Spotl ght A publication of Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis
Summer 2015 Issue “I CAN!”
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Dinner with the Stars..........................................Page 3-6 Runway Lights Fashion Show...........................Page 7-9 Help A Variety Kid Challenge............................Page 10 Imo’s for Kids Day.................................................Page 10 Night of the Rising Stars......................................Page 12
From our
Chief Executive Officer Jan Albus with Variety children Kimira & Dominic
Dear Variety Supporters, This year, the St. Louis region helped us to raise more than $5.15 million during Variety Week. On its face, that number is a staggering total, representing a tremendous groundswell of community support for children with disabilities. But that colossal number is made up of thousands of small gestures: little moments of generosity that all add up into something mighty and affirming. During Variety Week, people gave by purchasing tickets to Variety events. They gave by donating online. They gave by something as simple as ordering a pizza. All of these moments matter, and all of them make a powerful impact in the lives of thousands of children living with disabilities in Missouri and Illinois. Variety Week is the most pivotal time of the year for our organization. It’s the time when we ask the St. Louis region to help us raise the lion’s share of our fundraising for the year. We don’t rely on federal or state grants to fund our programs — we rely on you. This year, you responded loud and clear. That support will allow our Variety kids to continue to thrive into 2016. Your dollars will go to work right away: we’re already
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preparing for Variety Adventure Camp, when more than 100 kids with disabilities get together for a completely free summer camp. Thanks to your support, these children will be able to play and socialize in an environment that prizes them for who they are and what they can do — not what they can’t. We also recently completed auditions for the Variety Children’s Theatre production of Mary Poppins, assembling a cast that includes children with and without disabilities. Variety Week funding helps to bring this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience to life. Thank you to all who gave, from our tenured donors as well as the individuals who decided to support Variety for the first time this year. Like us, you see the boundless potential in children with disabilities. Working together, we can help to unlock it. Sincerely,
Jan Albus Chief Executive Officer
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THANK YOU ST. LOUIS. We extend our thanks to the entire community for their generosity during Variety Week to help local children with disabilities say, “I CAN!”
TOTAL RAISED DURING VARIETY WEEK:*
$5,153,000 MAJOR PARTNERS
VARIETY CLUB PARTNERS
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS THE ONES
WHO CARE
*Revenue generated from June 1, 2014 - April 25, 2015.
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Alison Ferring and Danny Ludeman were honored as the 2015 Woman and Man of the Year. Pictured above: Alison Ferring, Jan Albus, Chairman of the Board Larry Otto, Dinner with the Stars Chair Marilyn Fox, Danny Ludeman and Variety children Kimira and Dominic
Woman of the Year, Alison Ferring, Variety child Dominic and Man of the Year, Danny Ludeman
APRIL 25, 2015 | PEABODY OPERA HOUSE Toni Braxton could have simply turned in an incredible performance and Dinner with the Stars would have been a rousing success. But instead, our headliner showed her compassion by reaching out to the true stars of the night: Variety kids. Midway through her performance, Braxton invited audience members up onto the stage to dance. But these weren’t just any spectators: these were members of the Variety Children’s Chorus, who were watching from their front-row seats.
With a capacity audience watching from the Peabody Opera House auditorium, our Variety girls showcased some serious dance moves on stage, with Braxton playing the role of conductor and cheerleader. It was a moment that melted our hearts, the pinnacle of a banner night that raised more than $2.3 million for kids with disabilities. Dinner with the Stars included a black-tie gala and an entertainment program, hosted by Broadway actor Ken Page and headlined by Braxton.
This event was totally underwritten so that every dollar raised went directly to Variety children. Thank you to the following below:
Thelma & David Steward
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Michael & Noémi Neidorff
Tom & Carol Voss
Arnold & Hazel Donald
Larry & Jill Otto
Sue McCollum, Howard & Kate Stephens
Mike Fidler & Penny Pennington, Ashley Mendez, Dan Timm
Marilyn & Sam Fox
Randy & Davida Layer
Lee Kling, Mayor Slay, Diane and Michael Gantner, Andy Schmitz
Belma & Dr. Henry Givens
Leisha Gordan & Kay Love
Edmund & Dr. Patricia Kopetz
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Peggy & Jerry Ritter, Marsha & Bill Rusnack
Variety CEO Jan Albus, Variety child Lenore & Emcee Ken Page
Steve & Kelly Gross
Michelle & Kennard Tucker
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Connie & Kevin Popejoy
Christy Oldani & Leslie Wilson
Kelly & Carl Imo
Kathie & Richard Winter
Lotta & Jeff Fox
Christopher & Jessica Kerckhoff
Variety kids Ashley, Gracie, Naomi, Selah, Lindsay, Toni Braxton and Adair dance onstage
Toni Braxton
Thelma & David Steward with Toni Braxton
Lynne & Brooks Parriot
Sam Fox does his own take on Toni Braxton’s hit song “Breathe Again”
Laura & Spencer Koch, Mandy Murphy & Tom Caradonna
Richard & Melissa Mark
Mike & Debbie Lefton
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RU N WAY L I G H TS FAS H I O N S H OW
Variety’s Runway Lights Fashion Show made its debut at Union Station on April 18, treating attendees to a stunning display of couture from featured designer ESCADA! With FOX 2’s Mandy Murphey serving as host, the event also raised $63,400 for Variety’s TherHappy Kids program. In addition to professional ESCADA models, four Variety kids got to
Dr. Henry Givens, Tom Voss, David Steward & Jeff Carr
strut their stuff for the audience. Ameren PowerKids Joe, Zaria, Zack and Sofia all paraded down the runway in fashions by Carmen Marc Valvo. Their smiles told the whole story: this was a dream come true for them all! The event included high-end vendors, live and silent auctions, plus a performance from violin prodigy Leah Flynn. Thanks to all who helped us launch a new chapter for Runway Lights Fashion Show!
Cindy & Warner Baxter, Thelma Steward, Marilyn Fox
dianeandersonphotography.com
Cathy Dunkin & Ginny Baldridge
Kit Sundararaman, Penny Pennington, Kristin Johnson, Vanessa Halim
Presenting Partners
with support from
Becca Thurber & Allen Barber
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Jan Albus and Maureen Clever
Todd Weaver, Patty Carr, Karen Martin, David Steward, Thelma Steward, Shirley Agnew & June Brown
dianeandersonphotography.com
Kelly, Allyson, Nicole and Margie Imo
Warner Baxter, Variety teen Zack and our emcee, Mandy Murphey
Thelma Steward & Belma Givens
Marsha Rusnack, Cheri Fromm & Karen Castelllano
dianeandersonphotography.com
dianeandersonphotography.com
Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge
Laura Herring, Karen Shaugnessy, Gayle Palmer, Laura Shaugnessy
Variety child Olivia helping Variety’s train conductor, John Flack
Kathryn Petruska, Laura Petruska, Lynn Castellano
Lee Kling, Rosie Kling, Barry Cervantes, Laura Wirick
Mary Ann Daust & Cindy Weil
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Gayle Palmer, Laura Herring, Nancy Kiefer, Emily Castle
Fran Zamler & Terry Coleman
Elke Koch
Wendy Brumitt & Tom Voss bid on a beautiful necklace during the live auction
Ameren PowerKid Sofia wearing a dress designed by CARMEN MARC VALVO
Variety Children’s Chorus singing “Train Medley”
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David Steward, Jr., Thelma & David Steward
Fashions by ESCADA
HELP A VARIETY KID CHALLENGE It’s one thing to talk about all the different ways that Variety helps kids with disabilities. It’s another to meet our kids and see just how much those programs change them. So when Variety hosted the Help a Variety Kid Challenge this April, campaigning to raise money for kids with disabilities, it was the kids themselves who took center stage. Showing incredible generosity, Variety media partners FOX 2 and KPLR 11 donated huge blocks of their programming to an all-day call-a-thon to help raise money. Anchors from both stations interviewed Variety kids while volunteers from Edward Jones manned the phones. As they each got their moment in the spotlight, we learned a lot about these young interviewees.
Spencer Koch with Variety child Nicholas
APRIL 21, 2015 That includes 9-year-old Shruthi, who just took part in a marathon using a gait trainer paid for by Variety. For a girl who spent most of her early life confined to a wheelchair by severe limb deformities, this is nothing short of miraculous! The St. Louis Post-Dispatch also helped to promote the Help a Variety Kid Challenge online, resulting in incredible exposure for Variety and its programs! Thanks to all who gave on this big day.
THE ONES
WHO CARE
Variety teen Jamazia with volunteers from Edward Jones Nathan with the Weather Bird from St. Louis Post-Dispatch
IMO’S FOR KIDS DAY
APRIL 22, 2015
Using the power of provel, Imo’s Pizza has made a mighty difference for Variety kids over the past 15 years. Every year, St. Louis’ favorite pizza maker sets aside one day to donate 10% of its proceeds to Variety. This year, Imo’s for Kids Day raised a whopping $125,000 on April 22 to benefit St. Louis kids with disabilities. It’s one of the biggest gifts we’ve ever seen for this Variety Week event, adding to the $1.5 million that Imo’s has raised for Variety since it launched the effort. What’s more, Imo’s President and Variety Lifetime Board Member Margie Imo invited two Variety kids to her home to appear in a FOX 2 segment promoting the day. Katelynn and C.J. made pizzas in the Imo family’s private kitchen, which they enjoyed eating and taking home! Normally, Imo’s bills itself as the “Square Beyond Compare.” But to us, the company is “The Care Beyond Compare,” going above and beyond to help some awesome Variety kids. For that, we are grateful. We hope everyone who took part in Imo’s for Kids Day enjoyed the meal!
Variety child Katelynn, Margie Imo, FOX 2’s Margie Ellisor and Variety child CJ
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FIRST PITCH
AT CARDINALS STADIUM APRIL 22, 2015
Chairman of Variety, Larry Otto with Variety child Mia
Variety kid Mia rolled out onto the Busch Stadium field in her wheelchair. When she stood up from it, the crowd stood with her. With a simple gesture, the 7-year-old showed thousands of fans that her sunny resiliency can overcome any challenge. With a standing ovation and a rising tidal wave of cheers surrounding her, Mia threw out the first pitch for April 17th St. Louis Cardinals-Cincinnati Reds game. Thanks to support from Bank of America, the Variety kid-tossed first pitch is a staple of Variety Week. When selecting our “starting pitcher” this year, Variety gravitated to Mia’s big, rainbow-hued personality. Even though she lives with spina bifida, Mia is always the life of the party. After her pitch, Mia was the talk of Busch Stadium. “That was awesome!” she shouted, over and over again, pumping both her fists in the air.
Several Variety families came to watch the game, courtesy of Bank of America.
Tributes and Memorials (February 21, 2015 - May 8, 2015) HONORARIUMS In Honor of the Cast of ‘Gypsy’ at Stephens College RG Acting Company In Honor of the Cast of Little Shop of Horrors at John Burrrows School William W. Reichert In Honor of the Cast and Crew of “Mid Life! The Crisis Musical” at Little Theatre on The Square William W. Reichert
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In Honor of Nick George Kerry Wright
In Honor Jacob Menner & Family LuAnn & Tom Noelke
In Honor of Jeremy Goldmeier Laura Goldmeier
In Honor of Barbara Nielsen’s 52nd Birthday Patrick J. Eynon
In Honor of Diane Gruszka Derek Wright In Honor of Gerry and Kay Love LMI Aerospace
In Honor of Nathan Radoll John V. Radoll In Honor of Ryan Schulte Robert G. Ryan
In Honor of Alison Ferring COCA - Center of Creative Arts
In Honor of Danny Ludeman & Alison Ferring Sue McCollum Timothy O’Leary
In Honor of Greg Schweizer Abigail Isom Patricia Nagy
In Honor of Morgan Fritz Dorothy J. Sinclair
In Honor of Jacob Menner Mr. and Mrs. Tom Noelke
In Honor of David Steward Smart Wires, Inc.
In Honor of Dave & Thelma Steward James Brown Eric O. Pearson In honor of Dave and Thelma Stewards 39th Wedding Anniversary Jeff and Patti Carr In Honor of Kimberly Steward’s Birthday Dorothy L. Willis In Honor of Variety’s Children’s Chorus William E. Knittig
NIGHT
OF THE RISING
STARS
APRIL 22, 2015
Former St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Andy Benes stood in front of a crowd of fans and talked about the importance of giving back. But it wasn’t just a group of Cardinals supporters he was speaking to: Benes’ audience was the next generation of Young Variety. Benes appeared at the Budweiser Brew House in Ballpark Village as part of Night of the Rising Stars, Young Variety’s signature event. This year, the event was designed to introduce a new cohort of young professionals to Variety and its mission. Attendees enjoyed refreshments and a trip to that evening’s Cardinals game as part of the event, with Benes’ speech serving as a keynote. We can’t wait to see this new crop of Young Variety members make their mark!
Young Variety President Adam Ketterer with Former St. Louis Cardinals player Andy Benes
Night of the Rising Stars atendees with former Cardinals player Andy Benes
MEMORIALS In Memory of Chad Eatherly Mr. and Mrs. Tom Noelke
In Memory of Katherine Kercher Mr. Robert K. Groth Lonnie Ross Joseph Trad
In Memory of Henry James Ms. Melissa Boyle
In Memory of William Morff Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Creech
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Dailey Ms. Joan Fick Jefferson City Jaycees Mr. and Mrs. Raymond W. Jokerst Mrs. Mary Beth Morff Harold E. Roberts Realty Company, Inc.
In Memory of Donna Vorhies Lois Jordan David McGuire Shane McNeil In Memory of Betty Wright Angie Fister
why your gift matters: Since 1932, Variety the Children’s Charity serves children with physical and intellectual disabilities in the St. Louis region, from infancy to age 21. Variety focuses on five core areas to help kids become independent and productive: gifting medical equipment for mobility and independence; developing unique education and recreational programs; funding therapy and Sunshine Coach Vans. Variety partners with 61 agencies to support programs and give scholarships that directly impact the lives of Variety children. Every dollar raised in St. Louis, stays here and is instrumental in making all of this possible! 12
THE
NICK’S A WINNER! During the Variety Children’s Theatre production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid last fall, one performer consistently got the loudest round of applause at curtain call. But it wasn’t any of the adults. It was Variety kid Nick. Night after night, Nick stole the show as the Little Mermaid’s devoted fish sidekick Flounder. His sharp comic timing and endearing personality won him thousands of new fans during five consecutive sold-out performances.
LIST “BEST NEW ST. LOUIS STAGE ACTOR”
This April, one of St. Louis’ top entertainment publications recognized Nick’s incredible performance with an award. Go! Magazine included Nick on its “Go! List” as the people’s choice for “best new St. Louis stage actor/actress.” Nick’s name was printed in the magazine and he attended a special party for the winners! The honor wouldn’t have been possible without Variety Children’s Theatre fans, who flooded Go! Magazine’s online voting page with votes for Nick. Needless to say, this is a huge moment for a young man whose infectious love for performing has made him an absolute star. We hope this is just the start of even bigger things for this pint-sized dynamo!
KNOW A CHILD LIKE NICK WHO COULD BENEFIT FROM VARIETY’S SERVICES? CONTACT US AT 314-720-7708 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
ANTHEM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD GRANTS $25,000 FOR SLEEP SAFE BEDS
Faith, a 5-year-old Variety kid, is about to start kindergarten this August. But to excel, she’ll need a good night’s sleep. Born with a complex set of neurological challenges, Faith’s body frequently makes involuntary movements. Come bedtime, that can be a huge challenge: she might fall off a traditional bed, or trap one of her limbs in the guardrails of a hospital-style bed. But thanks to an incredible $25,000 grant from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, a state-of-the-art piece of equipment is on its way to help Faith — and her entire family. Anthem’s grant will support the purchase of SleepSafe Beds for Variety families like Faith’s.
Sleep safe beds like this one help children like Faith sleep in a comfortable and safe environment. 13
SleepSafe Beds provide a comfy enclosure for the night that lack any hard edges or places to get trapped. Faith’s mom Bridget says the bed, which can be raised or lowered, will provide her and her husband with a base to dress and move Faith without straining their backs. “It’s much more than a place for her to sleep,” Bridget says.
SAVE DATE THE
VARIETY CHILDREN’S THEATRE PRESENTS
DON’ T MISS THIS
CL ASSIC MUSICAL WHAT IS VARIETY CHILDREN’S THEATRE?
OCTOBER 23-25, 2015 TOUHILL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER OCTOBER 23 – 10 A.M. & 7:30 P.M. OCTOBER 24 – 1:30 & 7 P.M. OCTOBER 25 – 1:30 P.M. ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IF YOU LET IT.
Variety Children’s Theatre boasts some of the city’s greatest professional actors and designers, children of all abilities and a live orchestra. This educational program uses musical theatre to introduce school-aged children to the concepts of inclusion and diversity. The production is truly a lesson in acceptance, perseverance and the “I CAN” spirit that shines through all Variety programs. We all eagerly await the results of their craft — bringing the story of a loveable nanny to life.
Tickets go on sale July 31st for the show times listed on the left. Visit www.touhill.org or call 314-516-4949.
www.varietychildrenstheatre.org
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Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis 2200 Westport Plaza Drive Suite 306 St. Louis, MO 63146
POSTMASTER: Return Address Service Requested
IN THIS ISSUE TONI BRAXTONPage&6VARIETY KIDS
THANK YOU ST. LOUIS! TOTAL RAISED DURING VARIETY WEEK:*
$5,153,000 View photos and highlights from all five Variety Week events! Pages 3-12
MIA AT THE BALLPARK Page11
SAVE THE DATE
Variety Children’s Theatre Presents
Page 14
Phone: (314) 720-7700 • www.varietystl.org