Committees
Young Variety

Young Variety Committees

As a member of Young Variety, you are invited to take part in one or more of the following committees:

Night of the Rising Stars Committee
Night of the Rising Stars is Young Variety’s largest, most unique social event.  This annual party is held at The Chase Park Plaza and presented by Bud Light.  Ticket price includes delicious hors d’oeuvres from popular local eateries, complimentary Anheuser-Busch products and great live music by the Fabulous Motown Revue. The Night of the Rising Stars Committee works year-round coordinating ticket sales, auction donations, sponsorships, design, marketing, event production and entertainment to benefit Variety’s children. The 2007, Night of the Rising Stars raised more than $60,000 for Variety children. NRS is scheduled for April 25, 2008 in the Starlight Roof and Zodiac room at The Chase Park Plaza.    

Chair:
Chrissy Frazier                                                   
cfrazier@mailsouth.com                  
(314) 725-2029       
          
 
Taste of the Vineyard Committee
In September, participants and attendees have the opportunity to meet other young professionals while sampling wines and food pairings at a local wine venue. The Taste of the Vineyard Committee works on securing a venue location, ticket sales and auction items, as well as marketing the event. Taste of the Vineyard sold out once again in 2008 at Third Degree Glass Factory with 400 guests raising more than $22,000.

Co-Chairs:
Chad Frazier     
chad@plancorp.com 
(636) 532-7824      

Dan Berns
daniel.berns@gmail.com
(314) 418-1803

Trivia Night Committee
Young Variety’s Trivia Night is an exciting, fun, laid back addition to the lineup of events. Teams of 8 compete for first place, and snacks and beer are provided with the cost of the ticket. The Trivia Night Committee's main goal is to organize the event, secure a location, and solicit for auction items, prizes and volunteers for the event. The 2008 Trivia Night is scheduled for June 28 at Whitfield High School.  

Co-Chairs:
Christin Bujnak            
cstephens@lashlybaer.com
(314) 436-8384      

Kelly Wittenbrink
kellymurf@gmail.com
(314) 477-5412     

Corporate Relations Committee
The Corporate Relations Committee's main goal is to establish and strengthen relationships with companies who support Variety's mission. Members of the committee work with event committees to establish sponsorship in addition to committee projects. The group plans year round.

Co-Chairs:                                             
Doug Best                 
douglas.best@commercebank.com
(314) 746-3228

Art Kerckhoff IV
akerckhoff@ctmt.com
(314) 746-0393

Membership Committee
This committee encourages other young professionals to join and serve on Young Variety’s executive board and committees to increase membership and to promote overall involvement with Variety. Committee members organize quarterly Happy Hours by coordinating with local businesses and marketing to current and potential members. Committee members stay well informed about Young Variety and Variety as a whole to act as Young Variety ambassadors at all events.

Young Variety At-Work Committee
This meaningful Young Variety committee coordinates and allows Young Variety members to enjoy unique outings with Variety children. This committee, additionally, is involved with all Variety events and programs in a volunteer capacity. Programs include the Variety Easter Parade, summer family outings, Adventure Camp and Bikes for Kids, as well as miscellaneous opportunities that arise. This committee plans year-round; however, most volunteer events take place during the spring and summer months.

Chair:
Heather Markle     
heather.markle@fedex.com  
(314) 952-2899

Marketing Committee
This committee assists in developing marketing strategies to create further awareness of Young Variety and Variety's mission to raise funds for children with physical and mental disabilities in the Greater St. Louis Region. This committee works in conjunction with event committees to ensure the success of all Young Variety fundraising programs. The group plans year-round for all of of Young Variety's events.

Vice-Presidents, Marketing:
Ryan Casey
Rycasey7@yahoo.com
(314) 322-5969

Brendan O’Toole
brendan.otoole@gmail.com
(314) 265-1859

Variety Allocation Committee
Young Variety members may choose to sit on this committee, which includes Variety board members and long-time Variety volunteers. The committee's primary goal is to assist with the allocation of funds and Sunshine Coach Vans to agencies and organizations based on documented needs within the Greater St. Louis region. The funds are allocated at the annual Allocations Luncheon held in November to the designated agencies. This committee plans June through November each year, and duties include site visits to multiple agencies.

Chair:
Mark Koritz
*Contact Karen Haglin at the Variety office, (314) 453-0453, ext. 11, or karen@varietystl.org, for details about joining this committee.