90 Years of Empowerment / By

90 Years Strong: Breaking Records & Changing Lives

As we step into 2025, we reflect on and celebrate the incredible achievements of 2024—an unforgettable year for Variety St. Louis. We proudly supported over 1,500 families, marking a new record of Variety Kids served. What a remarkable way to honor 90 years of empowering kids and teens with special needs, paving the way for the next 90 years!

Picture a child taking their first steps with a walker, speaking their first words through a communication device, or smiling with newfound confidence at the playground. Variety makes these moments possible by providing critical medical equipment, therapies, and innovative programs that insurance often won’t cover. In just one year, the impact speaks volumes!

Out of a total of 1,504 Variety Kids…

  • 88% increased independence
  • 89% improved socialization
  • 93% enhanced self-esteem
  • 94% developed essential skills

The Durable Medical Equipment program gives Variety Kids access to tools like wheelchairs, orthotics, communication devices, and more that empower them to walk, talk, and navigate daily life.

  • 364 children received 463 pieces of equipment.
  • Over 90% of children use their equipment DAILY.
  • 81% of children gained greater independence.
  • Discover more about redefining ability through equipment.

Variety’s TherHappy Kids program empowers children to build skills needed to use a toothbrush, get dressed, or walk for longer distances. Therapies include physical, occupational, speech, equine and aqua.

  • 3,500 HOURS of therapy for over 200 children.
  • 94% of children gained vital skills through therapy.
  • Witness a child’s possibilities being reimagined.

Recreation programs feature Adventure Camp, where Variety Kids conquer new challenges, build lifelong friends, and gain confidence to connect more with family, peers and the community.

  • 7 weeks of FREE Adventure Camp
  • Served over 300 children and their families (+24% from FY23)
  • 13,350 hours of camp activities led to 96% increase in confidence.
  • Read a camper’s story of triumphs.

Performing Arts offers unique performance opportunities through musical theatre, chorus, and dance. Children of all abilities participate together in a supportive, inclusive setting, giving each child the chance to be in the spotlight.

  • ● Participants in Chorus and Dance DOUBLED from FY23.
  • ● 100% new friendship and lifetime bonds formed.
  • ● 90% of children in Dance increased their self-esteem.
  • ● Explore the power of inclusion and the arts.

Here’s to an even brighter 2025, where we’ll continue redefining abilities, reimagining possibilities, and making magic happen for even more Variety families.

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Every dollar you donate stays in St. Louis to help make the most positive impact on the greatest number of children.

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