In 1959, the Variety Women committee was formed as an auxiliary of Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis. Over the past 46 years, this compassionate, dedicated group has raised more than $2.5 million for Variety children through numerous creative fundraising endeavors, including the Variety Women Tribute Fund, the Rosie Rag Dancers, sales of the Rosie Rag Dolls and Cards, sales of Variety International’s Catherine Sheridan Variety Dolls and participation in Variety’s sale of Gold Heart pins, and through two annual fundraisers.

The Variety Women board, along with members, volunteers and supporters, currently raises funds for Variety’s children through the Tribute Fund and an annual spring fashion show. As of 2001, Variety Women joined the Allocations Committee, which awards grants to Variety's partner agencies. Betty Davidson is president of Variety Women and a member of Variety’s Board of Directors.

The annual fashion show is produced in conjunction with Variety Week.

Variety Women participate in all events, programs, and services of Variety. The women, additionally, hold monthly luncheons and program meetings featuring a guest speaker on the second Wednesday of each month.

Variety is grateful for the commitment and tireless effort Variety Women have provided over the years. The group’s unconditional support has been spurred by its belief in the following statement: "A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove . . . but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."

Monthly Meetings:  On the second Wednesday of each month, Variety Women hold a luncheon featuring a guest speaker. With the exception of January and February 2008, meetings are held at Westborough Country Club, 631 South Berry Road, St. Louis, Mo., 63122. January and February 2008 meetings will be held in the Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus, Plaza Frontenac, St. Louis, MO  63131.  Sign-in begins at 11:30 a.m., and lunch is at 12:00 p.m. The cost for lunch is $16 at Westborough and $19 at Neiman Marcus. To make a reservation for an upcoming Variety Women's luncheon, please contact Peggy Russell (636.227.8323), Prussell312@charter.net, or Norma Houghland (636.227.5480).

Membership Dues:  Membership dues are $55 annually.

Board of Directors:
President - Betty Davidson
Vice President - Robin Graham
Treasurer - Joyce Alexander
Recording Secretary - Kathy Schuler
Corresponding Secretary - Deb Lee
President Emeritus - Bonnie Howard-Flach

Board Members:
Dianne Berns
Bea Renna
Peggy Russell
Addie Tompkins
Gloria Weber

Members (07-08):

Mrs. Jan Albus Mrs. Joyce L. Alexander* Mrs. Mary Taylor Beck Mrs. Mary Jane Belsher Mrs. Dianne M. Berns Mrs. Merle Lee Buzzotta Mrs. Sharon Campbell Mrs. Carmen Davis Cervantes Mrs. Patricia W. Corich Mrs. Jane E. Cross Mrs. Betty Davidson Ph.D.* Mrs. Judy Dawson Mrs. Norma Jean Downey* Mrs. Norma M. Finke Ms. Nancy Gass Mrs. Edith Gevers Ms. Robin Graham* Mrs. Patty Haeffner* Mrs. Mitch Hanneken Mrs. Gloria Hartwig* Mrs. Jerri Hauss

Ms. Marie A. Heckel Mrs. Elizabeth A. Heitman Mrs. Patsy Hitchens Mrs. Norma T. Houghland Ms. Bonnie C. Howard-Flach* Mrs. Constance D. Kelly Ms. Evelyn M. Kiefer Dr. Kathleen Kinderfather Mrs. Pamela Kramer Ms. Dorothy F. Lamb Mrs. Deb Lee Ms. Amy K. Leipholtz Mrs. Patti Lewis Mrs. Betty L. MacConnell* Mrs. Sheila A. McDonald Mrs. Mae Louise Murnan Mrs. Genevieve Murphy-Morrissey Mrs. Judith K. Parker Mrs. Vera R. Parsh Mrs. Katherine M. Ponte Mrs. Marianne Pruett

Mrs. Bea Renna* Ms. J. Beth Robinson* Mrs. Margaret C. Russell* Mrs. Shirley M. Schmitt Mrs. Arleen F. Schulenburg Mrs. Kathy M. Schuler Mrs. Mary R. Senciboy* Mrs. Doris Jean Serkes Mrs. A. Pauline Smith* Ms. Barbara J. Summers Mrs. Lois A. Taylor Mrs. Laurie A. Taylor* Mrs. Rita E. Tintera* Mrs. Addie L. Tompkins Ms. Anne Trower Ms. Linda M. Van Eck Ms. Barbara Washington Mrs. Gloria Weber* Mrs. Jacquelyn I. Wegman * Prepaid for 2008-09

New members pre-paid for 2008-09:
Jean Lieber Barthel
MaryAnn Daust
Faye Krause
Donna Pelikan
Ida Solano

Contact Us: 
President - Betty Davidson (314) 849-6078
Monthly Meeting Reservations - Peggy Russell (636.227.8323), Prussell312@charter.net, or Norma Houghland (636.227.5480)

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