Spring 2018 Spotlight

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Variety Week 2018 Schedule........................Page 3 Man & Woman of the Year............................Page 7 Tracy Family Foundation Grant................Page 11 Variety Theatre Auditions...........................Page 11 1

From our

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Dear Variety supporters, It is an exciting time of year for us as we prepare to celebrate Variety Week and our focus on the incredible abilities of each Variety Child. We spend one week out of each year highlighting the organization at events, in the media, and to each of you to emphasize the importance you play in our mission. I hope you can participate with us during the week and “unleash your power” to help a Variety Kid (or two, or three) realize his or her own potential.

We believe in empowering each child we serve and improving their quality of life.

All of these kids and teens already have the power to succeed within them, but it is about unleashing this power through access to critical services and opportunities for personal growth.

It is our goal, whether through medical equipment and therapies, participation in our Adventure Camp or Performing Arts programs, or some combination of the above, to find what lights a fire in each of our Variety Kids’ hearts. And then find ways to turn that small flame into passion, learning new skills, establishing independence, increasing socialization and improving self-esteem along the way.

Whether you participate through one of our events, or in any number of the many ways you support us, thank you. We need your continued generosity for all that we can accomplish for our Variety children and Variety families!

Sincerely,

Brian Roy Executive Director

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VARIETY WEEK RUNWAY LIGHTS FASHION SHOW

APRIL 21

UNION STATION RALPH LAUREN 2018 SPRING COLLECTION

VARIETY FAMILY CELEBRATION

APRIL 22

CHESTERFIELD ATHLETIC COMPLEX BRINGING FAMILIES TOGTHER

VARIETY IN THE MORNING

APRIL 24

KTVI, FOX2, 7-9AM TUNE IN

IMO’S FOR KIDS DAY

APRIL 25

OVER 100 IMO’S LOCATIONS ORDER BREAKFAST, LUNCH OR DINNER

VARIETY FIRST PITCH

APRIL 26

JOHN LEGEND

SUPPORTED BY BANK OF AMERICA A VARIETY KID TAKES THE MOUND

DINNER WITH THE STARS

APRIL 28

PEABODY OPERA HOUSE WE WANT “ALL OF YOU” THERE

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RUNWAY LIGHTS FASHION SHOW Join our Couture for a Cause

Variety Week kicks off in stunning fashion with Runway Lights Fashion Show.

This year’s show, held at Union Station, will feature the Ralph Lauren Spring 2018 Collection, evoking visions of summer travel. While the region’s top models will be wearing these timeless styles, our own Ameren Power Kids will appear on the runway to demonstrate their power wheelchairs and to model their own Ralph Lauren fashions.

You won’t want to miss this glamorous event, chaired by the incomparable Thelma Steward with the assistance of co-chairs Kimberly and Mary Steward. We hope to see you on April 21!

For tickets, call Amy at 314-720-7712.

WITH SUPPORT FROM

VARIETY FAMILY CELEBRATION Bring Your Family Together with Our Family

Our first Family Celebration Day was a big success, so we’ve decided to continue the tradition this year! All of our Variety families are invited to this free day of fun in the sun. Space is limited to 350 people – make sure to register at VarietySTL.org/FamilyCelebrationDay. Held at the Chesterfield Athletic Complex from 1p.m. to 4p.m. on April 22, the day will include a wide range of activities for the entire family to enjoy, including the Bubble Bus, music, crafts, games and more. Food and drink will be provided.

Come out and meet new friends, spend time with old ones and have a good time!

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VARIETY IN THE MORNING Start Your Day the Variety Way Tune in to “Fox 2 in the Morning” from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on April 24 and you might think the anchors and reporters are a little, well, smaller than usual. That’s because, on this day, the show becomes “Variety in the Morning,” with Variety Kids taking over on set and in the field to bring you their take on the morning’s news, weather and traffic reports.

THE ONES

WHO CARE

IMO’ S FOR KIDS DAY Order a Pizza, Help a Variety Kid

Craving the famous Square Beyond Compare? Make sure to order from your favorite Imo’s location on April 25, when a percentage of each store’s sales will go to help Variety Kids as part of their “Care Beyond Compare” program. If pizza isn’t your style, ordering those tasty toasted ravioli, provel bites, pasta, salad or any other menu item will help our kids out as well.

We think this sounds like the perfect excuse for ordering out for lunch, dinner or even a tasty snack (or all three) – and don’t forget about the Breakfast Pizza!

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Dinner with the Stars, Variety St. Louis’ premier black tie gala for more than 50 years, is an event you simply won’t want to miss. This glamorous evening, chaired by Marilyn Fox for 22 fabulous years, brings together some of St. Louis’ most esteemed philanthropic citizens to celebrate Variety and enjoy a fantastic performance by an iconic entertainer.

This year, we are thrilled to welcome multi-award winning, platinum-selling singer-songwriter John Legend to the Dinner with the Stars stage. Truly a legend, John Legend has garnered ten Grammy Awards, an Academy Award and a Golden Globe, among others. Legend recently released his fifth studio album “DARKNESS AND LIGHT,” featuring his current hit “Love Me Now,” to rave reviews.

The multi-talented Legend also serves as one of the principles for Get Lifted Film Co., a film and television production company that serves as Executive Producers on well known works, including the HBO documentary “Southern Rites,” WGN America’s series “Underground” and films such as “La La Land.”

Hometown comedian Joe Torry will join Variety Kids on stage to bring you a captivating program featuring the inclusive Variety Children’s Chorus and celebrating Variety’s 2018 Man and Woman of the Year, L.B. Eckelkamp and Cheri Fromm.

Generously underwritten by the Steward Family Foundation, Centene Charitable Foundation and World Wide Technology, all proceeds from Dinner with the Stars benefits Variety St. Louis.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW TO BUY A SEAT AT THE BLACK TIE DINNER Tickets purchased through Variety start at $1,000 and include a cocktail reception, dinner, and premier orchestra seating in the first 20 rows for the Variety program and John Legend’s performance. For more information, contact Wes at 314-720-7710 or wes@varietystl.org.

GENEROUSLY UNDERWRITTEN BY:

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MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR CHERI FROMM

Each year, Variety honors one man and one woman who play an active role in shaping the St. Louis community for the better.

Our 2018 Woman of the Year is truly committed to the St. Louis community and the successful growth of its future. Cheri Fromm is a long-time supporter of Variety St. Louis and Variety Theatre and serves as a member of the Variety Board of Directors. Outside of Variety, Cheri has served on the boards of many organizations, including the Sheldon Concert Hall, The Repertory Theater of St. Louis, St. Louis Zoo Friends, and the St. Louis Art Museum. Cheri has also chaired numerous galas and committees for a number of these organizations, and others. In 2013, Cheri also co-chaired the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ major fundraising campaign.

L.B. ECKELKAMP, JR.

This year’s Man of the Year is top businessman and humanitarian L.B. Eckelkamp, chairman and CEO of the Bank of Washington. L.B. believes that one individual can truly makes a difference, and is heavily involved in a number of local, regional and national organizations. He is active in St. Francis Borgia Parish and High School, has served as chairman of the board for the Regional Business Council, has been involved with the Archdiocese of St. Louis, has assisted the Boy Scouts of America both regionally and nationally and has been a part of many St. Louis cultural organizations, such as the Missouri Botanical garden, just to name a few.

Congratulations to both L.B. and Cheri on their honors!

Welcome to a long list of civic-minded St. Louisans Variety has recognized through the years.

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VAR I E TY WEEK SUPPORT VARIETY CLUB PARTNERS

David & Thelma Steward

MAJOR PARTNERS

DENNIS & JUDY JONES FOUNDATION

AMBASSADOR & MRS. SAM FOX

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

KEN & NANCY KRANZBERG

DAVID B. LICHENSTEIN FOUNDATION

MEDIA PARTNERS

THE ONES

WHO CARE

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SPOTLIGHT ON VARIETY KID SALEM You might think that a diagnosis of autism and muscular dystrophy would slow a kid down but, with the help of Variety, Salem is only picking up speed. And also balance, strength and mobility.

“That has helped us both grow,” Tammi adds.” “Me being able to see him be a part of things and enjoy himself, and to see all of the things he’s done at the end of the day – it’s huge!”

At physical therapy, Salem is working on all of the above and more. Through various exercises, he’s learning to correct his gait pattern and build muscle strength. New orthotics, which fit in the bottom of his shoe and feature a fun super hero pattern, wrap around the sides of his feet to help keep them aligned properly as well.

In addition to the therapy, orthotics and camp experiences, Variety has also provided Salem with a special stroller and, perhaps his favorite thing, a therapeutic bike. He can now ride bikes with his brother, something that wasn’t possible before.

This also prevents painful muscle cramps Salem sometimes endures, making it easier to do fun things such as going to the Zoo, hanging out at Six Flags or attending Variety’s Adventure Camp program.

“The support Variety Kids have, and for you guys to be able to help so many, is just amazing,” says Tammi. “We are very grateful – I don’t know what we’d do without you, I really don’t.”

If you, or someone you know, would benefit from Variety’s services and programs, visit VarietySTL.org to find out how you can get help.

At Camp, Salem has grown even more. His mom, Tammi, shares that Adventure Camp is the first place Salem has ever truly been social. He is able to make new friends and try new things in a safe environment, which is important to Tammi, who also says that she loves that she can truly trust Variety’s counselors.

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Thank you to everyone who purchased a Gold Heart Pin this year, and to Marcus/ Wherenberg Theatres for promoting the pins yet again. The proceeds from the pins, which featured the stars of the movie “Sherlock Gnomes,” benefit Variety Kids.

A LEGACY OF SUPPORT To provide the extraordinary support for children with disabilities, Variety St. Louis relies on the extraordinary generosity of donors. You can help us by providing for Variety St. Louis in your will or estate plan. Legacy giving provides for future needs and in fact, can be an ongoing source of revenue to last generations. Please contact us to discuss leaving a legacy for Variety children. Call Brett Schott at 314-720-7707 to discuss joining the Encore Society and helping us plan for the future.

TRIBUTE S AND MEMORIALS (8/1/2017

- 1/31/2018)

Tributes and Memorials are a great way to honor a loved one. Whether it’s a gift to provide a lasting remembrance or honoring someone on a special occasion, Variety is privileged to receive such generosity.

HONORARIUMS

In Honor of Gracie Kelley Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Gushleff Sr.

In Honor of Danielle & Andrew Adolphson Patty Kernell

In Honor of Ken Kranzberg Lopata Flegel & Co.

In Honor of Jan Albus David Levy

In Honor of Lilian LaChance Amy Fister Lynn and Tim LaChance

In Honor of Adam Becvar Deanna and Robert Snyder In Honor of the Cast and Crew of “Greater Tuna” at the Arrowrock Lyceum Theatre Whit and Millie Reichert In Honor of the Cast and Crew of “Sweet Revenge” at Upstream Theatre Whit and Millie Reichert In Honor of Lucy Dolan Constance Lohr

In Honor of Maggie Mackie, Jason Herr, and Family Maria Dryden Elizabeth Landau In Honor of Steve Mapes Amy Campbell In Honor of Agnes Irene Martinez Christopher A. Diaz

In Honor of Marci Mayer Eisen’s 36 years of service to the Jewish community and the Millstone Institute / J Pro Stl. Barbara and Richard Kramer

In Honor of Jacob Menner LuAnn and Tom Noelke

In Honor of Morgan Fritz Dorothy J. Sinclair

In Honor of Brendan Myers Mr. and Mrs. William Myers

In Honor of Nick George Lois Wolff

In Honor of Colleen Nesbit Sean Nesbit

In Honor of Gracie Gibson Joy and Frank Albano Carolynn and Stephen Wolff

In Honor of Ryan Pelattini Lori Pelattini

In Honor of Leo Gomez Thomas Wood In Honor of Geraldine “Gerry” Guccione Patricia and Vern Swerczek In Honor of Dylan Kaiser Chrissy Kaiser

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In Honor of Joshua Lay Richard A. Smith

In Honor of Audrina Meyer Doug Forguson

In Honor of James Petty Leonora Welsher In Honor of A.J. Puricelli Glenna Krick In Honor of David and Thelma Steward Katie and Steve Schankman

In Honor of David and Thelma Stewards Birthdays Karen Martin/DUO Pension Services, Inc. In Honor of Mary Steward Lisa and Brandon Mann In Honor of Thelma Steward and the Steward Family Foundation Alfred Brown In Honor of Jack Tourin Nancy Erb Ingrid Gavshon In Honor of Karl Welsher Leonora Welsher In Honor of Maureen Wormington Christopher Stone In Honor of Janice Zelasko Ronald Marth

MEMORIALS

In Memory of Geraldine “Gerry” Guccione (continued) Pepose Vision Institute Kevin Swerczek Melissa Tocco In Memory of John W. Henson Dennis Fortman In Memory of Declan Hierman Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth P. Hierman In Memory of Earnest Jacobs Dave and Karyn Klein In Memory of Thomas Kernell Patty Kernell In Memory of Jason Lohr Constance Lohr In Memory of Don L. Sanford Jr. Don Sanford In Memory of Lois Schweizer Nathan E. Burrow Our Lady of Sorrows Choir

In Memory of All my Dear Parents John L. Rose

In Memory of Tom and Chickie Spalding George and Janice Herbst

In Memory of Mrs. Rhoda Ameiss David and Joann Bartz

In Memory of Bob & Betty Sprowls Mr. and Mrs. David Sprowls

In Memory of David Boyd Kimberly Boyd

In Memory of Jack Tourin Heather Bowker Beverly McKee Dare and Molly Porter Rita D. Rego Daniel and Rita Roy

In Memory of Bryce Volkmar Laurie and David Nelson Donald and Marian Perez Martha Sinclair

In Memory of Mary Desmond Betty and Vern Schmitz In Memory of Janet Gerard Jean Fuchs In Memory of Geraldine “Gerry” Guccione Kelli Klaesner Glenna Krick Diane Locklear

TRACY FAMILY FOUNDATION GRANT Early this year, the Tracy Family Foundation provided a grant in support of Variety’s durable medical equipment program. Because of their generosity, we are able to help more children, like Salem with his orthotic inserts, focus on their strengths and improve their quality of life.

The Tracy Family Foundation’s vision is to make the world a better place by providing resources to organizations whose efforts are consistent with the values of Robert and Dorothy Tracy – a Catholic/ Christian belief, honesty, integrity, fairness and a strong work ethic.

The Foundation focuses on leadership, education, youth and families, including their own. One of their goals is to develop a philanthropic spirit in each member of the Tracy family and to help them actively engage in building sustainable change in their own communities. We think it’s wonderful to see a family that gives back together!

Thank you to the Tracy Family Foundation for your support of Variety and Variety Kids.

SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS THANK YOU Thank you to Fox 2 and KPLR 11 for choosing Variety as one of three charities involved with the Spirit of St. Louis campaign, and to Bommarito Automotive Group. Bommartio not only generously provided the contest vehicles, but also a surprise donation of more than $16,000 to Variety.

Most of all, we want to thank all who donated to the campaign. You truly represent the spirit of this community! Through the Spirit of St. Louis, Variety received almost $50,000 in donations from more than 1,200 people.

Do you want to be part of our world?

We are looking for talented adults, teens and children to sing, dance and swim their way into the hearts of our audience members.

Variety Theatre’s 10th anniversary production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid will take place Oct. 18 – 21, 2018.

Auditions begin May 11. Learn more at VarietySTL.org/VarietyTheatre.

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Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis 11840 Westline Industrial Drive Suite 220 St. Louis, MO 63146

POSTMASTER: Return Address Service Requested

VARIETY WEEK

April 21-28, 2018 | Mark your calendar to help Variety Kids!

Runway Lights Fashion Show

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Variety Family Celebration

Variety in the Morning

Variety First Pitch

Dinner with the Stars

Phone: (314) 720-7700 • www.varietystl.org

Imo’s for Kids Day