THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED THE ROLLIN' ON THE RIVER
AND MAGIC HOUSE OUTINGS!
St. Louis Through the Eyes of a Child with a Disability
This year's first outing was on Tuesday, June 30th. Family and friends had the chance to explore the Gateway Arch Riverfront, including a
tour of the Westward Expansion Museum at the Arch and an exciting ride
on the Mighty Mississippi River! Cruises were offered by the Becky
Thatcher and Tom Sawyer riverboats.
Variety’s second outing took children and their families to The Magic House on Wednesday, July 22! The Magic House recently expanded and had many new areas for all ages, including a replica of the Oval Office in the White House and other government offices. The outing was held from 5:30-8:30 p.m., to allow Variety to have access to the entire facility.
In July of 2009, Variety children and their families participated in fun outdoor activites at the beautiful Missouri Botanical Gardens! In August, the families were given the opportunity to explore Busch Stadium. Both events gave the children a chance to socialize and enjoy a few sights of St. Louis in a local setting.
Click here to view the "Through the Eyes" outing videos.
Click here to view photos from the 2009 outings at the Gateway Arch Riverfront and The Magic House!
Click here to view photos from the 2008 outings at Missouri Botanical Gardens and Busch Stadium!
Variety children and their families look forward to these outings provided by Variety especially for them. Over the years, this day of fun has been held at Grant's Farm, Missouri Botanical Garden, Saint Louis Science Center, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum and the Muny.
With a grant made possible by the generosity of Mary Ann Lee (Variety's 2004 Woman of the Year), "St. Louis Through the Eyes of a Child with Disabilities" program enables disabled children to visit St. Louis world-renowned public attractions for a day of learning, socializing and fun. The Through the Eyes outings provide a special time for families to network and children to meet others with disabilities, all in a stress-free environment.
“St. Louis Through the Eyes of a Child with Disabilities" provides a rare opportunity for these children to learn, grow, and socialize with others who face similar daily challenges,” said Jan Albus, executive director of Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis. “Many of these children are socially isolated, due to physical or low-income family challenges. This project has the potential of changing lives by offering educational and culturally driven developmental opportunities to these children.”
For more information about the outings, please contact Barb Kramer at (314) 453-0453, ext. 115, or e-mail her at barb@varietystl.org.