Believing in Brighter Tomorrows, Together.
On May 16, the St. Louis community came together for an unforgettable evening of magic, generosity, and heart at the 2025 Variety Believe Gala.
The theme, Believe: The Magic of Empowerment, perfectly captured the spirit of the night — a celebration of possibility, inclusivity, and the life-changing impact that happens when a community believes in every child’s potential.
From the moment guests arrived at The Ritz- Carlton in their best evening attire, the energy was electric despite the horrific storms from earlier in the day. The evening began with a lively cocktail hour, where supporters mingled, and enjoyed acts from a tarot card reader, Nevo himself, and Magic Amanda and her Variety Kid Assistants, Ben and Abby.
As the program began, attendees were welcomed by Margie Ellisor from the FOX 2 family who reflected on the organization’s remarkable 90-year journey and its commitment to the future.
One of the evening’s most moving moments was the story of Variety Kids Dean and Dalton. The brothers’ story captured the hearts of everyone in the room as it showcased the power of community support and how Variety’s services have helped them thrive. Their courage, resilience, and bright spirits were a shining example of why Variety’s work is so important and why believing in every child’s potential matters.
The night’s entertainment brought true magic to the stage with a performance by Nevo Abutbul, the world’s youngest mentalist. His mind-blowing abilities left guests in awe as he amazed the crowd with seemingly impossible demonstrations of mentalism and intuition. Nevo’s act wasn’t just a show — it was a perfect reflection of the evening’s message: when you believe, anything is possible.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our guests, sponsors, and supporters, the 2025 Believe Gala raised over $600,000 to support local children and teens with disabilities. From the spirited live auction to heartfelt individual contributions, every dollar will directly fund vital programs like medical equipment, inclusive summer camps, performing arts opportunities, and therapy services.
As the evening drew to a close, the ballroom was filled with joy, hope, and excitement for what’s to come. We are profoundly grateful to our sponsors, donors, Variety Families, volunteers, staff, and everyone who made the 2025 Believe Gala a night to remember.
Your support ensures that Variety can continue offering life-changing programs and resources for local kids and teens with disabilities. Together, we’ll keep believing in brighter tomorrows for every child as we redefine ability and reimagine possibilities.
