude, energized to initiate action and make life happen, empowered to somehow make this
day better than the previous one, and at the end of the day, save a moment or two for gratitude and reflection on
all that has transpired, and all that has been accomplished. It’s called living life to the fullest.
How many of us, well into the middle years of our lives, are not living our lives to the fullest? Many of us, it seems,
could do well by observing the behaviour modeled by two pretty amazing youngsters who over the course of their
short lives are making the most of each and every day.
Vanisha’s presentation: Global BC’s Wayne Cox with the Dayal sisters,
Vanisha on the left, Jasmine right, flanked by two of Canada’s finest RCMP.
38
Jeneece’s journey has introduced her to influential people such as
British Columbia premier Gordon Campbell, seen here with Jeneece and Telethon host Peter Legge.
Jeneece Edroff and Vanisha Dayal are two youngsters
that Tent 47 has provided financial assistance to over
the years, but the real story is that these youngsters
have helped Variety more than Variety has helped them.
At a young age, they have learned that giving back to
the community – that leaving one’s mark, leaving a
legacy – is how one lives their life to the fullest.
Jeneece was born with neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition
that severely affects her spine and neural pathways. Over the
years she has endured numerous surgeries to straighten her
spine and remove chronic tumours for which she undergoes
regular chemotherapy to stave off future malignancy. She has
also had heart surgery and may yet require another. Her
chronic pain and discomfort, however, has never diminished
Jeneece’s drive or enthusiasm for helping other kids.
Vanisha was born with a life-threatening cancerous tumour on
the left side of her face, leaving her blind in one eye and a
prognosis of only two months to live. Throughout her young
life Vanisha has undergone a succession of surgeries both in
Canada and the United States. With financial assistance from
Variety, and many other organizations and individuals, Vanisha’s future now looks brighter than ever. Benefiting from the
help of many other people has had the positive effect of teaching Vanisha altruism at a very young age.
Jeneece started a penny drive for Variety that has now
expanded across the province. Vanisha sells Variety’s
gold hearts. For her fundraising efforts, Vanisha received Tent 47’s Colleen Wood Fundraising Award in
2001, given to the individual or group who devise their
own fund raising programs, and literally, “go out collecting.” Jeneece received the same award in 2003.
What makes these youngsters truly exceptional is not
the awards or recognition, but the spirit with which they
live their lives and contribute to the community. That
spirit has moved many British Columbians to open their
hearts, wallets, and purses to donate when watching
Jeneece or Vanisha on the Show of Hearts Telethon.
That spirit has inspired thousands of other children to
take up the cause and raise money in support of Variety’s work for children who have special needs. That
spirit is powerful!
Aside from being very heart-warming, the whole idea of
kids helping other kids is very profound because children
are our future, and by instilling in our children a sense of
community and altruism at an early age, not only are we
improving the quality of life for children, we are improving society as a whole by developing intelligent, caring,
community-minded individuals who lead by example.
39
Variety in Canada:
Greater Than The Sum of its Parts
Variety – The Children’s Charity in Canada operates as an informal association with tents in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Toronto. This year’s Canadian Convention is scheduled
for November 6th-8th at the Delta Winnipeg, Manitoba.
For over 60 years, Tent 28 has worked with young people who
face barriers to achieving their potential. “We are a recognized
authority providing integrated sports and life skills, applied research and learning programs that change children’s lives,” says
president and CEO Lynne Wallace. Tent 28 is introducing a new
event this year. On September 23rd, they hope to raise $250,000
in the first annual Walk-n-Roll for Variety Village.
The cornerstone of Tent 47’s success is its media partner of 42
years. “Having a partner like Global BC helps us spread Variety’s
word,” says chief barker Bob Stewart, “which helps us raise more
money to help British Columbia families.”
Manitoba is going strong and Tent 58 celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2008. One of Manitoba’s most exciting fundraisers is a
Texas Hold’em Tournament at Winnipeg’s Club Regent Casino
that should attract 600 players and raise over $100,000 for Variety’s kids.
Putting smiles on children’s faces is what Tent 47 does best! Our
Boat for Hope event is oceans of fun for hundreds of children in
Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna. Here a group of swashbuckling pirates swagger down the plank to their ship.
Tent 71’s International Ball is the social event of the season
for Ottawa, each year hosted by one of the embassies or
high commissions. The gala was hosted by Barbados this
year and raised over $120,000. Chief recipients are the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Roger’s House, a
family support centre for children in palliative care.
Variety in Canada continues to inspire hope, enrich lives, and
build a better future for our children.
‘Variety Spray Park’ in Calgary is a flagship of recreation areas.
This handicap accessible, barrier free park offers fun, sun, and
freedom for all kids and their families.
As Tent 47 eagerly awaits delivery of its 500th Sunshine Coach
in British Columbia this summer, the Variety archives have unearthed this historical photo of Sunshine Coach Number One
presented by Barker Andrew Robertson and his wife Helen to
the Cerebral Palsy Association of Lower Vancouver Island in
1966.
Since its inception, 25 years ago, Tent 61 in Calgary has
placed 25 Sunshine Coaches with children’s organizations,
most recently the Kids Cancer Foundation, Providence Children’s Centre, John Howard Society, and Cops for Kids. In
March, Tent 61 welcomed its first Young Variety members.
And thanks to local businesses, 1,000 children will attend Calgary Stampeder football games this season.
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Tent 28 Ontario :
Taking the Message of Inclusion “On the Road”
This campus-like facility is many things to many people. It
is a gathering place for our team of experts, a centre of excellence for our community partners, a laboratory for our
program developers, a showcase for our funders, and a
home away from home for the thousands of very special
children we help each year.
At Variety Village, Adapted Physical Education™, Aquatics
for Everyone™, and Children in Motion™ form the nucleus
of our educational programs and promote active living to
over 2,500 schoolchildren from across the Greater Toronto
Area each year. Variety Village has more than 5,000 active
members, and approximately 3,500 children and youth depend on Variety Village for integrated sports programming
each week. The facility features complex adaptations,
which make it possible for children with a wide range of
physical and intellectual disabilities to participate, and to
experiment with moving the boundaries of their disability.
Across Ontario, Variety - the Children’s Charity is widely
acknowledged as a leading expert in the provision of integrated sports and life skills programs that help develop
children and strengthen communities. Variety – The Children’s Charity (Ontario) has worked with young people
with disabilities for more than 60 years. Our core belief in
the inherent rights of every child to hope, learn, dream,
and grow pushes us to find the means to help more children, in different ways, with every passing year.
Variety Village, a unique Sport Training and Fitness Centre and the flagship project of Variety – The Children’s
Charity (Ontario), offers progressive state-of-the-art programming and services for children and adults of all abilities. The construction of the adapted barrier-free 76,000
square-foot Fieldhouse (gym) in 1981 and the two-pool
Aquatics Centre in 1989 drew international attention and
recognition for the groundbreaking work being done to
support children and youth with special needs.
Variety is equally passionate about raising awareness of
diversity in ablity and drawing focus to the existing
resources in our surrounding communites. One vital
component of this important advocacy work is supporting
distant communities in their efforts to provide inclusive and
integrated active living opportunities for children of all
abilities. Over the course of 2006, we saw a dramatic
increase in the number of children living with autism who
were unable to make the journey to Variety Village and
had only limited access to recreational programs in their
home communities. We knew we had to act.
In 2007, we successfully piloted Variety on the Road ™,
an initiative to bring our trademark sport and fitness programs to community centres outside of Toronto. For many
kids with disabilities and their families, Variety on the Road
™ brings unprecedented access to supportive recreational
programs. Our innovative program delivery model has
been an unqualified success – we have a waiting list for
the next sessions and communities across Ontario are
asking for more programs. We will continue to expand our
reach in coming months and hope to have fully sponsored
programs up and running in six different locations by 2008.
In Ontario, Variety continues to enrich the lives of children
and youth with special needs by empowering them to
reach their potential. Through our programs, children facing overwhelming adversity are encouraged to dream of
great things and are given the tools to achieve their
dreams. The work we do goes beyond wheelchair basketball and swimming lessons; we inspire children to reach
for new heights and teach them that strength of spirit is the
key to their success. We look forward to continuing our
exciting journey in 2008!
42
Tent 47 Salutes Global BC -
“Thinks Global, Acts Local”
Every charitable organization has a major obstacle to overcome to gain public awareness for its cause and garner
support for its fundraising efforts. This problem was solved the very first day Variety – The Children’s Charity of British
Columbia was born, through a strategic partnership with the province’s major media player, Global BC.
For all of us at Tent 47, it’s hard not to think “Global” – as the province’s premier broadcaster has been inextricably
tied to Variety’s success from the beginning. Indeed, Variety could not have achieved the success it has over the
years without the active participation of a committed media partner who helps us tell our story, helps us educate the
public, and helps us raise awareness of the challenges, difficulties, and issues faced by families that have a child who
may have any one of a growing list of disabilities, disorders or diseases.
Besides producing and hosting the “Show of Hearts” Telethon, Global BC also donates substantial time to air our public service announcements each year to promote the telethon, Gold Heart Day, Coin Drive, BC Bowls for Kids, Boat for
Hope, and other fundraisers.
44
When the final seconds ticked away and the tote board total was finally displayed, Tent 47 had raised a new record total of $7,568,732 in
support of British Columbia’s children who have special needs.
The telethon is a marathon fundraiser, encompassing 23 hours of
uninterrupted airtime, for an approximate yearly value of $260,000
in broadcast airtime. Factor in telethon promotional airtime valued
at $100,000 per year, and public service announcement airtime
throughout the year at an additional $100,000, and the picture becomes clear: Global BC contributes over half a million dollars to
Variety’s cause each and every year. Even without factoring in inflation, throughout our 42-year history together, the value of this
contribution amounts to well over $20 million.
The dollars committed to our cause by Global are just one way of
quantifying the dedication of this corporate partner. But how do
you quantify intangibles? To get a true picture of the direct gift
support of Global BC, one also needs to quantify the value of
Global news staff and on-air personalities who raise public consciousness through informed and thought-provoking reporting of
health care issues that impact families who have a special needs
child. One must consider the exposure we receive whenever
Global features one of our children’s stories. One needs to quantify the creation and production of the very emotional and moving
vignettes about the children we help. One must consider the value
of the total number of volunteer hours donated by Global management and staff. And one must also consider all that we have
achieved together.
Together we have helped over 2000 children’s organizations and
children’s programs throughout the province of British Columbia.
Together we have helped tens of thousands of children who have
special needs.
All of us at Variety – The Children’s Charity are proud to call the
team at Global our “partners”…and we are even prouder to call
them “friends.”
In forty-two years, Variety British Columbia has raised over $131
million! How could we do this without a media partner like Global
BC—a friend who has been there for us every step of the way,
helping us tell our story?
In the end, Global BC’s contribution to Variety’s work shall not
only be counted in the millions of dollars that we have raised together, but more importantly, the thousands of children we have
already helped…and the thousands more we will help in the future.
Together we have helped build many major British Columbia resources for children and their families, including BC’s Children’s
Hospital, Gateway House, Surrey Child Development Centre,
Ronald McDonald House, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice,
Peardonville House, The Children’s Foundation, The Vancouver
Oral Centre, The Down Syndrome Research Foundation and Resource Centre, and the BC Family Hearing Resource Centre, to
name a few.
Together we have helped fund and provide specialized medical
equipment for Special Care Nurseries in just about every major
hospital throughout the province. Indeed, the SCN at Royal
Columbian Hospital in New Westminster wouldn’t have been built
if it wasn’t for the efforts of Variety and Global BC to ensure that
the project went ahead.
From left to right, Tent 47 president Bob Stewart, director of
marketing and communications Mike Leland, Variety International vice president and telethon chair George Pitman, and
Global BC director of marketing and community relations, John
Ridley talk business and take a little R & R on the golf course.
45
“Variety Has Been My Friend and Supporter”
BY KATE LISTER OF BERKSHIRE, SURREY, Great Britain
Barnaby Lister
The Variety Club Children’s Charity has been very generous to
my family, in addition to the great generosity the staff has all
been so kind and helpful to us.
My son Barnaby has cerebral palsy, this affects mostly his legs.
Barnaby cannot stand or walk. Barnaby has used a wheelchair
since the age of two. We had become too familiar with the laborious process used by the National Health Service Wheelchair Clinic when applying for a replacement chair.
When we needed a replacement, because Barnaby was growing out of his chair, we had to wait absolutely ages for an assessment, then another age until an outdated chair was
supplied. The restrictions on the funding of the wheelchair service meant that the chair we eventually received was very heavy
and cumbersome. It was difficult lifting the chair into the back of
46
the car and for moving it around. Because it was so heavy, it
was hard for Barnaby to push the wheels around; this limited his
independence and caused him great frustration because he
wanted to be keeping up with his friends when they were running
around.
These concerns were very great to all the family. It is hard to lift
an eight year old into a car seat and then have to lift and fold a
heavy tubular steel wheelchair into the boot.
When we applied to the Variety Club Easy Riders Wheelchairs
scheme we were met with such a positive ‘can do and want to do’
attitude. We had full choice, supported by an occupational therapist assessment, over the type of electric wheelchair that best
suited Barnaby and the family. Barnaby was able to choose the
styling of the chair, the colour, type of wheels, including flashing
front casters etc.
Barnaby Recieves Variety Club Easy Riders Wheelchair
The whole process was very quick. We applied and the application was approved within four to six weeks. It actually felt more
like a fortnight. The service was so quick in comparison with our
usual experiences when trying to access the usual wheelchair
services.
An order was then sent for the chair Barnaby had chosen. The
lovely thing about this was that throughout the process we were
kept informed about what was happening.
Barnaby is very proud of his chair; he loves it and thinks it is really special and cool. His friends love it and they all want to have
a go in it. The chair is very lightweight, so Barnaby is very fast
and can do wheelies and very quick turns. This gives him the
freedom to be more like his friends. It is also so much easier for
us to lift into the car.
Barnaby’s knows first hand how his wheelchair has improved
his quality of life, he said:
“I really like my chair it has fancy wheels and goes really fast.
It is really good for playing basketball in. All my friends like my
chair and want to have a go in it.”
The flashing front casters have been a great bonus; Barnaby
gets lots of attention and admiring glances and comments from people.
Having a lovely chair makes Barnaby feel proud and this is
good for his confidence, it also means it is easier for us to take
Barnaby out and has removed the worry of having to lift the
chair.
The Variety Club has also given tickets to Barnaby for several
events and days out, such as Legoland and the London Eye.
The visit to Legoland last year was made with two other local
families who have disabled children. This was enormous fun
for the children and families, but also gave us a way of having
fun with our children and being with other families who can support each other through our similar circumstances.
The Variety Club has helped us in many ways. When I have
had a problem with anything to do with Barnaby they have supported me by giving me advice together with practical and emotional support.
I feel indebted to The Variety Club; they have undoubtedly
made life easier for Barnaby and all of his family. We have also
been able to have some extra fun times because of their generosity. Barnaby has had a big smile on his face because of
their kindness.
47
TENT 36: HELPING THE CHILDREN OF U.K.
FOR HALF OF A CENTURY
www.varietyclub.org.uk
Tel: 020 7428 8100
Registered Charity No. 209259
48
Welcome to the wonderful world of the UK Variety Club. For
more than 50 years Variety Club Children’s Charity, also known
as Tent 36, has been helping sick, disabled and disadvantaged
cess all that the world has to offer them. Tent 36 is able to
lessen the financial burden placed on families and carers
when they try to access the best mobility equipment for a
child in their care.
children throughout the UK.
The Birth of Tent 36
The Variety Club of Great Britain was set up by two Americans:
Robert S Wolff, chairman of RKO, who became the Club’s first
Chief Barker, and C J Latta of ABC Cinemas/Warner Brothers. It
was formed at an inaugural dinner at The Savoy in October 1949
and by the end of 1950 had already raised nearly £10,000. Over
the last half century, Variety Club has raised more than £200 million and made a real difference to children’s lives throughout the
UK.
From the start, Tent 36 - like Variety as a whole – consists of a
group of charitable individuals and companies. It has a formidable
array of film producers, agents and celebrities within its ranks, all
of whom were eager to give their time and services - free of
charge - to ensure fundraising events were as successful as possible.
Every Christmas we give over 3,000 toys to children who would
otherwise have no present of any kind, and we entertain more
than 100,000 youngsters each year at a wide range of exciting
venues.
Over the years, the work of Tent 36 has ranged from providing
Since the early days of its inception, requests arrive in the
Variety Club office from individuals desperate to maintain and
improve the quality of life they provide for children. Among
other things, consideration is given to requests from schools,
registered charities, hospitals and hospices as well as from
medical and other health care professionals and parents
making applications on behalf of individual children.
In general, funding from Tent 36 is given to specific items of
equipment that are for the direct use of sick, disabled or disadvantaged children. These include sensory room equipment, communicators, toys and play equipment, computers,
electric beds and specialised bath equipment. Tent 36’s Appeals Committee, which includes specialist advisers in medicine and physiotherapy, meets regularly to consider a wide
range of requests. Each application is investigated thoroughly and considered on its individual merits. Our volunteers’ hard work helps to ensure that for every £1 raised, a
remarkably high percentage goes straight to the children. The
people of the UK, who support Variety, can be sure that their
contribution is making a real difference.
Gold Hearts
Sunshine Coaches and funding major hospital appeals to providing basic items that will improve the lives of individual children.
Each year we donate electric wheelchairs, specialist beds, car
seats, sensory equipment, standing frames and many other items
that can change the life of a child in need.
In 1988 Variety Club established its Easy Riders Wheelchairs programme and has been donating wheelchairs ever since. Tent 36
is proud to have helped over 3,000 disabled children through increased mobility. Many children now have the opportunity to ac-
Recently, Variety Club in the UK celebrated the 15th anniversary of its world renowned Gold Hearts Campaign. To date,
Variety Club’s famous Gold Heart badges have raised £16.5
million in the UK and £30 million worldwide. These funds
have enabled Tent 36 to support sick, disabled and disadvantaged children, as well as hospitals, schools, youth clubs and
other children’s charities. When the British public buys a
Gold Heart badge, they can rest assured they will be making
a lasting contribution to improve the lives of sick, disabled
and disadvantaged children in the UK. Last year, Gold Heart
aficionados joined the Variety Club for a very special afternoon at Harrods department store to launch the 2007 Variety
Club Gold Heart at an auspicious Tea Party. The 2007 Gold
Heart badge was extra special as the Variety Club teamed up
49
with the iconic children’s brand Mr. Men and Little Miss to create four very special Gold Heart badges each one accompanied by a cuddly Mr. Men or Little Miss cuddly toy. The Tea
Party was a truly special event attended by a host of celebrity
guests, the nation’s favourite Mr. Men characters and author
Adam Hargreaves who was there on the day to draw pictures
for all the children and grown-ups in attendance.
Tent 36’s Supports Children’s Hospitals
The Variety Club has supported many hospitals over the
years and is proud to have its own children’s hospital situated
in South London.
Variety Club engages with people in a ‘Variety’ of ways. In
1998, Tent 36 encouraged the general public to become Variety supporters by joining the newly founded Friends of Variety, a membership scheme to become involved in our work.
Friends of Variety join by donating a small contribution annually to the charity. In return they have the opportunity to take
part in some of our enjoyable fundraising activities and attend
some of Variety Club’s major events and mix with showbusiness celebrities. The more our Members put into Variety
Club, the more they’ll get out of it: fun, friendship and the satisfaction of helping children throughout the UK.
The story of The Variety Club of Great Britain is one that continues to grow and has many varied chapters.
On 17 August 1977 representatives from King’s College Hospital and The Variety Club of Great Britain met to discuss possible fundraising opportunities with The Variety Club
Children’s Charity. Tent 36 had recently raised sufficient
funds to establish a chair of psychiatry at the Hospital for Sick
Children, Great Ormond Street. It was already well known
that there was a real need for another children’s ward at
King’s College and at that time very sick children were being
moved from the Belgravia Hospital to King’s as the top class
facilities were there.
Tent 36 had never undertaken a project of this size and after
a Herculean fundraising and awareness drive, the Variety
Club Children’s Hospital was opened on 14 June 1985 by Her
Royal Highness Princess Royal. The overall cost was £2 million which was, and still is, a considerable amount at the
time. The hospital had three wards Butlin, Mountbatten and
Princess Elizabeth with 63 beds and an operating theatre.
The hospital became one of the best paediatric units in Great
Britain.
Two decades later The Variety Club Children’s Hospital’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit is set to undergo a major operation
that will transform the 20 year old building into a state of the
art Critical Care Centre committed to supporting the lives of
the young patients that use its services, thanks to vital support from individuals and household companies who support
Variety Club.
It is thanks to the dedication of Variety Club and, more importantly, the medical professionals at the VC Hospital that our
Children’s Hospital continues to provide the best level of service to their young patients.
Over the years, Tent 36 has hosted many glittering events
throughout the year, one of which is our flagship event, the
Showbusiness Awards, which have been televised by the
BBC, LIVINGtv and SKY at various times. The Awards attract
a galaxy of celebrities. Recent attendees and winners include
Ricky Gervais, Daniel Craig, Michael Crawford and Matt
Lucas and David Walliams of Little Britain.
The Variety Club Sporting Awards Dinner, now in its 28th
year, honours outstanding achievements of men and women
in their chosen fields and arenas. The awards ceremony has
always been attended by a member of the Royal Family. Past
winners have included boxer Frank Bruno MBE and footballer
Thierry Henry.
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The direct impact that Variety International
and its many Tents spread around the globe
ensures that children receive the prompt aid
and assistance that makes Variety such a
wonderful charity.
CHORION Partners
With Tent 36 Great Britain for Victory!
On Aug 1st 2006, The Variety Club Children’s Charity
formed a partnership with Chorion, the company that owns
the Mr. Men & Little Miss brand. Chorion is a media content company that owns and manages an extensive portfolio of classic and contemporary premium copyrights with
worldwide appeal. The company comprises three divisions: Children’s, Literary Estates, and TV and Film.
He said: “The Mr. Men and Little Miss book series is so well-loved
around the world and is an iconic property in the UK in particular. At
Chorion we are delighted that the Mr. Men and Little Miss brand
can be put to such great use to promote a cause as worthy as the
Variety Club, and that through the wide and varied activities of the
Variety Club the characters can bring so much enjoyment into the
lives of children.”
The Children’s division directs global entertainment and
merchandising for Chorion-owned brands including Noddy
and the Mr Men, as well as managing the non-publishing
rights for properties such as Olivia; Literary Estates manage such Chorion-owned properties as
the works of Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler; while TV and Film acts
as an executive producer or licensor of
Chorion’s TV and film rights, such as
Raymond Chandler’s Marlowe, recently
commissioned for a US TV pilot by
ABC, and undertakes its own productions including the popular Marple and
Agatha Christie’s Poirot series, co-produced with ITV in the UK and PBS in
the US. Chorion has offices in London,
New York, Tokyo and Sydney.
www.chorion.co.uk
In August 2007, a recent collaboration with Mr Men & Little Miss involved a selection of UK based celebrities telling their favourite Mr.
Men & Little Miss stories for the general public to download as podcasts in a money-raising scheme for Variety Club. Anyone can
download readings from six of the
UK’s best-loved celebrities. The
line up is:- Mr. Tickle – read by
Blackadder and Time Team’s
Tony Robinson Little Miss Sunshine – read by the absolutely
fabulous Joanna Lumley Mr
Strong - read by GMTV’s Ben
Shephard Little Miss Splendid –
read by Wendy Richard OBE
Mr. Small – read by DJ and Presenter Neil Fox Little Miss
Magic – of course, read by
Magic FM’s Neil Fox Mr. Daydream – read by Life on Mars’
John Simm
From the very beginning this unique
partnership between Variety and
Chorion has grown from strength to
strength and many fundraising and
awareness raising events have helped
to raise the profile of both organisations.
The 2007 Gold Heart badge was extra
special as the Variety Club teamed up
with Mr. Men and Little Miss to create four
very special Gold Heart badges each one
accompanied by a cuddly Mr. Men or Little Miss cuddly toy. The Tea Party was a truly special event
attended by a host of celebrity guests, the nation’s favourite
Mr. Men characters and author Adam Hargreaves who was
there on the day to draw pictures for all the children and
grown-ups in attendance. Russ Kane, Chief Barker for the
Variety Club said: “The Mr. Men & Little Miss characters have
found a place in our collective hearts here in the UK, and now
our Variety hearts have found a place for them. This warmth
of feeling, combined with the very special emotions that people have for Variety Club, made the 2007 Gold Heart series so
irresistible. It was really exciting to see the famous Gold Heart
re-launched in 2007 with such an overwhelming positive reaction from the public.”
Mr Men costume characters were also sent for a fun and
fundraising day out at a Skegness based theme park Fantasy
Island on the 11th – 12th August to promote the 2007 Gold
Heart and also drive traffic to the badges on sale there by creating a real buzz about the newly opened theme park.
John Collins, Chorin’s Senior Marketing Manager, Europe is
confident the partnership will grow from strength to strength.
All Mr. Men and Little Miss stories
are available to download from the
Variety Club website, www.varietyclub.org.uk/mrmen. Each podcast
costs £1.50 to download or £5.00
for all eight, with 100% of the donation going to Variety Club to
help underprivileged children
through the charity’s ongoing campaigns. Are you Being Served,
Eastenders star and Life long Variety Club supporter, Wendy
Richard OBE said at her podcast recording: “I was delighted to be
asked to read a Little Miss story for the celebrity podcast. It is a
great way to raise money for the invaluable work Variety Club does
to help underprivileged children have a better quality of life.
John Collins, Senior Marketing Manager for Chorion, the licensing
company for Mr Men & Little Miss added:
The Mr. Men & Little Miss books are where the magic began for
the iconic characters and it seems only right to celebrate them
with a range of celebrity podcasts to bring the fun and laughter of
Mr. Men & Little Miss to a new generation of fans. We hope
everyone enjoys these special podcasts – I know the celebrities
had great fun bringing the characters to life.
The Variety Club is very excited to continually extend its partnership with the Mr. Men and Little Miss in what has been an innovative year of fundraising and public awareness raising
opportunities. Mr. Men & Little Miss have been adored by children and adults ever since it arrived on the literary scene and
teaming up with such an iconic brand is proving to be a very special partnership indeed.
51
Australia
A History of Commitment
Variety, The Children’s Charity, is proudly represented in all states and territories of Australia, with seven individual Tents. The tents report to the National Association, which
maintains the standards and enhances the fundraising of Variety around the country.
Lord Louis Mountbatten brought The Variety Club to Australia in
1975 with Australian actor and comedian Paul Hogan (Crocodile Dundee) as the first Chief Barker. Throughout the 1990’s
each of our regions became ‘Tents,’ fully empowered to engage
their communities to support special kids in their State. The
Northern Territory in 2004, became the final region to receive
Tent status.
Variety is renowned across Australia for its motoring fundraisers such as the ‘Bash’, ‘Splash’ and 4WD events in which participants from all walks of life have amazing experiences
exploring Australia while fundraising for Variety.
Variety in Australia has commenced an incredibly exciting new
era. In April 2007 Variety Australia and our new board announced a commitment to deliver $50 million per annum by the
end of 2012 for the sick, disadvantaged and special needs children of Australia.
Variety in Australia is also working towards the goal of improved communication between the Tents and creating uniform branding to show our shared vision. Next year we will
have our first National Conference in Sydney for all of our key
Variety staff and board members which will be fundamental in
improving communication.
National Board
In April 2007 the board unanimously elected Ken V Loughnan
AO as National Chairman. Ken has extensive experience in
chairing Boards of Directors in 8 countries around the world,
including the US, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
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At the time of Ken’s appointment as an Officer in the Order of
Australia (AO) in 1994, Ken was the youngest Australian to
have received an award at Officer level for services to international business. Variety Australia is already flourishing under
Ken’s leadership, his energy and passion is infectious.In addition to the Chairman, Variety Australia’s National Board has 12
members.
Fundraising & Cause Related Marketing
Variety Australia is working to achieve greater involvement from
new and existing corporate supporters; Cause Related Marketing (CRM) is a successful lever for corporate support.
CRM describes marketing initiatives based on the cooperative
efforts of the business and the charitable cause - in essence
enabling a company to link their product or brand to, and generate revenue for, Variety. The company and Variety come to
an agreement whereby a percentage of sales (either total or for
a particular product) are donated to Variety, The Children’s
Charity. We have found CRM to be a great way for a company
to help Variety and help themselves at the same time by having
constant positive affiliation with a wonderful cause and highprofile charity. Two of our recent successful CRM campaigns
are outlined below.
National Lamington Day
In 2006 Variety began a successful fundraising enterprise with
George Weston Food’s Top TasteTM and together created an
annual CRM campaign; ‘National Lamington Day’. The delicious sponge cakes known as Lamingtons are a national insti-
tution in Australia, and have traditionally been popular as fundraisers for schools, churches and other groups. National Lamington
Day has been created as a vehicle to increase awareness both
about Variety and about Top TasteTM Lamington products. It is also
an effective way in which the general public can support Variety in
a small way individually but make a big combined difference.
In the two weeks leading up to National Lamington Day specially
branded packs of Lamingtons are sold in supermarkets all over
Australia; Variety receives a donation from every pack sold. Additionally corporate supporters buy special packages of Lamingtons
to sell in their offices to raise more funds.
In addition to our first objective of raising money for our charity,
National Lamington Day has had great press coverage over Australia and raised our profile nationwide. Through the campaign,
Top TasteTM has been able to gain new customers for their Lamington products through Variety’s supporters and members and
also improve their public image and relations.
WIV expands fundraising partnership with Variety Club of
Great Britain to Australia.
The global connection between Variety Tents is so vital. Across
the world we share the vision-to transform the lives of special
kids. It is fantastic that we can work together, no matter how many
miles apart, to make a difference.
Variety Australia has developed a strong partnership with WIV, an
international wine distributor, who has been a dedicated supporter
of the Variety Club of Great Britain since May 2003.
WIV teamed with Australia earlier this year to raise money for a
Sunshine Coach for the Special Education unit at Peakhurst Primary School, which caters for children with moderate to severe intellectual and physical disabilities.
L i b e r t y S w i n g ’s Fo r T h e C h i l d r e n
Across Australia, Variety has provided in excess of one thousand
sunshine coaches but the reality is, there are many hundreds more
required. In many areas, if the community or school did not have a
Sunshine Coach the children with special needs would not have any
means of transport. The Sunshine Coach programme in Australia
provides an essential service for our special needs kids.
In only five days Marc Fronte, Managing Director WIV Australia
and New Zealand, and his sales team delivered on their commitment through donating a dollar value from every wine sale that
week.
Jack Cannons AM, International Sunshine Coach Co-Chairman,
who visited Peakhurst Special School along with Mark and the
WIV Team, stated:
“I am delighted that WIV have shared with Variety Australia their
very successful fundraising initiative from the UK. The hard work
and commitment of the sales team has truly been reflected in the
wonderful amount of money that they have raised, this money will
provide Peakhurst Special School with their first Sunshine Coach.
I am very much looking forward to continuing the relationship with
WIV! Well done and congratulations to Marc, his team and WIV, a
company with a heart!”
Variety of Australia
Emily Edwards, National Coordinator
C h i l d r e n H u g g i n g a t a Va r i e t y E ve n t
www.varietyaustralia.org.au
53
Josh Gets His First Wheels!
Variety of Western Australia - Tent 74
Variety of Western Australia (WA) – Tent 74 is constantly
amazed by the courage and determination displayed by
our 'grants' children - we watch their progress with interest
and take pride in their achievements... once in a while, we
are privileged to be an on-going part of a child's life, and
provide life changing assistance on more than one occasion.
Variety WA first met nine year old Josh after he starred in
a television commercial promoting Coles Supermarkets instore fundraising campaign for Variety WA.
Despite being born prematurely with his twin Jake, Josh
has fought hard to overcome the many obstacles he faces,
including epilepsy, severe global developmental delay and
intellectual disability, mild cerebral palsy, cleft lip and
palate, moderate hearing loss, and a gastrostomy button
(he is completely tube fed). Josh is also legally blind and
cannot see clearly beyond a metre, although he can see
objects within close range.
years old and literally fell apart soon after the commercial
was filmed.
After much investigation, Neeva found Josh was not eligible
for government funding, as the manual wheelchair was
needed over long distances or family outings only.
Nonetheless, the need for a safe, reliable wheelchair was still
evident, and so the Variety WA Grants Committee agreed to
fund this vital piece of mobility equipment for Josh.
"This wheelchair is going to make life so much easier, and
will create more opportunities for us to enjoy family outings
together without the stress," explained Josh's mother Neeva.
"Once again, Variety WA has stepped in to help Josh and I
cannot express my appreciation and thanks enough… this
means the world to us," she said.
As a result of his Cerebral Palsy and developmental delay,
Josh experiences poor gross and fine motor skills, making
hand writing or controlling a mouse very difficult.
Earlier this year, Variety WA granted Josh a touch screen
computer system to allow him to use a computer independently and take advantage of the many interactive educational software programs available. The touch screen
has given Josh a huge sense of achievement and satisfaction, as well as the independence to be able to operate
these programs without requiring constant assistance.
On location to film the TV advertisement, Variety noticed
his mother Neeva was still using an out-dated stroller to
wheel Josh over long distances. The pusher was several
Above: JoshWithHis
NewVariety Wheelchair
Left: Josh’s Touch Screen
Variety Computer
www.v areitywa.com
54
Australia LOV’s
Of New South Wales - Tent 56
Ever fancied organising a Christmas party for 5000 children? For most people this would be a pretty tall order but
one very special group of ladies do it in NSW every year.
The Ladies of Variety of Tent 56 (LOV’s) bring smiles to the
faces of our sick, disadvantaged and special needs kids, not
just at Christmas but all year round. The LOV’s are a group of
wonderful women who exist on an entirely voluntary basis
and are responsible for taking our special children on outings
to movies, picnics, discos, harbour cruises, ice rinks, adventure camps and any other event offered by a friendly sponsor
or dreamt up by the ever active Committee.
One of the greatest projects the NSW LOV’s take on every year is
the Kids Christmas Party, a magical day held at the convention
centre on Darling Harbour in Sydney.
Helped by a mass of volunteers the ladies put on a fantastic day.
Due to the LOV’s careful planning there is something at the party
for every child to enjoy – whether it be playing on the swings,
watching a pop band, playing with animals or even indulging in a
spot of karaoke.
Not only is it an incredible day for the kids and their 2000 carers,
but also for the volunteers who come along to help. Seeing 5000
smiling, laughing, happy kids is a great Christmas present.
Ladies of Variety was the brainchild of the late Gill Mapp, some 27
years ago, and was formed because in those days only men were
able to be full members of the Variety Club. Gill called all her
friends to start the group and some of those friends have become
stalwarts of Variety to this day, including Pauline McFetridge and
Penny Docherty who both now serve on Variety’s International
Board as Vice Presidents.
When the membership requirements for Variety changed, Ladies
of Variety continued to fill the role of Variety’s “hands on work” and
has been a successful and exciting addition to Variety in NSW
since its inception.
56
LOV’s first ambition was to care for children and increase the
love and happy activities of children who were intellectually disabled and/or physically or socially disadvantaged. Now LOV’s
run the Kids Christmas Party each year, in addition to fulfilling a
huge range of activities for children from over 300 schools and
organisations throughout the year.
want to help kids – certainly not simply a social networking
group!
Current LOV President Marg White joined in 1985 through a
friend who was a member at the time. In this time, she says,
there has essentially been little change in the purpose of the
group; providing kids with great and active experiences that otherwise they perhaps wouldn’t be able to go on.
Marg definitely has a ‘get in and do it’ approach and being
President is a busy job. She tries to go on as many of the
trips as possible to represent Variety and there are committee
meetings every month except for January. All Marg asks of
her members is a promise is to help with the Variety Kids
Christmas Party and then be present for at least one other
activity per year. And how about the men? Well the ladies
don’t discriminate - although the committee is officially for females, they would love to hear from any men who would like
to come along and help at one of the many parties or outings.
Of course the types of activities for the children change with the
times, and there is more ‘red tape’ than there was previously.
Schools now have to carry out risk assessments every time the
children go out on trips and there are more legal and privacy issues than when the LOV’s began in 1980.
“The kids are so inspiring and unbelievable,” she says, “and
it is very special people that care for the kids too. They don’t
often get a break from it – they are amazing. When you hear
from the parents and carers, of the benefit that a child has
had, it makes our job so worthwhile.”
The membership of the LOV’s has changed and grown also – of
course with some members more active than others. They are always looking for new members, so if anyone in NSW is interested in joining, Marg would urge them to come along and check
them out. For most women it is an incredibly elevating experience and the committee is a very ‘hands on’ group for ladies who
L o n g m a y L O V ’s r e i g n !
w w w. v a r i e t y n s w. c o m . a u
57
IAG Awarded Corporate
Citizen of Year for Australia
When Wayne Gobert accepted the ‘Corporate Citizen
Award’ on behalf of Insurance Australia Group (IAG) at the
2007 Variety International Convention in Las Vegas, it was
clearly well deserved.
with a charity but also to see the good that it does first hand.
An integral part of the Bash is visiting schools and towns each
day along the way so the
personal involvement is enormous.
IAG is without doubt one of Variety’s greatest sponsors in
Australia and contributes on many levels. Wayne was instrumental in IAG’s association with Variety.
In 2002 IAG put five cars in the Bash, and hence the relationship began.
Wayne is Head of People Strategy and Performance at
IAG, Australasia’s leading general insurance group, and
father to four children now aged 16 – 23. This alone is
enough to keep most people busy but Wayne dedicates a
huge amount of his time to Variety. In fact, I am lucky to
catch him for a chat – when we speak he is leaving the
next day for the Variety Bash – an event very close to his
heart.
Wayne first got involved when local managers at IAG read
about the Bash. After learning more about it he saw the
Bash an opportunity for employees not only to be involved
58
IAG owns some of the region’s most respected insurance
brands including NRMA Insurance, SGIO, SGIC, CGU and
Swann Insurance in Australia, and State Insurance and NZI in
New Zealand with a huge network of customers, so a national
relationship with Variety is mutually beneficial.
The IAG staff that were involved loved the experience of being
on the Bash and the fundraising prior to it. Wayne felt that an
association with a charity like Variety would be good for staff
morale and also to help them professionally; “It’s extremely important to us at IAG for our staff to be empathetic with our customers,” he says “Being involved with Variety and meeting
people from all walks of life helps them to do this which is valuable to us as a company.”
After the 2002 Bash, Jack Cannons (Chief Barker NSW 20032006 and current National Deputy Chairman) approached IAG to
become a major sponsor of the Bash. Not only did they become
the NSW Bash sponsor but also the sponsor of the Newcastle
Bash and their involvement was to grow and grow.
Now IAG are almost a national sponsor of Variety, The Children’s
Charity in Australia. Through RACV they sponsor the Victorian
Bash and have cars in every annual state Bash except for the
Northern Territory and Tasmania.
Over the last five years IAG have sent 1000 people on the Bash,
raising over $2.5 million dollars nationally. The dedicated staff do
a huge amount of fundraising all year to make this possible.
IAG are also are a major sponsor of the enormous Variety Kids
Christmas party in NSW and Newcastle and as well as providing
financial sponsorship they also send 100 volunteers from the office to come and help on the day.
When Jack Cannons invited Wayne onto the NSW Crew two
years ago, he was delighted to accept. He is incredibly passionate
about Variety largely because it returns such a large proportion of
the funds raised to the kids. He is driven by ‘the right thing to do’
and also being able to get involved at a ‘grass roots’ level. “Variety
is a down to earth people’s charity. Its fun. It includes everyone,
and everyone can make a difference – from the battlers to the millionaires – there are people who can barely pay their mortgages
who still raise funds all year round for Variety.”
So what next? With both Wayne and the IAG staff having
such dedication to Variety it seems that they are with us
for life!As Jack Cannons commented, “IAG are now an integral part of Variety. We are enormously grateful to them”
www.iag.c om.au
www.v ariet y aust ralia.org.au
59
Australia’s Northern Territory
The Newest Addition
Established as a separate region in 1991, the Northern
Territory became an incorporated body in 1997. After 13
years of success as a region of Variety Australia, Variety, The Children’s Charity, Northern Territory, became a
Tent in its own right in May 2004. Since inception, NT has
steadily grown yearly raising funds for a number of appeals.
About The Northern Territory
The Northern Territory occupies 17.54% of the landmass of Australia (1,346,200 square km!) This makes it twice the geographical
size of Texas and five times the size of Great Britain.
Although vast in size the population of Northern Territory is 198,000
(just 1% of Australia’s population.) The Territory has a young population, the average age being 29.5 and approximately 94,500 people make up the workforce. The main industries other than Retail,
Government, and Health & Education are Mining, Agriculture, Fishing and Tourism. Situated centrally in the continent, NT forms the
“Top End” of Australia and it is a land of vast diversities. The Tropical North of the state is graced by stunning coastline, huge river
systems filled with crocodiles, fish and mud crabs, and the world
heritage listed Kakadu National Park. The Red Centre is a dramatic
mixture of desert and mountain ranges. The deserts are filled with
native wildlife and spectacular wildflowers and the famous Uluru
(Ayers Rock), the largest monolith rock formation in the world, is
part of the Kata Tjuka National Park. Typically the Territory has two
seasons, the “Wet” – the tropical Spring / Summer and the “Dry” –
the temperate Autumn / Winter.
Variety Child Examines The Inside of A Crocodile’s Mouth at Variety National Adventure Camp at Goanna Park
60
Australia’s Northern Territory’s National Adventure Camp at Goanna Park Lets Children Enjoy Horseback Riding
Variety in the Northern Territory
Chief Barker (Chairman) of Variety NT, Helen Galton, is supported
by a dedicated committee and four regional representatives. The
busy Variety NT office has just two (very hard working!) staff members – Executive Director Vicki Dennien who is full time and Administrative Coordinator Naomi Gardiner who is part time.
Fundraising
Variety NT also holds children’s events such as a very special children’s Christmas party and the wonderful Variety National Adventure Camp at Goanna Park.
Helen Galton, Chief Barker (Chairman) says, “If the greatest reward for fundraising is the joy experienced by the children who
are helped by our efforts, then The National Variety Camp at
Goanna Park would have to be the pinnacle of success.”
By far the greatest fundraising event is the Bash held annually in
August/September. This year Variety NT celebrated 15 years of the
Bash!
Every year in July, 30 children from around Australia come together for the experience of a lifetime at the Variety Adventure
Camp at Goanna Park, located 90 km south east of Darwin.
This event is the culmination of a whole lot of team effort during the
year. The first Bash in 1992 raised $65,000 with 12 cars (approx 36
people) and rose to a high of $500,000 in 1995 and 1996. These
two Bashes attracted approximately 50 cars (150 people) respectively. Since the highs of those two Bashes, the entrants have settled to average 25 cars and continue to raise approximately $10,000
per car. Since the beginning, the Bash has raised approximately
$4 million (AUD).
The idea started in 1995, Variety NT took a serious view in looking
at an adventure camp facility for kids with disabilities, as there was
not one available anywhere in the NT. A Camp with minimal infrastructure had been established out of a gift of 36 acres of land to the
Junior Police Ranger Programme by Mr Terry Baldwin at Goanna
Park. Variety Australia had built the toilet / shower block that existed there in 1989. Plans were drawn to upgrade the existing buildings at Goanna Park and estimates were sought to develop a
medical centre and demountable air-conditioned accommodation.
The appeal for $180,000 (AUD) to do this was approved in 1996, coinciding with the National Bash finishing in Darwin. The development was done over three years.
There is also the ‘Splash,’ (like The Bash but on the water!) an Annual Variety Race Day, Golf Days and smaller fundraising activities
throughout the year.
Where the Money Goes
A small and dedicated group of volunteers work tirelessly to assess
and distribute the funds raised.
Variety NT gives grants for Liberty Swings, Wheelchairs, Sunshine
Coaches and individual and group appeals. The appeals that Variety NT support range from money for basics such as nappies to
sending children from remote areas to life education classes.
Goanna Park Youth Facility now an excellent Adventure Camp with
all necessary features to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure in
the outback, Variety held the first Goanna Park National Adventure
Camp in 2000. Now in its seventh year, NT Variety invites children
from all over Australia to experience the unique Outback adventures.
61
The camp is a wonderful experience for all the children, carers,
junior police rangers, cooks, cleaners, bus-drivers and helpers
who spend a magic week with some amazing children. The week
flies by and everyone forgets very quickly that for some it is the
first time away from home, the scary first aeroplane ride, the first
time camping, the first time for different food, the first time to go
horse riding, experience a motorbike ride, go abseiling, go rock-
S
p
o
n
climbing, touch a baby crocodile, hand feed fish and hold a great
big python. It is also a wonderful learning experience for carers
and parents who can see their charges grow and change with the
confidence that Goanna Park gives to their children. Thanks must
be given to all of the helpers at Goanna Park and also the children
who come to Goanna Park – for without them … there would be
no reason to hold such a special camp each year.
s
o
r
A small and very committed group of businesses continue to support Variety NT. The major Sponsor – Territory Thrifty Car Rental has
supported Variety in its efforts since the beginning.
Variety NT would like to thank:
Arafura Connect *
Colemans Printing *
Computer Solutions Group *
Darwin Airport Resort
Darwin Container Services *
DK Marketing *
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Grumpy Jim Pictures *
Hidden Valley Ford
Lion Nathan (XXXX) *
NT Airports *
Southern Cross Television *
Territory Thrifty Car Rental
s
NEWSLINE
Pittsburgh - Tent 1
Buffalo and Western New York - Tent 7
Variety Pittsburgh will be celebrating a milestone birthday at our
Anniversary Gala on Friday, November 9. Our special birthday 80
Years – A Celebration of Hope and Possibilities will be a grand
evening as we honor a surprise guest for their generosity of spirit
for philanthropy to non-profit organizations that effectively serve
and benefit kids.
Tent 7 recognizes and thanks all of our tents early members.
Without their hard work and dedication in pioneering in the early
years of Tent 7 and the Telethon, we would not today be one of
the top Variety Tents in the world.
Variety Pittsburgh serves children with disabilities in southwestern
Pennsylvania, whose needs would not be met were it not for Variety’s sustained commitment. Our Anniversary Gala benefits two
major initiatives designed to provide developmental support, assistance and enjoyment for children with special needs: Camp
Variety for Kids, our annual summer day camp program for kids
with disabilities; and our Kids on the Go! Program that provides
wheelchairs and other enabling equipment that expand horizons
and opportunities for our special kids yet are often unaffordable
and in some case unattainable without Variety’s resources.
Memphis - Tent 20
MA Lightman, Sr. ,
Chief Barker 1938-1946
Presenting sponsor for a third consecutive year is Bayer MaterialScience AG, thanks to President and CEO Greg Babe. Bayer
MaterialScience AG is one of the world’s largest producers of
polymers and high-performance plastics. Its innovative developments in coatings, adhesives, insulating materials and sealants,
polycarbonates and polyurethanes significantly enhance the quality of our lives.
Memphis Tent 20, was chartered on September 30, 1938 by a
group of showmen led by M.A. Lightman, Sr., founder of the
Malco Theaters. Mother’s Milk Bank became the first charity &
was credited with saving the lives of many babies whose mothers
were unable to supply them with proper nourishment. An International Award was presented to Tent 20 in Memphis for this project.
Since this time Variety in Memphis has grown to over 350 members and has raised millions of dollars in support of hundreds of
Mid-South children’s charities. (The grand children and great
grand children of M.A. Lightman, Sr., continue his legacy today
through support of the National Gold Heart Campaign).
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NEWSLINE
Georgia - Tent 21
M. V. (“Mac”) McAfee
Eastern Tennessee - Tent 81
Summer Circus at the Zoo
No one has played a larger role in the history of Variety of Georgia
than the late Mac McAfee. As Chief Barker in the early 1980’s, Mac
led the efforts to revive the tent and transform it into the vibrant organization it is today.
Mac was the Atlanta Branch Manager for Paramount Pictures, and
was widely respected for his ability and experience as a film distributor. But it was his warm personality and generous
spirit, as exemplified by his service to Variety, that made Mac a
beloved figure in the community.
Mac retired in 1989 and passed away in 1995. But his lasting legacy
is the improved lives of the countless children that Tent 21 helped
during his tenure—and those it continues to serve today. In 2004
Variety of Georgia created the Mac McAfee Golden Heart Award,
which is presented annually to those who, in their own way, follow
the humanitarian example set by this very special man.
Palm Springs - Tent 66
Variety of the Desert
Tent 66 had a wonderful time as the host Tent for the International
Convention this spring. It was of great value to learn of so many
creative and innovative programs to help Variety’s kids. Of particular interest was the move towards mobility equipment as a way of
defining a mission Variety can fill. It was a pleasure to host Variety
at Work day outside under the bigtop. Many of the Barkers
seemed to be having a great time in service to the kids, and many
happy smiles and multiple trips to the food line were the best indication of the success of the event. Many Barkers from the various
Tents were checking out the Hoyer lifts that Tent 66 donated to
Angel View Crippled Children’s Foundation. These devices aid the
lifting of disabled children into and out of bed and wheelchairs.
Tent 66 was proud to contribute these valuable items to one of our
favorite charities.
Tent 66 will be hosting the 12th annual Care for Kids Radiothon in
November, and this year plans are in the works to broadcast on
Spanish language station KUNA as well, introducing a whole new
culture to Variety, the Children’s Charity.
A day at the Knoxville Zoo is sure to please any child, but on a beautiful afternoon this past June, 100 children from Just Lead, Emerald
Youth Foundation’s urban youth leadership ministry, were treated
to a Zoo Day extravaganza sponsored by Variety of Eastern Tennessee. Zoo Day is such a hit that it has become an annual event,
and this year’s festivities were bigger and better than ever.
The excitement was building even before the children arrived as Variety’s Executive Director, Dena Pinsker and her small group of volunteers got ready, setting up a display of T-Shirts the children of
Emerald Youth were going to receive. Variety provides the children
of Emerald Youth Foundation a free “Zoo Day” T-Shirt, a free access pass to the Knoxville Zoo, a gift card for five dollars at one of
the Zoo’s gift shops, and, finally, a hamburger and hotdog cookout
catered by Buddy’s Barbeque. Says Pinsker, “The Variety of Eastern Tennessee board of directors would like the children to have at
least one summer opportunity to experience everything at the Zoo
- - the animals, the carousel rides, the BBQ lunch, the gift store.
This is that one opportunity.”
“We appreciate the hard work and dedication of Variety. Our kids always enjoy Zoo Day – it’s such a great time,” said EYF City Wide
Events Coordinator, Nancy Surber. Variety’s Zoo Day was met with
tons of smiling faces from the children, all of whom had a fantastic
time, and that is what is really important. Everyone is looking forward to doing Zoo Day all over again next summer.
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NEWSLINE
Canada
Winnipeg
Vancouver
Congratulations to Christine Coleman of Tent 58 Winnipeg’s 1st
Variety Leadership in the Community Scholarship. Christine will
be furthering her education at Red River Community College enrolled in the Applied Counseling Course; her goal is to become a
Youth Addiction Councillor. Christine is a true example of overcoming adversity to accomplish a dream. A very outgoing and
positive member of her community, Christine has volunteered for
a number of organizations and causes that she feels make a difference, especially to young teens. This quote from her applications, exemplifies her leadership to the future: “My family
struggles and life lessons haven’t always been ones I would have
personally chosen, but each one has helped me grow into the person I am. Good luck to you in the future.”
Tent 47’s Golden Heart Community Achievement Award Dinner is
a tribute to those who have made exceptional contributions to Variety – The Children’s Charity and to the people of British Columbia. The Golden Heart Community Achievement Award Dinner is
Tent 47’s most prestigious mark of distinction and is presented to
an individual or individuals who have made an outstanding philanthropic commitment to the community. Variety is proud to honour
Dr. Donald Rix at a gala dinner at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver,
Tuesday, November 20th, 2007.
Calgary
Beautiful “Nicholas” was born April 2005. Later that year his single
Mom learned Nicholas had SODS, a condition which caused him
to be blind and developmentally delayed. By the time this enchanting boy was 18 months old, his therapists recommended a
standing frame and bath seat to aid in his development. The total
cost of this equipment was over $4600. Tent 61 Calgary was able
to supplement funding to make this hope and need a reality.
Ottawa
Tent 71 Ottawa’s 9th Annual International Ball raised over
$120,000 for children living in the National Capital Region. Chief
recipients of this year’s proceeds were Rogers House, a family
support centre for children in palliative care which received a
cheque for $20,000 and Children’s Hospital which received a
cheque for $10,000. Next year’s event is slated for May 10th, 2008
and will feature “Canada” with representation from all regions of
this great country.
Toronto
In early January, Ontario kicked off the Gold Heart campaign with
a special high-ropes challenge. School children, ambassadors,
and guests experienced hands-on the campaign theme of adventure and learned about the special programs we offer. In true Variety style, over 50 people of all abilities let go of their fears and
walked, slid and jumped 35 feet above the ground. The campaign,
which ran from January to May, raised close to $200,000 in Ontario.
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NEWSLINE
Australia
Australia
George Miller New Celebrity Ambassador
Australia New Website Launch & Electronic
Communications
George Miller (Director / Writer / Producer) is an Academy Award
winner and three-time Academy Award nominee. In 2007, Miller
won the Best Animated Feature Academy Award for the smash hit,
“Happy Feet”, which he directed, co-wrote and produced. The film
was also honored with the Best Animated Feature BAFTA, as well
as The New York Critics Circle Award and the Los Angeles Film
Critics Award for Best Animation. The American Film Institute
Awards named “Happy Feet” as one of the Top Ten Best Films of
the Year.
Variety Australia launched our new website in July 2007! Links to
the new sites for all of the Australian State Tents will follow shortly.
For his work as a producer and a writer on the breakout hit family
feature “Babe” Miller was rewarded with Academy nominations for
Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. The film earned a total
of seven Academy Award nominations, winning the Oscar for Best
Visual Effects. In addition, “Babe” garnered four BAFTA Award
nominations, including two for Miller for Best Film and Best
Adapted Screenplay, and won a Golden Globe for Best Motion
Picture – Comedy/Musical.
It is crucial for both charities and businesses today to harness this
growing and dynamic channel by having a dynamic, up-to-date
and well designed and maintained website.
Miller made his feature film directorial debut on the international
success “Mad Max,” which he also co-wrote.
Miller is a key figure within the Australian film industry serving as
the Patron of the Sydney Film Festival, the Australian Film Institute and the Brisbane International Film Festival. In 1996 he was
awarded the Order of Australia for distinguished service to Australian cinema.
The launch of the new integrated site allows the Australian Tents
to present a clear and uniform branding and vision.
Our revitalised website is a key communications channel in raising awareness and in educating our target audience about Variety.
This enables continued expansion of supporter base and revenue.
The website is the first place people will look to for information
and it is vital that we use this powerful marketing tool effectively. It
is our display window or shop front for the outside world, allowing
people to take a look at what we do and to inspire them to get involved.
Our web based strategies utilise increased use of electronic marketing and communications, which enables us to measure and
therefore optimise the effectiveness of our campaigns. This data
provides us with insights which we will use to implement strategies to help us achieve our objectives, including the goal of having
our site rank on
the first page of the major search engines when Australians
search on the keyword ‘children’s charities’.
Please visit www.varietyaustralia.org.au to view our new website.
It is a constant work in progress so all comments are welcome,
katie@varietyaustralia.org.au.
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NEWSLINE
Barbados and the
Eastern Caribbean – Tent 73
Opening of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital
In 1991 Dr. Richard Ishmael, Cardiologist with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Barbados, the nation’s sole public hospital,
had a dream to establish a five-bed Intensive care Unit (PICU) at
that institution to provide intensive focused care to monitor and
treat the most serious conditions of children in Barbados and the
Eastern Caribbean. Dr. Ishmael’s passion and vision was infectious and soon he was working with Mr. Michael Pemberton of
Pemberton Resorts, who expressed a keen interest in contributing
to this project, and with Raymond and Suzanne Curtis, active
members of Variety UK and regular visitors to Barbados who proposed the idea of a Variety chapter in Barbados.
Out of this initial dream and the consuming passion that drove Dr.
Ishmael, Michael Pemberton and a dedicated founding group of
“Barkers”, the Barbados chapter of Variety – Tent 73 - was born.
The group worked assiduously to raise the necessary $200,000 to
start a Variety chapter. After two years of fundraising, a registered
charity was formed in 1994, eventually receiving its charter from
Variety International in April, 1995.
On Tuesday, September 16th, 1997, Dr. Ishmael’s dream came to
fruition. Variety – Tent 73 was instrumental in funding the majority
of equipment for a new four-bedded PICU within the Paediatric
Unit of the QEH. Now equipped with the only PICU in the region,
the QEH could handle emergency admissions for young patients
requiring various levels of life support and care for immediate
post-operative open heart surgical patients, orthopaedic and neurological patients from Barbados and other Caribbean countries.
Over the past 9 years the Unit has helped more that 1000 children
as they received life-saving procedures. Variety continues its relationship with the PICU, now planning a $500 000.00 US dollar
project aimed at the refurbishment and expansion of the Unit.
NEWSLINE
New Zealand – Tent 68
It has been an exciting and rewarding quarter for Variety New Zealand - launching a new grant’s programme,
implementing a new fundraising campaign and planning the 2008 Variety International Convention.
Modeled on the Australian scholarship programme,
Tent 68’s Variety Gold Heart Scholarship Fund aims
to assist children with special needs reach their life
goals in a broad range of areas including music, the
arts, sports and education. Our annual supporters’
Thank You Function provided the perfect opportunity
to present scholarships to the
inaugural recipients and showcases the new programme to key stakeholders. There were plenty of
smiles (and a few tears) at this year’s event, when
eight of the 11 talented young recipients took to the
stage and shared just what Variety’s support means
to them.
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The children, aged from 11 to 17, are truly inspirational in their efforts to excel within their individual pursuits, which range from wheelchair basketball and
tennis to power lifting, hip hop dance and ice skating.
The Variety scholarship, along with support from high
profile mentors including Olympic Gold Medalists,
Sarah Ulmer and Hamish Carter, will assist the recipients achieve their goals.
Funds raised through our latest fundraising campaign
– the sale of Variety red heart light-up pens, which
netted in excess of $100,000 - will be tagged to fund
the 2008 Variety Gold Heart Scholarship Programme.
The countdown to 2008 is on and Tent 68 is focused
on delivering a convention to remember showcasing
the very best New Zealand has to offer.
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