INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Broc’s Story ......................................................Page 3 Donor Spotlight..............................................Page 4 Camp Wrap Up............................................ Page 5-6 Variety Children’s Theatre......................... Page 7-8
From our
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Variety Kid Colin and Brian Roy
With our Variety children, we often tend to focus on the big moments. Whether it’s a child taking her first steps with the help of leg braces, a son telling his mother he loves her for the first time through his communication device, or a teen attending her first summer camp, the major milestones are typically celebrated the most, while day-to-day successes are sometimes overlooked. Therefore, we chose to focus on the little things throughout this issue of Spotlight. For the children, the first time they ride their custom-built bikes with their friends or stand up tall to see a bride walk down the aisle can mean more than we sometimes realize. For many families, it is sometimes as simple as decreasing day-to-day stress and worry, or being able to spend more fun time together. These seemingly simple moments can also include the first time a child realizes the thrill of being part of a theatrical production. This year, we hosted our first Curtain Up theatre camp, during which multiple Variety Kids were able to learn new skills, such as choreography, directing, acting and, perhaps most importantly, building self-confidence. They were given the chance to put on their own showcase performance of The Wizard of Oz as part of their preparation for being cast in this year’s Variety Children’s Theatre full-scale musical production coming in October. On behalf of Variety, and the Variety Kids, I want to thank you for your continued support of these little moments.
Brian Roy Executive Director
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A Boy and His Bike: Broc’s Story Each November, Variety hosts a Bikes for Kids event during which our Variety Kids are presented with adaptive bikes to fit their needs. These adaptive bikes help improve various motor skills, enhance socialization, boost self-esteem and establish independence. Last year, Broc was a recipient of one of these bikes, and he has since been able to experience all of this and more. Broc’s mom, Tamico, told us that bikes have always fascinated Broc. He enjoys going fast and had previously ridden an adaptive bike during therapy. Because bikes can cost up to $3,000, and insurance does not see them as medical necessities, Broc had to settle for admiring them from afar. That was until Variety and our donors stepped in to help Broc. On the day of Bikes for Kids, Broc was fitted for his brand new ride and immediately took off around the gym with a huge smile on his face. Tamico says that Broc normally has to have help with everything, so it was wonderful to see him riding all on his own.
Broc, who has been diagnosed with LujanFryns Syndrome, is non-verbal, and his body lacks muscle tone, so his bike is fitted with adaptive flat pedals with Velcro, a lap and chest harness, a high-backed seat and an adult steering device. It is also a tricycle, which helps Broc balance better on his own. All of these combine to create an adaptive bike that allows Broc to be more independent. He can now join his neighbors outside on his cul-de-sac, making new friends and exercising without even knowing it. Tamico says that this is crucial – Broc asks for his bike, using his communication device, because it is fun, and he doesn’t realize the therapeutic benefits. “He likes being a normal kid,” says Tamico. The 2017 Bikes for Kids will take place on November 18. More than 150 bikes will be presented to Variety Kids at the event.
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Donors with Heart The heart can guide you to do truly amazing things. That’s the case with Ken and Nancy Kranzberg, whose hearts have helped Variety for many years. It was the Kranzbergs who provided the initial funding for Variety Children’s Theatre in 2008, and they have continued to support the annual production as Starlight Sponsors each year. Supporting Variety Children’s Theatre just makes sense for Ken and Nancy, who have long been advocates of the arts, as well as community philanthropists. Nancy has enjoyed attending performances at The Muny since she was a little girl and is an accomplished jazz vocalist. Today, the couple collects artwork and attends theatre productions at multiple venues in St. Louis. They have also partnered with and volunteered for many non-profit arts organizations throughout the area. This sense of giving back started in childhood for both Ken and Nancy, and they have also instilled it in their children. “My grandpa always said, ‘No one ever went broke from giving,’” says Ken. Nancy adds that her mother would always have a small box set out and would tell those that walked through the door, “If you have any change, throw it in the little box over there – it’s for charity!” Both Nancy and Ken have been recognized with multiple awards for their generosity and passion. In 2008, Variety honored Nancy with “Woman of the Year,” and Ken was honored as “Man of the Year” in 2016. Nancy, whose connection with Variety began with this honor, said, “This was such a thrill for me, I want to do something for you!” Thus, when the Kranzbergs were approached by Variety with the idea of an inclusive production, they were all in. Ken and Nancy feel that Variety Children’s Theatre is an excellent program because it gives Variety Kids the chance to perform, not just on the Variety stage but in other productions as well. It instills confidence, teaches new skills and also allows the children and teens to meet and build relationships with fellow cast members. Ken adds that, not only is the program good for the cast, but it’s good for the audience as well. Seeing Variety Kids excel on stage helps remove pre-conceived notions about kids of other abilities. “Variety is an organization with a lot of heart,” says Nancy, when asked why she gives. “It isn’t something you have to do – you do what your heart tells you to do.”
Nancy & Ken Kranzberg with Variety Teens Mollie & Brendan
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Kathryn’s Powerful New Ride A F5 VS with hot pink trim is just as cool as it sounds. No, it isn’t a hot rod, but, for 17-year-old Kathryn, it is a dream come true. Her brand new F5 power chair helps her gain more freedom, just like any teenager with a new ride. And sometimes, it really is just about the small things. Because the chair adjusts easily, allowing Kathryn to stand, lay horizontally and sit at multiple levels, she is able to experience the world from a different angle. For the first time, Kathryn was able to stand at a wedding when the bride walked down the aisle, giving her a better view of the stunning dress and perhaps allowing her to dream of one day wearing a white gown down the aisle herself. She can also now play one of her favorite games, catch, from a standing position – something that many of us take for granted. Kathryn’s mom, Julie, says she cried tears of joy when she found out that Variety and our donors would be able to provide the new power chair, which can cost more than $60,000. It allows Kathryn to be more independent, even if that means just being able to carry her own things. Julie also says that, because Kathryn is now able to sit and stand at eye-level, people treat her as the 17-year-old she is, which is important. There are a multitude of health benefits that come with a power chair, such as giving Kathryn the ability to stand two to three hours a day to strengthen her bones and improve her digestion and breathing. It also allows her to keep her hips in a good position, which is critical, and it even has a weightless option that takes the weight off of the bottom of Kathryn’s feet when needed. The F5 helps Kathryn’s family and caregivers as well, because it makes her easier to move, allows for longer trips out of the house and more time for fun. If you know someone who could benefit from the services and equipment Variety provides, please contact Misty Burton at misty@varietystl.org.
BEST SUM That’s a Wrap! Adventure Camp 2017 Another fabulous summer of camp has come and gone, leaving many Variety Kids with warm (sometimes hot) memories and many new friendships. This year, we added a new oneweek Teen Camp that gave our older kids time to socialize and have some (okay, a lot of) fun. We think the parents’ words say it all:
“Thank you Variety for a week full of endless smiles and countless memories!” – Jennifer, Alex’s mom
“He (Chase) found a new friend and had a phenomenal group of counselors. I hope they realize what a positive impact they make.” – Katie, Chase’s mom
“So glad these two (Gabe and Jackson) have become friends!” – Tarah, Jackson’s mom “Gabe loves his friends at camp!!” – Carrie, Gabe’s mom
“Thanks for keeping our girl busy AND happy, Variety!” – Beth, Betsy’s mom
YOP TAX CREDITS What’s your favorite part of summer? Barbecues? Swimming? Vacation? At Variety, our favorite part of summer has to be Adventure Camp. Happily, Variety has received a three-year grant from the state of Missouri that provides tax credits to any Missouri taxpayer who donates at least $1,000 to our Adventure Camp program. These tax credits are available through Missouri’s Youth Opportunity Program (YOP) and will help ensure Adventure Camp continues to be a highlight of every summer. For more information, contact our Director of Development, Linda Sanders at linda@varietystl.org 6
Cathy Raftery & Bob O’Loughlin with Variety Kid Isaiah at Catch 22 Miracle Field
MER EVER During Adventure Camp, one of our kids’ favorite activities is ice-skating. Whether its on skates or by using a piece of equipment, there is just something special about gliding across the ice. The best part? It’s both fun AND healthy for the kids – and they don’t even know it! In 2017, Blues for Kids, the charitable trust of the St. Louis Blues, provided ice time each week to our campers. Louie, the Blues’ mascot, even made an appearance during Week 4! He was the highlight of the day for many. Thank you to the Blues for your generosity and for providing our kids with an experience they won’t soon forget.
“Blues for Kids is so proud to continue to provide support to an organization that dedicates its time to helping children reach their full potential.” – Hannah Arnold, community development manager for the Blues for Kids Foundation
Thank you for making camp possible:
FOX FAMILY FOUNDATION CENTENE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION HERMANN COMPANIES VICKI & DOUG HILL KAY & AL KENT NOEMI & MICHAEL NEIDORFF And our Teen Camp supporters: Lily shows off her tennis skills for Larry Otto and Variety Women at camp
LEILA & DAVID FARR 7
The Spotlight Shines on Holly and Taylor When it comes to Variety Children’s Theatre, we all know the real stars are the kids and young adults both on and off the stage. We’d like to introduce Holly, who will be playing a Munchkin, and Taylor, who will be an intern behind the scenes. Holly’s passion in life is theatre – her dream is to one day appear on Broadway, and that dream might just come true. Holly has perfect pitch and is a perfectionist when it comes to learning songs and lines as early as possible.
Holly and Taylor are just two of more than 100 talented people working both on stage and behind the scenes to bring this story about an iconic journey down the Yellow Brick Road to life. We invite you to join us as we head off to see the Wizard. Coming to the Touhill Performing Arts Center October 19 – 22, the ninth Variety Children’s Theatre program is The Wizard of Oz. Tickets available at touhill.org.
Katie, Holly’s mom, says VCT has many benefits, including giving Holly the opportunity to work on skills she may need a little extra help with, because she is blind and autistic. When asked about her favorite thing about VCT, Holly exclaims, “hanging out with and meeting new friends!” Taylor will be assisting our director and choreographer, Lara Teeter, as an intern for the 2017 production. This will be her third year with VCT, but she has been involved with Variety for 14 years. Taylor’s mom, Julie, says that Taylor has built many friendships and also made many invaluable connections through VCT. She has also gained a variety of skills through the program, including collaboration, patience, focus, self-confidence, commitment and more. “Thank you to the cast and crew and to the supporters of Variety who make this all possible,” adds Taylor.
Holly
Taylor
When: October 19 – 22, 2017 Where: Touhill Performing Arts Center Tickets: $18 – $50 at touhill.org
Cast members from Variety Children’s Theatre’s 2017 production of The Wizard of Oz
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The First Curtain Up Camp was a Smashing Success The kids who will be starring in this year’s Variety Children’s Theatre production of The Wizard of Oz were invited to a new theater-centered camp. Curtain Up seeks to provide a strong foundation for learning about theatre. The kids learn many things while at camp, including theatre skills such as singing, dancing and delivering lines, but also life skills such as teamwork, leadership and confidence.
The weeklong camp ended in a showcase program written by the kids and featured props they made as well as songs from The Wizard of Oz. There is no place like home, and no place like Curtain Up camp! Thanks to all the volunteers who made this experience a reality.
Regional Arts Commission Grant We are excited to announce that the Regional Arts Commission (RAC) has awarded a Program Support grant to Variety the Children’s Charity of St Louis for our Children’s Theatre. This award recognizes Variety’s commitment to the cultural development of our region and allows us to
continue to bring the unique Variety Children’s Theatre program to our community. This year’s production, coming to the Touhill October 19 - 22, is L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz.
Variety Kids & Teens performing in last year’s production of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast
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Variety Women Support TherHappy Kids Program Variety Women are community leaders and philanthropists who support Variety, specifically the TherHappy Kids program. This program provides Variety Kids with a wide range of needed therapies.
all of their events. This means almost every single donation dollar goes straight to the kids. And these are kids in your neighborhood or those you see at the Zoo. If you live in the St. Louis area, Variety has touched someone you know.”
Jenn Wardlaw is excited to be a Variety Woman, and says “Moving back home to St. Louis, it was important to me to be involved in a charity that helps locally. Having a passion for charity work, outside of my family, and professional career, helps me feel balanced and rewards me with giving back to my community. I think it’s critical for a working mom to have a ‘third space’ for her energy and passion. Seeing the Variety Kids smile and hit milestones in their lives because of our work is an amazing feeling. Variety strives to keep a low overhead and find underwriters for almost
MacKenzie is one of our Variety Kids that benefits regularly from TherHappy. Her mom, Jen, says, “It’s so important. It’s teaching her how to become independent and be able to live a full, happy, healthy life on her own. That is our goal, to teach her how to be as independent as possible, and if you know MacKenzie at all, she doesn’t want help. She wants to be able to do everything on her own. And so we’re all striving to make that happen.”
Variety Women visit Adventure Camp
If you’re interested in becoming a Variety Woman, contact Linda Sanders at linda@varietystl.org.
Variety Women with St. John CEO Greg McMahon at Runway Lights Fashion Show
MacKenzie benefits from the TherHappy Kids Program
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Imo’s “Variety” Pizzas Now through the end of September, you can support Variety with a delicious meal of the Square Beyond Compare. With each purchase of a Variety Box, Imo’s will donate $1 to Variety Kids, funding therapy, equipment and more. Guests can dine in, carry out or order delivery and have a choice of two different Value Boxes. The first, “Great Tastes of St. Louis,” features a large two-topping pizza, toasted ravioli, Provel Bites and Cinimos. Or choose the “Square Meal Deal,” which includes a large two-topping pizza and a double order of toasted ravioli. Both boxes come with a 2-liter Coke product as well. All St. Louis area Imo’s restaurants are participating in this promotion, so call or order online at imospizza. com before the end of September to help a Variety Kid!
HONORARIUMS
MEMORIALS
In Honor of the Cast and Crew of “A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To the Forum” at The Muny R. G. Acting Co. John Tartaglia
In Memory of Pauline Altholz James and Kathleen Brazill John and Kathleen Butler Karen Haglin Mark and Kathleen Jansen Jim and Becky Knesevich Brandi Lawyer Gerard and Judith Murphy Stacy Peter Robert and Wanda Peters Alvin and Katherine Post RubinBrown 14th Floor Sandy Stienberger
In Honor of the Cast and Crew of “The Winter’s Tale” at Shakespeare Festival R. G. Acting Co. In Honor of Jacob Dennison’s 21st Birthday and Graduation Robyn Mergen David and Tina Preston Beverly Rubenstein Sharon Weinberg Amy Worth In Honor of Emily Moranville Thomas and Linda Kaemming In Honor of David Steward’s Birthday Alfred Brown In Honor of David Steward Jr.’s Birthday Alfred Brown
UPCOMING EVENTS Young Variety Taste of October
October 13, 2017 • Urban Chestnut Midtown 7pm–9pm
The 4th annual Taste of October event takes place at Urban Chestnut’s Midtown location. The Uber Cool Band will provide live music as you mix and mingle. More details to come on Young Variety’s Facebook page (Young Variety of St. Louis).
In Honor of Thelma Steward for Mother’s Day Fetauaiga Faye Walker
In Memory of Mary Desmond Betty and Vern Schmitz In Memory of Corinn A. Peterson Lillian A Peterson In Memory of Bryce Volkmar John and Sandra Lee Ericksen Michael and Sandra Gidcumb Russell and Elaine Huegen Richard and Jean Parson Rick and Angie Rhodes Jason and Sara Snow Tom and Joan Wilhelm
In Honor of Dave and Thelma Steward’s Anniversary Fetauaiga Faye Walker In Honor of Carol Voss Mun Choi Ph.D.
Trivia Night hosted by Young Variety
February 10, 2018 • St. Louis University High School
Always a popular event, this night is perfect for questioning minds and giving hearts. Dozens of teams compete for prizes (and bragging rights) while raising money for local kids with special needs. Some of those kids will be in attendance to help read questions, and root you to victory. Details available later this year on Young Variety’s Facebook page.
“ Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness.
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Kindness in giving creates love.
- Lao Tzu
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Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis 11840 Westline Industrial Drive Suite 220 St. Louis, MO 63146
Tickets at touhill.org
POSTMASTER: Return Address Service Requested
Hall of Fame Cardinals play ball with Campers Thanks to several St. Louis Sports Hall of Famers, our Adventure Campers were given the chance to feel like real baseball players for a day. St Louis Hall of Fame President, Greg Maracek was the mastermind behind the idea, and recruited a couple of former Cardinal players to play along. Brad Thompson acted as coach, along with Mike Tyson, and sports announcer Ron Jacober called the games. Bob Frischman, board member of the Greater St. Louis Association of Umpires served as our umpire. The 70 Variety kids played three games of ball as only St. Louis can – in the blazing heat and with lots of heart! Variety board member Dave Spence came out to cheer the players on and Rawlings gave the kids baseballs to take home.
“Words can’t express the amazing experience that Variety provided for these awesome kids this morning. Thank you so much! It was heartwarming to see the interaction and encouragement that the former Cardinal players gave to these kids. Well done!!” – Sheila, Mollie’s mom