FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Katie Thaman
Communications Manager
(314) 453-0453, ext. 25
(618) 292-6974
katie@varietystl.org
Hollywood star and friend of Variety
chosen as Champion for Kids
St. Louis, MO – November 20, 2006 – When Hollywood star Jim Byrnes, a life-long actor and musician, was 5 years old, he was in the hospital. The St. Louis native received tests and treatment and was released, but that experience decades ago left an impression on the man who has spent a good part of his life helping children in similar circumstances.
Byrnes told that story at Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis’ 40th annual Allocations Luncheon last Tuesday, as he accepted the honor of Variety’s 2006 Champion for Kids, sharing a little-known fact about his interest in the organization. He has also faced numerous challenges after losing his legs in a highway accident. With his perseverence through these challenges and his dedication to children facing similar challenges, Byrnes encompasses the “I CAN” spirit of Variety.
He is best known for his roles as Jim Dawson on “Highlander” and Lifeguard on the CBS series “Wiseguy.” Byrnes recently returned from China, where he was filming … He has also had a successful musical career, and currently leads a blues band called the Jim Byrnes Band.
He has been involved in Variety in both St. Louis and Vancouver, B.C., his current residence. Between 1990 and 2006, Byrnes, who grew up in North County, performed at 14 Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis telethons.
Formerly Variety Club, Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis serves children with
physical and mental disabilities in the Greater St. Louis region, each time they need assistance, from infancy to the age of 21. Variety President Pat Mercurio is president of Bank of America Missouri, and Variety executive director is Jan Albus. Variety has received Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating for two consecutive years, a rare feat in the nonprofit world.
Serving 1,300 families, Variety provides medical equipment, transportation, on-going development programs and a resource referral center to help children with disabilities live as independently as possible. Variety also provides financial support for 90 partner agencies whose programs benefit children with physical and mental disabilities. Serving a total of 200,000 local children, every dollar raised in St. Louis stays in the Greater St. Louis region.
Variety, established in 1928, has grown to international prominence, helping children through 52 Variety chapters in 14 countries around the world, including chapters in Canada, England, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, South and West Australia, and South Africa.
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