Since being diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder that affects the central nervous system, seven-year-old Ezra has faced significant barriers that have limited his mobility. Maneuvering his manual wheelchair has been a challenge, forcing Ezra to rely on others to navigate his surroundings. When Ezra’s family connected with Variety, it marked a pivotal moment, not …
“This year, I ran the Boston Marathon to support Variety…” Todd Oswald, devoted Variety Dad and running enthusiast, took on the monumental challenge of running the 127th Boston Marathon in 2023. Todd was invited to participate in the iconic race in support of a charity of his choosing. For him, the decision was obvious. Although …
Madi Navigates Her Next Chapter For 90 years, Variety has empowered kids with the life-changing tools to thrive during childhood and beyond. Before Madi and her family found Variety, they exemplified the struggles faced by thousands of families desperately searching for solutions to address their child’s basic needs. Madi’s family faced impossible choices, and since …
Variety Teen Jian Jian’s Drive for Independence Eighteen-year-old Jian Jian is a testament to the power of Variety when paired with unwavering determination. For 90 years, Variety has removed barriers that prevent kids and teens from pursuing their passions and shaping their futures. With Variety’s help, Jian Jian is now armed with the tools to …
Variety Alum Sarah Advocates for Inclusion For 90 years, Variety St. Louis has been empowering kids with the tools to improve skills, confidence, and independence throughout childhood in preparation for a successful transition into adulthood. No one embodies that spirit more than Variety Alum Sarah Schwegel, an Occupational Therapist Doctorate candidate, fierce advocate of disability …
Bikes for Kids 2023: A Ticket to Adventure “Once again, Variety is making the impossible, possible.” Families could not contain their enthusiasm as more than 200 local children received the gift of a new bike at Variety’s annual Bikes for Kids event on November 18 at Parkway Central High School. Bikes give children the freedom …
From Camper to Counselor: Chase’s First Paycheck All Variety programs empower kids and teens with the skills, confidence, and independence needed to achieve their goals for the future. For many, that future involves transitioning into the workforce. During Disability Employment Awareness Month, Variety acknowledges the valuable contributions of workers with disabilities. Today, we celebrate Variety …
From Camper to Counselor: Chase’s First Paycheck Read More »
TherHappy Kid August Makes His Mark Six-year-old August and his family cherish quality time through shared creativity. Each family member has their own spot at the dining room table to create works of art, and August’s father – an artist himself – encourages coloring outside of the lines. Now covered in clay, watercolor, and permanent …
Amplifying Lily’s Possibilities Just three days after receiving her hearing aid from Variety, Lily’s speech had already begun to improve. Now she is attempting to articulate more words than ever and can’t stop singing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” But words haven’t always come so easily for Lily. At a very young age, Lily experienced a …
Tre Shines On-Stage and Off “Bravo!” the audience shouted as Variety’s Curtain Call performers took their final bows. Tre was among the 40 talented Variety Kids and Teens who spent their last weeks of summer learning all about musical theatre, practicing lines, and rehearsing choreography for the showcase performance. Almost no one could have predicted …
The Beauty of Curtain Call Variety Kids proudly took center stage on Friday, August 18 to showcase their hard work and musical theatre talents. As they took their final bows, more than 40 passionate young performers received resounding ovations from a captivated audience of family, friends, and Variety supporters. Curtain Call offers fully inclusive experiences …
An Unforgettable Summer Adventure Camp is always a time for discovery, fun, and friendship, and this summer was no exception. For six weeks, campers play sports, create works of art, pet stingrays, ice skate, and so much more as they explore some of the St. Louis area’s best attractions. At Adventure Camp, kids with special …
Imo’s Pizza and Variety teamed up once again to help local kids with special needs through the power of pizza! On Wednesday, July 19, all 99 Imo’s Pizza locations participated in Imo’s for Kids Day with 10% of purchases donated to support Variety’s programs. At Imo’s Pizza’s storied location on Hampton, Variety Kids Faith and …
