Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis

Telethon History

The Variety Telethon has evolved over the years from a telethon that lasted an entire weekend to the Television Specials of today.

Throughout its history, the Variety Telethon has attracted some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Sammy Davis, Jr., Liza Minnelli, Kenny Rogers, and Ray Charles. Although the stars have rotated over the years, the primary mission of the telethon has remained constant: to serve children with various disabilities in the Greater St. Louis region.

Over the past three decades, Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis has produced 42 telethons (including the specials this year), raising more than $76 million for children with physical and mental disabilities in the Greater St. Louis region. The telethons have aired on KMOV-TV for the past 21 years. During those years, Variety has raised more than $54 million to assist children with physical and mental disabilities in the Greater St. Louis region.

St. Louis is one of seven Variety chapters around the world that hold an annual telethon. However, every dollar raised in St. Louis stays in St. Louis.

Sarah's Story

William Shakespeare wrote, “All the world’s a stage.” In Sarah’s world, her place is not on the stage, but in the wings managing the show. The high school senior has been involved in school productions since ninth grade, but it wasn’t until she served as assistant stage manager for the Variety Children’s Theatre production of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” that she realized just how big a role theatre plays in her life.

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Variety - The Children's Charity of St. Louis

Telethon History

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Sarah's Story

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