Fall 2020 Spotlight

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Variety Makes Speaking Possible for Quentin ............................Page 2 Variety Makes Independence Possible for MacKenzie................ Page 3 Virtual Adventure Camp............................................................Page 4 Virtual Performing Arts..............................................................Page 5 Thank You Supporters...............................................................Page 6

r ou m ro f Executive Director

Dear Friend, I hope this finds you and your family in good health during these difficult times. Everyone in our community has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in some way and I am proud that we have come together to support one another.

Children with disabilities are among those most vulnerable to the coronavirus. Variety Families have been greatly impacted by the global pandemic – due to the closure of businesses and schools, many have lost income and important resources. These families are working hard to find the tools their children with special needs require to avoid potentially life-altering setbacks.

That’s why, here at Variety St. Louis, we are determined to provide uninterrupted access to the services Variety Kids so desperately need. In this edition of Spotlight, we will share the ways our programs have pivoted to help these children and their families.

Thank you for helping us make it possible to offer support and care to Variety Kids, just as we have done for nearly 90 years. But we still need your help to continue to provide innovative solutions and programs in the face of the pandemic. Please give now at VarietySTL. org/Possible to ensure Variety Kids never get left behind.

Thank you, Brian Roy Executive Director

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VARIETY MAKES

Speaking

POSSIBLE

FOR QUENTIN At the start of the pandemic, Variety Kid Quentin lost access to his in-person speech therapy sessions. Then, his mom, Heather’s, business shut down due to the coronavirus.

Heather didn’t know where to turn.

Quentin, who is essentially nonverbal, relies on regular speech therapy sessions to learn new words and gain the confidence to speak. After two months of sheltering in place without any form of speech therapy, he had started to regress.

“

Continuation of speech therapy is essential for Quentin’s long-term development,” Heather explains. “The more he is in therapy, the more he tries to use words at home.

Does your child with a disability need assistance with in-person therapy or teletherapy? Visit VarietySTL.org/ HelpForFamilies for more information and to apply today.

”

So, Heather applied for assistance through Variety’s TherHappy Kids program, which had recently expanded to include telehealth therapy sessions. Quentin was quickly matched with a therapist through our new partner, E-Therapy. He has since been attending regular sessions and is showing signs of improvement.

Without Variety’s assistance, Quentin would not have access to these vital therapy sessions and would likely still be regressing.

“While I’m fortunate to still have some income from other sources, it is still an uncertain time,” says Heather.

“

Variety has ensured that we don’t have to choose between Quentin getting therapy and something else.

”

You make it possible for us to continue providing Variety Kids like Quentin with the services and tools they need to avoid setbacks during these trying times. Please give now at HelpAVarietyKid.org. Thank you!

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YOUR GIFT OF $300 WILL PROVIDE KIDS LIKE QUENTIN WITH ONE MONTH OF VITAL TELETHERAPY.

Variety Makes 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 enjoy the outdoors even around her own home.

Recently, however, MacKenzie received a power wheelchair with help from Variety and our

Independence

Possible for MacKenzie

supporters. This power wheelchair not only makes for a smoother, quicker ride for MacKenzie, it also elevates her to new heights.

All of this combined has immensely increased her independence and also makes staying safe at home a bit more bearable.

“MacKenzie has enjoyed being outside during the pandemic thanks to Variety,” says Gina, MacKenzie’s mom. “She plays cornhole and takes walks with her new power wheelchair.”

Inside the home, the power chair helps MacKenzie reach dinnerware to cook and get her own drinks.

She even offered to clean the windows since she can reach all the way to the top!

“She loves that she can do it all on her own without having to ask for help,” says Gina.

MacKenzie’s big smile says it all – this vital piece of medical equipment has already made a huge difference in her life.

You can make it possible for Variety to continue providing Variety Kids and Teens like MacKenzie with the medical equipment they need to increase independence and access their worlds, even during the pandemic. Give now at HelpAVarietyKid.org. Thank you!

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RANGES IN COST FROM SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR ORTHOTICS TO AS MUCH AS $50,000 FOR A POWER WHEELCHAIR. YOUR GIFT AT ANY LEVEL HELPS PROVIDE THE NECESSARY TOOLS FOR VARIETY KIDS TO INDEPENDENTLY NAVIGATE EVERYDAY LIFE. Do you need help getting the medical equipment your child needs? We want to help! Visit VarietySTL.org/HelpForFamilies to apply now.

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VIRTUAL

ADVENTURE CAMP

This summer, Variety made the switch to a virtual Adventure Camp and Teen Camp program. Our goal was to provide a free and engaging day camp experience to local Variety Kids, giving them the chance to socialize, grow and have fun while keeping them healthy.

The pandemic has been isolating for Variety Kids – not being able to see friends has had a significant impact on their wellbeing. Through interactive activities like crafts, games, music, virtual field trips and more, campers were able to safely have fun with friends for the first time in months. For some, Virtual Camp even prepared them for the return to virtual school this fall!

Here’s what a few campers’ parents had to say about the experience: “Zoe absolutely loved every minute.

On Friday, she asked for the computer right when she woke up so she could go to Camp.”

– Variety Mom Michelle

“Ryan enjoyed his week of Camp. I thought all of you did an incredible job navigating everything and creating a personal touch.”

– Variety Dad Tim “Evelyn ran into old leaders and fellow campers and was just smiling for the rest of the day! It’s been so hard for her to be home with just mom and dad as companions.”

– Variety Mom Carolyn “Having a child with special needs do virtual school sounds overwhelming. Since Ashlyn attended virtual Camp, I didn’t have to wonder if she could do it!”

– Variety Mom Jennifer

“Variety didn’t let a pandemic stop them from making summer camp memories for kids that need a little help. If you have a couple extra pennies laying around, send them Variety’s way – the impact they have on people living with disabilities is immeasurable.”

– Variety Dad Daniel

VARIETY KIDS LOVE OUR FREE ADVENTURE CAMP, EVEN DURING THE PANDEMIC! A GIFT OF $35 COVERS ONE CAMPER'S BOX OF MATERIALS FOR A WEEK OF VIRTUAL CAMP; $100 HELPS UNDERWRITE IMPORTANT TECHNOLOGY TO BRING VIRTUAL CAMP TO VARIETY KIDS; $200 SENDS A VARIETY KID TO VIRTUAL CAMP FOR A WEEK.

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VIRTUAL PERFORMING ARTS Variety’s inclusive Performing Arts program is all about teaching kids with and without disabilities new skills and helping them build confidence both in and out of the spotlight. Although we can’t gather together in person at this time, we still want to give Variety Kids and their peers the opportunity to do all of this and more through singing, dancing and acting.

Over the summer, Variety Theatre held the first-ever Virtual Curtain Up Camp, a three-week camp during which all of the kids and teens involved with this year’s show gathered virtually to learn scenes, songs, choreography and much more.

“The time put in by Variety to create a ‘cast family’ atmosphere for the ensemble was tremendous. There were so many opportunities for them to engage!” – Mom Suzy

night were really fun as well as educational.” – Variety Mom Megan “It’s really been a blessing for Mia to have this creative outlet, especially during this time! I can tell it has also been a confidence builder for her.” – Mom Julie Starting this fall, we will also hold virtual rehearsals and classes for our Variety Children’s Chorus and Variety Dance programs.

As usual, participants will learn from experienced and dedicated professionals, improving singing and dancing skills while learning new ones.

“I was so impressed by how smooth and comprehensive it was the first time doing it online. The assignments, projects, and extras like trivia

Variety Theatre's The Music Man Postponed Virtual Light the Lights to be Held this Fall Out of concern for the health and safety of Variety Kids as well as our cast, crew and audience during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made the decision to postpone Variety Theatre’s production of The Music Man, originally scheduled for October 16 – 25, 2020, to October 15 – 24, 2021 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.

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You can still get your fill of those special “Variety Moments” this year, however, with Variety Theatre’s Light the Lights special. This one-hour virtual production will be presented this fall and will feature memories from years past as well as showcase what we have been up to while the world has been shut down. Stay tuned to VarietyTheatre.org for more details!

Thank You, New Supporters!

Variety is always growing its family of supporters. Thank you to those who have joined in making the impossible, possible for Variety Kids since March 1, 2020!

We appreciate you and your spirit of generosity, especially during these trying times.

Mary Aubuchon Daniel Bauer Jordan Beaudoin Alice Birchfield Karen Bland Tim and Erin Bommarito Mike Bowers Patrick Boyle Patricia Breeze Steven and Dava-Leigh Brush Jody Capdeboscq Joan P. Clifton Karen Coyle Becky Crump Katherine Danforth Roy Dreiling Brynlee Dulin Erin Dunlap Timothy Durbin Amy Dwyer Leslie Elpers Tom Etling Cindy Fernandez Caroline Ferris Kimberly Fine Traci Flanigan

Maggie Fiock Beverly Fleming Nick Foppe Stephanie and Matt Ford Kimberly Gaston Dustin Hagemeier Tom Harmon Joshua Hawley David Henz Cory D. Hillmann Chris Hoffmann Jack and Nancy Itzkowitz Katherine and Michael Jennings Cheryl Joerling Karen Jo J. Kaul Jerry Keeven Roger Koch Kathleen Kummant Mary Lavictoire Victoria Mahon Dona McGraw Mark McWhorter Karen Minichiello Debra Montgomery Andrew Moran William Mueller

Angie O'Neil Genevieve Otto Karen Parrish Melanie and Michael Pilkington Alex Porta Suzette Pratt Mark Prouhet Cindy Rich David Richey Allison Roberts Danna Roberts Tanya Rodman Tina Rolwes Beau Roy Laura Ryterski Mary Schraeder Warene Sheridan Tyler Shipley Melissa and David Silverstein Johna and Timothy Toedebusch Susan Vore Joyce Wesley Robert E. Williams Jr. Stephanie Williams David and Melanie Willis Kathryn Winget

Tom and Heather Wombacher Stanley and Kathy Young Cumberland Trust Frontstream INSPRO Inc. Kiel Center Partners, L.P. Nuveen, a TIAA Company Phillips 66 Pledgeling Foundation Western Construction Group

“We don’t know what our son and daughter-in-law would have done without Variety.

Because of all the help our grandson has gotten for over 14 years, we wanted to do what we could to contribute.”

– Anonymous Variety Grandparent

Thank you, Corporate Partners!

Variety St. Louis relies on the help of many corporations and companies that make St. Louis a generous community. The following companies join those corporate supporters and community leaders through their commitment to providing for children with disabilities in our region.

Through their funding at levels ranging from $1,500-$20,000, these corporate partners provide unrestricted support for Variety's programs.

Alliance Rehab and Medical

Enterprise Consulting Group

The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation

Thompson Coburn, LLP

Safety National

Borello Orthodontics

Vistage Worldwide, Inc.

Creative Mobility

AT&T Missouri

Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics

Benjamin F. Edwards & Co.

KB Mailers, LLC

Nuveen, a TIAA Company Reinsurance Group of America

Kemper Home ServicesCompanies

Southwest Airlines

Millstone Foundation

​Adonis Holdings LLC

NuMotion

BJC HealthCare

Orthotic & Prosthetic Lab Inc

BMO Harris Bank

St. Louis Children's Hospital

Brinkmann Constructors

United Access

Clean Sweep Chimney Service

​Ascension Health

“I continue to give to Variety because the impact every dollar makes to these children and their families is so significant. The need for the services Variety provides keeps growing in our communities. I intend for Variety to be part of my annual contributions each and every year – the giving is not just about making a donation, it’s about making a difference, and the difference made by Variety is immense!

– Sean Fleming, CEO Distribution Management

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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 Kids Need You Now Children with disabilities are among those hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. Not only are they vulnerable to COVID-19, many Variety Kids are losing much-needed resources as schools and businesses are forced to close.

Variety has been there for these kids for almost 90 years and we are determined to continue providing the tools and services they need to stay healthy, strong and happy. But we need your help. Give now using the envelope inside or at HelpAVarietyKid.org so that Variety Kids can continue to move forward, even during these difficult times.