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Kaci to Share her Endless PossAbilities
Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis has launched a new virtual speaker series titled “Endless PossAbilities.” Every session is free to attend, takes place on Zoom, and features an individual with a disability sharing…
More Than a Bed
Variety Kid Lincoln recently received a piece of a medical equipment that does it all – keeps him safe, gives him a place to place to play, helps his family take care of him, and…
Register Now for Summer Camp 2022
It’s happening! Registration for our in-person Summer Adventure and Teen Camp is now LIVE! Click here to register by noon on February 7, 2022, and read on for more details. Variety’s Adventure and Teen Camp program…
You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Ava and Ashlyn’s Story
Variety Kids Ashlyn and Ava used to have a hard time making friends because of their communication challenges. Then, at Variety’s Adventure Camp, they each found a new best friend in the other. The two…
Erica the Explorer
As spring draws near and the weather starts to get warmer, people are starting to get outside. Whether by foot or by bike, many are hitting the trails to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air….
Maisy Connects
A couple of years ago, Variety Kid Maisy attended a birthday party at a ranch. There, she not only got to ride a horse for the first time, but she formed a connection with one of…
Jada’s Every Day PossAbilities
Doctors used to tell Jada’s mom, Candice, that Jada would be a “lay baby.” By that, they meant she would do little more than lay on the floor due to her diagnosis of cerebral palsy….
Sadie Keeps Up with Friends
For five-year-old Sadie, there is nothing more frustrating than always being tagged “It” first in a game of tag on the playground. Sadie has mild cerebral palsy, which causes high tone in her legs and…
Ryan Stands Up to Learn
For a long time, Variety Kid Ryan wasn’t able to use the smartboard in his classroom. The manual wheelchair he was using sat at a height too low to reach the board, limiting his participation…
Joseph Grows into New Legs
Variety Kid Joseph just won’t stop growing! At almost three years old, he keeps getting taller and stronger every day. But that means he also keeps growing out of the prosthetic legs that make it…
Tobias Has a Place of His Own
Variety Kid Tobias now has a place in his house he can call his very own, thanks to Variety and our supporters! This new spot is a Leckey Pal Chair, which is giving him the…
Freedom for JJ
For a long time, Variety Kid Jeffery (aka JJ) felt like he was missing out on a big part of childhood – riding a bike. Traditional bikes and tricycles are not accessible for JJ and…
Thankful for New Allies
Variety is thrilled to announce new partnerships with the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board of St. Charles County, Productive Living Board of St. Louis County, and The St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources to provide…
Back to Camp – Winter Camp 2021
After almost two years of virtual programming, Variety’s Adventure Camp program returned to in-person Camp with Winter Camp 2021! Variety Kids gathered throughout the last week of 2021 for engaging activities, time with friends, and…
A Look Back at 2021
As we celebrate the new year, we are looking back at all that happened here at Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis in 2021. Although it was another year filled with constant pivoting, we…
Welcome to Variety, Britt!
We are thrilled to introduce you to Britt Velasquez, our newest team member here at Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis. Britt, who has a degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in adaptive physical…
A Concert Filled with Cheer
On Thursday, December 16, excited audience members filled the seats at the Sheldon Concert Hall, ready to experience live music and enjoy the sounds of the season. They were there for Festive Gifts of Song…
The Jefferson Foundation Gives the Gift of Equipment
Earlier this month, the Jefferson Foundation announced the recipients of their second round of grants for 2021. The Foundation awarded 79 grants to 76 organizations, totaling more than $2.6 million in funds. We are pleased…
Variety Families Enjoy the National Museum of Transportation
Variety Kid Blake recently had a blast exploring the National Museum of Transportation with his family. They saw models, rode the mini train, and even got to go aboard several real trains! Blake absolutely loved…
A Holly Jolly Good Time with Variety Social Groups
This month, Variety Kids and Teens gathered virtually for a festive social group, led by Variety Family Council member Kim and her daughter, Gracie. A great time was had by all! The day before the…
Tennyson’s Helpful Helmet
Tennyson is a big fan of the St. Louis Blues. And with his new helmet, he even looks like a super cool hockey player! This helmet is important to Tennyson’s health as he grows. He…
The Art of Imperfection – Variety Family Conference 2021
On Saturday, December 4, several Variety parents and members of the community gathered virtually and in-person for Variety Family Conference 2021, made possible by Variety’s Emerson Resource Center and with help from the members of…
Jan Albus Departing as Variety CEO
Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis has announced that Jan Albus, the organization’s CEO for the past 25 years, is leaving the organization. Her last day will be December 31, 2021. “Variety would not be…
Hope for Fiona
Meet Fiona. She is eight years old and loves to laugh, rider her bike, and listen to Taylor Swift. Looking at her now, can you believe that she was given just a one percent chance…
Tickets On Sale Now for Festive Gifts of Song and Dance!
On Thursday, December 16, 2021, the Sheldon Concert Hall will be filled with the joyous sounds of the season. On that date, Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis will present Festive Gifts of Song and…
Bikes for Kids 2021
On Saturday, November 20, Variety St. Louis made a triumphant return to in-person events with Bikes for Kids 2021. The annual bike giveaway was held across multiple days in 2020, and we were thrilled to…
Save the Date to Celebrate the Season with Variety Children’s Chorus and Variety Dance
On December 16, Variety Children’s Chorus and Variety Dance will take the stage at The Sheldon Concert Hall to share their “Festive Gifts of Song and Dance” and you’re invited! You won’t want to miss…
Christian Communicates
Variety Kid Christian may not speak verbally, but that doesn’t mean he can’t communicate in his own way. His communication device is his voice, and he takes it wherever he goes. This device is operated…
Variety Children’s Chorus Performs at Virtual Ameren Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit
Last month, Ameren hosted their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit. This event, which was held virtually this year, celebrates the importance of these topics in our world, lives, and workplaces, and features multiple speakers from…
Jenna Conquers Musical Theatre Challenges with Your Help
Thanks to our supporters, Variety Teen Jenna has been given the opportunity to perform in professional musical productions through Variety Theatre. In the letter below, she shares just how much of a difference Variety’s Performing…
Oh the Places DeMarko Will Go
At 19 years old, there are many places Variety Teen DeMarko has never had the chance to visit before. He has limited mobility and uses a wheelchair to get where he needs to go, but…
Bank of America Helps Variety Kids Build Confidence Through Performing Arts
We are excited to announce that the Bank of America Charitable Foundation is continuing their support of Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis’ inclusive Performing Arts programs through a generous grant. These Performing Arts…
Sophia’s Safe Space
Just like many kids her age, when Variety Kid Sophia is looking to relax and wind down, she heads to her room to hang out on her bed. At night, she happily snuggles up for…
Maddison Receives a Life-Changing Van
Variety Teen Maddison and her family recently received a life-changing gift from Variety – an adaptive van. This van is making it possible for her to travel safely and comfortably, something that may seem simple,…
Back to School with Camryn
The last time Camryn, who is 11 years old, attended in-person school was in first grade. In 2017, he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder that caused him to lose his vision as well as…
Zion’s Super Cool Ride
When Variety Kid Zion cycles through his neighborhood on his daily adaptive bike ride, the air is filled with shouts of “I like your bike!” and “Cool ride!” He smiles, laughs, and rides on, proud…
Wyatt’s Back to School Supplies
When Variety Kid Wyatt started middle school this year, he had many supplies on-hand, including pencils, books, a backpack, and more. He also started the year with a new tool – an insulin pump –…
Andrew Achieves His Impossible
For a while, many things felt nearly impossible to Variety Kid Andrew. He suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident when he was just four years old, leaving him unable to walk. But that…
Isabel Focuses on Fun at Virtual Camp
Like many students, Variety Kid Isabel struggled during virtual school this past year. It was hard for her to stay focused and engaged, which made learning difficult. Because of this, her mom, Janie, was a…
Fun Isn’t a Stretch for Madi
Variety Teen Madi is very busy and active. She likes to do a ton of activities, many with Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis. Madi attends Teen Camp every summer, participates in our Variety…
Thanks Sno Much!
We’d like to say thanks “sno” much to all those who came out to Ballwin Sno-Cone on August 25 in support of Variety Kids! From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on that date, a portion…
Variety Families and Friends Enjoy the Bommarito Automotive Group 500
On Saturday, August 21, 2021, Variety Families and friends had the chance to experience the thrill of IndyCar racing at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at the World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, thanks to…
Chase Goes for Gold
When the Olympics and Paralympics air, you can find children around the world glued to their screens, dreaming of the day they might take the podium for their country. Variety Kid Chase is living out…
Leah is Amazing
Through Variety’s inclusive Performing Arts programs, Variety Kid Leah has grown and flourished into a confident young lady. Like all kids and teens in these programs, she is very talented, and it has been a…
Summer Camp 2021: The Great Virtual Adventure
For six weeks this summer, Variety Kids and Teens gathered online for an exciting and engaging Virtual Adventure and Teen Camp 2021. Through this virtual adventure, campers made crafts, played games, cooked snacks, sang songs,…
Building a Musical Theatre Toolbox at Curtain Up
Curtain Up Camp 2021 has wrapped, and it was certainly one for the books! We were excited to welcome the kids and teens involved in our upcoming production of The Music Man for a two-week,…
Virtual Camp Activity – Paper Bowl Jellyfish
Dive under the sea with our Virtual Campers and create a colorful jellyfish! This craft is easy and fun to make, and you likely already have all of the materials at home. And, if not,…
Variety remembers Henry Givens
Henry Givens was an extraordinary advocate for children with special needs. For more than 20 years, he and Belma have supported Variety and attended Variety events, especially Runway Lights Fashion Show and Dinner with the…
Welcome to Variety, Kathy!
Please help us give Kathy Payne a warm welcome to our Variety St. Louis family! Kathy is joining us as Controller in the Finance Department and will be responsible for payroll as well as supporting…
Virtual Camp Activity – Tape Resistant Painting
Love to paint but looking for a new method? Try making a tape resistant painting! Our campers tried it and they had so much fun creating their own designs with just cardstock, washi tape and…
Will Builds Strength and More on Horseback
Did you know that the cadence of a horse’s movement mimics a human walking? That’s what makes hippotherapy so effective – it gives those with mobility challenges, like Variety Teen Will, a way to build…
How to Help Variety Kids in 2021
With the global COVID-19 pandemic continuing into 2021, there are many who are still facing the challenges that come with it. If you’re looking for a way to help those affected by the coronavirus this…
MacKenzie’s Power Wheelchair Brings Independence and Fun
Like many people, Variety Teen MacKenzie hasn’t been outside much since March. MacKenzie’s manual wheelchair did not give her the freedom to move easily, making it difficult for her to even enjoy the outdoors around…
Ameren Corporation and Judy Jones receive top honors from Variety International
St. Louis (July 26, 2018) – Variety International presented top honors to local philanthropist Judy Jones and Ameren Corporation during its 2018 world conference earlier this summer. Variety St. Louis also won the Mort Sunshine Award for Electronic Excellence. Jones, awarded…
Warner Baxter steps up to lead Variety as New Board Chair
St. Louis (Jan 17, 2018) – Warner Baxter, Chairman, President & CEO, Ameren Corporation, and an active community leader and partner, has accepted the role of board chair of Variety the Children’s Charity. Variety is St. Louis’…
Variety hires Chief Program Officer
St. Louis (Dec. 15, 2017) –Variety the Children’s Charity has chosen Susan Schuh, PhD MHA, as Chief Program Officer. Schuh has a PhD in Cellular and Developmental Biology from Stony Brook University, and a Masters, Health…
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