Variety Kids Take Center Stage at Variety Unbound 

The 2nd annual Variety Unbound event on April 20, 2023 was truly an evening of empowerment!  Powerful performances thrilled the audience and demonstrated live on stage the impact of Variety’s programs.   Emcee Mandy Murphey from…

Welcome to Variety, Dana!

Welcome to Variety, Dana! Welcome to Variety, Dana! We are excited to announce Dana as the new Health Services Care Coordinator at Variety St. Louis! Dana will be working primarily with Variety’s Medical Equipment program,…

Now Hiring: Communications Coordinator

Now Hiring: Communications Coordinator Communications Coordinator Are you a creative, effective, experienced communicator looking to advance your career while giving a voice to kids with disabilities and improving their lives? Variety the Children’s Charity of…

Now Hiring: Programs Coordinator

Now Hiring: Programs Coordinator Programs Coordinator – Full Time Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis (Variety) impacts local children with disabilities by providing access to vital medical equipment and therapies as well as the…

Variety Unbound 2023

Variety Announces Event Special Guest Star Variety Unbound: An Evening of Empowerment will feature performances frominspirational singer-songwriter Mandy Harvey alongside Variety Kids Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis is excited to announce the return…

Now Hiring: Adventure Camp Counselors

Apply to become a counselor at Variety’s Adventure Camp! Variety St. Louis is looking for kind, enthusiastic staff members and volunteers (ages 14+) to join our team for Summer Camp 2023. Our unique camp programs…

Now Hiring Curtain Call Staff

Do you want to help Variety Kids take center stage and make some extra money in the process? Apply to become a Child Deputy or a Child Assistant at Variety’s Curtain Call!  Variety St. Louis…

Registration for Variety’s 2023 Adventure Camp is now open!

At Adventure Camp, kids with disabilities ages 4-20 are empowered to form new friendships, try new things, grow in self-esteem and explore the world around them with independence and confidence. Each camper is paired with…

Winter Coloring Book (FREE Download)

You don’t have to be at Variety’s Winter Camp to join in the fun and festivities! We’re thrilled to offer our six-page Winter Coloring Book to everyone with this quick and easy download! The book…

Gingerbread Decorating Day

Gingerbread Decorating Day In honor of Gingerbread House Decorating Day on December 12th, we’re excited to share an exclusive Variety Holiday House coloring page for all kids and kids-at-heart! It’s time to deck the halls…

Rediscovering Josh: From Tragedy to Joy

Rediscovering Josh: From Tragedy to Joy When Brenda and Aaron Luter’s 19-year-old son Josh was involved in a motorcycle accident, he was instantly transformed from a strapping ROTC trainee and aviation student to a Variety…

Krishna is On the Move

Krishna is On the Move When Krishna’s family moved to the United States from India in 2006, everything was new – their home, language, resources, and community. They came prepared to welcome their newborn daughter…

Russell is One in Seven Billion

Russell is One in Seven Billion Like many mothers, when Jessica held her newborn son in her arms for the first time, she knew she was holding a miracle. He seemed like one in a…

Family Conference 2022

Family Conference 2022 Come join us for Variety’s annual Family Conference on Saturday, December 3, 2022! All are invited to attend this free event, featuring engaging educational sessions and time for connection with other attendees….

Variety St. Louis Welcomes Linda Hunter to the Board of Directors

Variety St. Louis Welcomes Linda Hunter to the Board of Directors ST. LOUIS, OCTOBER 28, 2022 – Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis welcomed Linda Hunter to their Board of Directors this fall. Linda…

Now Hiring: Winter Camp Counselors

Now Hiring: Winter Camp Counselors Do you want to make a difference this upcoming holiday season and make some extra money in the process? Apply to become a counselor at Variety’s Winter Camp! Variety St….

A Place Where Wolfie Can be Himself

A Place Where Wolfie Can be Himself When Rachel’s newborn son, Wolfie, began to show some slight delays in learning how to crawl and walk, she thought little of it. Her baby was born with…

Welcome to Variety, Shannon!

Welcome to Variety, Shannon! We are excited to announce Shannon Ford as Variety’s new Graphics and Digital Media Coordinator! Shannon is responsible for the organization’s graphic design and multimedia content development. She will also oversee…

Congratulations, Robin!

Variety Appoints Robin Diehl as New Programs Director Congratulations to Robin Diehl on her promotion to Programs Director! Robin celebrated her five-year anniversary with Variety the Children’s Charity this year. Originally hired in 2017 as…

Standard Bike Applications are OPEN

Standard Bike Applications are OPEN UPDATE: Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, the 2022 Bikes for Kids applications were filled sooner than expected. Registration is now closed. Do you have (or do you know) a…

Emmett walks with his brothers!

Emmett Walks with His Brothers! Most four-year-old kids are naturally inclined to explore every inch of the world around them. But for some kids, like Emmett, physical challenges make walking, climbing, and playing with siblings…

Chorus and Dance 2022

Chorus and Dance 2022 Registration for the Variety Chorus and Dance Programs is OPEN! These performance programs provide a chance for local kids and teens (ages 8-20) of all abilities to sing, dance and perform…

Owen and Liam are Ready for Kindergarten!

Owen and Liam are Ready for Kindergarten! “Cheez-It” Owen said with his hand-held communication device before popping the beloved snack into his mouth. He smiled with delight. His speech-therapist, Anna, cheered. His mother Michelle, who…

Super Letters: Adventure Camp Craft

Super Letters: Adventure Camp Craft One of this year’s Adventure Camp themes was all about SUPER HEROS! While it is lots of fun to celebrate the popular superheroes we all know and love, it is…

Welcome to Variety, Anna!

Welcome to Variety, Anna! We are excited to announce Anna Wilde as one of our two new Health Services Care Coordinators! Anna will be working primarily in Variety’s TherHappy program while also assisting with durable…

Imo’s Pizza Partners with Variety The Children’s Charity

Imo’s Pizza Partners with Variety The Children’s Charity ST. LOUIS, July 20, 2022 – Imo’s Pizza is partnering with Variety the Children’s Charity in July to supportVariety Kids at Adventure Camp. The Imo’s family challenged…

Camp Staff Spotlight – Emma

Camp Staff Spotlight – Emma This is Emma Hampton’s 4th year working as a camp counselor at Variety’s Adventure Camp. Not only does Emma look forward to meeting new campers and getting to know their…

Accessible Places in St. Louis

Accessible Places in St. Louis While no summer activity is as good as Adventure Camp, there are so many great places in our St. Louis community that you can go with your family that will…

Camp Counselor Spotlight – Danny

Camp Counselor Spotlight: Meet Danny Adventure Camp simply would not be the same without our wonderful counselors and staff! We interviewed a few different counselors to learn about their first-hand experience: Danny Naunheim is 19…

A 4th of July Activity

A 4th of July Activity Summer is the season of picnics, cookouts, and yard parties with friends and family. In fact, in just a few days it will be the 4th of July! Adventure Camp…

The Best Week of Emmy’s Life

The Best Week of Emmy’s Life Natalie breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her six-year-old daughter Emmy dancing with another young camper on the first day of Variety’s Adventure Camp this month. “This…

Curtain Call

All Call for Curtain Call! This summer, Variety St. Louis is offering an inclusive musical theatre camp filled with dance, music, and drama and friendship for kids ages 9-21. A hand-picked team of professional dancers,…

Empowering the Hagan Family

Empowering the Hagan Family Few families embody the mission and spirit of Variety as extensively as the Hagan Family. All three of their children have benefitted from Variety’s core programs, and we’ve enjoyed watching them…

Colton’s Accessible World

Colton’s Accessible World When Colton was born, doctors told his mother, Latrice, that she should not expect him to live longer than a year. But Latrice was not willing to accept that. For the first…

Paul’s Fearlessness

Paul’s Fearlessness The stage has always been a place where Paul feels empowered to be himself. As he explains, “whenever I’m on stage singing and dancing, I feel exhilarated!”  While Paul has always loved performing,…

“Making Your Limitations Your Opportunities” – Ali Stroker

Variety STL was honored to have the extremely talented Ali Stroker host Variety Unbound: an Evening of Empowerment. She amazed everyone with her talent and we felt honored to hear her story. We are sharing…

Variety St. Louis Adds Four Board Members

Variety St. Louis Adds Four Board Members Variety’s Board of Directors will have some fresh faces and insight this year.  Media Contact: Brian RoyExecutive DirectorBrian@VarietySTL.orgOffice: 314-720-7711 ST. LOUIS, DATE, 2022 – Variety the Children’s Charity…

Welcome to Variety, Mary!

Welcome to Variety, Mary! We are excited to announce Mary Serafino as the new Communications Manager at Variety the Children’s Charity St. Louis! Mary will lead all internal and external communications efforts. In addition to…

Mireya’s Journey to Independence

Mireya’s Journey to Independence Variety camps are a great way for kids and teens to gain independence, have new experiences, and develop lifelong friendships. No one knows this better than Mireya, a long time Variety…

Variety Unbound Kickoff

Variety Unbound Kickoff “You’ve got a friend in me.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as the Variety Children’s Chorus sang these words to an audience filled with friends on April 21st at…

Variety Unbound: What To Know Before You Go!

We’re making final preparations for Variety Unbound: An Evening of Empowerment this Thursday, April 21! For our guests’ convenience, we have compiled some important updates you should know before attending this unforgettable evening! To keep Variety Kids…

Variety Remembers Michael Neidorff

Michael Neidorff’s compassion for children with special needs made him a natural fit for the work we do at Variety.  For the past 15 years, Variety Kids and families could rely on the steadfast support…

Meilyn’s New Voice

For many children like Meilyn, finding their voice can be a struggle. Thanks to a new communication device from Variety, Meilyn has found her voice! Now she can communicate with not only the world, but…

Announcing: A Brand New Variety Event

Save the date! We are excited to introduce you to Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis’ BRAND NEW event, Variety Unbound: An Evening of Empowerment. Accessible and inclusive, Variety Unbound offers a fresh approach to Variety events…

Winter Rides with Confidence

Thankful for Autism Speaks

We take a moment on this #ThankfulThursday to show gratitude to Autism Speaks for their recent support of Variety’s mission. The Autism Speaks Local Impact Grant program focuses on presenting grants to services that improve…

Join our 2022 Camp Staff Team!

Welcome to Variety, Julie!

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Julie Thompkins, our new Health Services Manager! Julie will primarily oversee our Durable Medical Equipment program as well as the Emerson Resource Center, working directly with…

Welcome to the New VarietySTL.org!

Variety St. Louis has launched a new website to better serve the St. Louis community. The site makes it possible for audiences to access critical information more easily, with a focus on improving the application…

Kaci to Share her Endless PossAbilities

Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis has launched a new virtual speaker series titled “Endless PossAbilities.” Every session is free to attend, takes place on Zoom, and features an individual with a disability sharing…

More Than a Bed

Variety Kid Lincoln recently received a piece of a medical equipment that does it all – keeps him safe, gives him a place to place to play, helps his family take care of him, and…

Register Now for Summer Camp 2022

It’s happening! Registration for our in-person Summer Adventure and Teen Camp is now LIVE! Click here to register by noon on February 7, 2022, and read on for more details. Variety’s Adventure and Teen Camp program…

Erica the Explorer

As spring draws near and the weather starts to get warmer, people are starting to get outside. Whether by foot or by bike, many are hitting the trails to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air….

Maisy Connects

A couple of years ago, Variety Kid Maisy attended a birthday party at a ranch. There, she not only got to ride a horse for the first time, but she formed a connection with one of…

Jada’s Every Day PossAbilities

Doctors used to tell Jada’s mom, Candice, that Jada would be a “lay baby.” By that, they meant she would do little more than lay on the floor due to her diagnosis of cerebral palsy….

Sadie Keeps Up with Friends

For five-year-old Sadie, there is nothing more frustrating than always being tagged “It” first in a game of tag on the playground. Sadie has mild cerebral palsy, which causes high tone in her legs and…

Ryan Stands Up to Learn

For a long time, Variety Kid Ryan wasn’t able to use the smartboard in his classroom. The manual wheelchair he was using sat at a height too low to reach the board, limiting his participation…

Joseph Grows into New Legs

Variety Kid Joseph just won’t stop growing! At almost three years old, he keeps getting taller and stronger every day. But that means he also keeps growing out of the prosthetic legs that make it…

Tobias Has a Place of His Own

Variety Kid Tobias now has a place in his house he can call his very own, thanks to Variety and our supporters! This new spot is a Leckey Pal Chair, which is giving him the…

Freedom for JJ

For a long time, Variety Kid Jeffery (aka JJ) felt like he was missing out on a big part of childhood – riding a bike. Traditional bikes and tricycles are not accessible for JJ and…

Thankful for New Allies

Variety is thrilled to announce new partnerships with the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board of St. Charles County, Productive Living Board of St. Louis County, and The St. Louis Office for Developmental Disability Resources to provide…

Back to Camp – Winter Camp 2021

After almost two years of virtual programming, Variety’s Adventure Camp program returned to in-person Camp with Winter Camp 2021! Variety Kids gathered throughout the last week of 2021 for engaging activities, time with friends, and…

A Look Back at 2021

As we celebrate the new year, we are looking back at all that happened here at Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis in 2021. Although it was another year filled with constant pivoting, we…

Welcome to Variety, Britt!

We are thrilled to introduce you to Britt Velasquez, our newest team member here at Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis. Britt, who has a degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in adaptive physical…

A Concert Filled with Cheer

On Thursday, December 16, excited audience members filled the seats at the Sheldon Concert Hall, ready to experience live music and enjoy the sounds of the season. They were there for Festive Gifts of Song…

The Jefferson Foundation Gives the Gift of Equipment

Earlier this month, the Jefferson Foundation announced the recipients of their second round of grants for 2021. The Foundation awarded 79 grants to 76 organizations, totaling more than $2.6 million in funds. We are pleased…

Variety Families Enjoy the National Museum of Transportation

Variety Kid Blake recently had a blast exploring the National Museum of Transportation with his family. They saw models, rode the mini train, and even got to go aboard several real trains! Blake absolutely loved…

A Holly Jolly Good Time with Variety Social Groups

This month, Variety Kids and Teens gathered virtually for a festive social group, led by Variety Family Council member Kim and her daughter, Gracie. A great time was had by all! The day before the…

Tennyson’s Helpful Helmet

Tennyson is a big fan of the St. Louis Blues. And with his new helmet, he even looks like a super cool hockey player! This helmet is important to Tennyson’s health as he grows. He…

The Art of Imperfection – Variety Family Conference 2021

On Saturday, December 4, several Variety parents and members of the community gathered virtually and in-person for Variety Family Conference 2021, made possible by Variety’s Emerson Resource Center and with help from the members of…

Jan Albus Departing as Variety CEO

Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis has announced that Jan Albus, the organization’s CEO for the past 25 years, is leaving the organization. Her last day will be December 31, 2021. “Variety would not be…

Hope for Fiona

Meet Fiona. She is eight years old and loves to laugh, ride her bike, and listen to Taylor Swift.  Looking at her now, can you believe that she was given just a one percent chance…

Tickets On Sale Now for Festive Gifts of Song and Dance!

On Thursday, December 16, 2021, the Sheldon Concert Hall will be filled with the joyous sounds of the season. On that date, Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis will present Festive Gifts of Song and…

Bikes for Kids 2021

On Saturday, November 20, Variety St. Louis made a triumphant return to in-person events with Bikes for Kids 2021. The annual bike giveaway was held across multiple days in 2020, and we were thrilled to…

Save the Date to Celebrate the Season with Variety Children’s Chorus and Variety Dance

On December 16, Variety Children’s Chorus and Variety Dance will take the stage at The Sheldon Concert Hall to share their “Festive Gifts of Song and Dance” and you’re invited! You won’t want to miss…

Christian Communicates

Variety Kid Christian may not speak verbally, but that doesn’t mean he can’t communicate in his own way. His communication device is his voice, and he takes it wherever he goes.  This device is operated…

Variety Children’s Chorus Performs at Virtual Ameren Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit

Last month, Ameren hosted their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summit. This event, which was held virtually this year, celebrates the importance of these topics in our world, lives, and workplaces, and features multiple speakers from…

Jenna Conquers Musical Theatre Challenges with Your Help

Thanks to our supporters, Variety Teen Jenna has been given the opportunity to perform in professional musical productions through Variety Theatre. In the letter below, she shares just how much of a difference Variety’s Performing…

Oh the Places DeMarko Will Go

At 19 years old, there are many places Variety Teen DeMarko has never had the chance to visit before. He has limited mobility and uses a wheelchair to get where he needs to go, but…

Bank of America Helps Variety Kids Build Confidence Through Performing Arts

We are excited to announce that the Bank of America Charitable Foundation is continuing their support of Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis’ inclusive Performing Arts programs through a generous grant. These Performing Arts…

Sophia’s Safe Space

Just like many kids her age, when Variety Kid Sophia is looking to relax and wind down, she heads to her room to hang out on her bed. At night, she happily snuggles up for…

Maddison Receives a Life-Changing Van

Variety Teen Maddison and her family recently received a life-changing gift from Variety – an adaptive van. This van is making it possible for her to travel safely and comfortably, something that may seem simple,…

Back to School with Camryn

The last time Camryn, who is 11 years old, attended in-person school was in first grade. In 2017, he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder that caused him to lose his vision as well as…

Zion’s Super Cool Ride

When Variety Kid Zion cycles through his neighborhood on his daily adaptive bike ride, the air is filled with shouts of “I like your bike!” and “Cool ride!” He smiles, laughs, and rides on, proud…

Wyatt’s Back to School Supplies

When Variety Kid Wyatt started middle school this year, he had many supplies on-hand, including pencils, books, a backpack, and more. He also started the year with a new tool – an insulin pump –…

Andrew Achieves His Impossible

For a while, many things felt nearly impossible to Variety Kid Andrew. He suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident when he was just four years old, leaving him unable to walk. But that…

Isabel Focuses on Fun at Virtual Camp

Like many students, Variety Kid Isabel struggled during virtual school this past year. It was hard for her to stay focused and engaged, which made learning difficult. Because of this, her mom, Janie, was a…

Fun Isn’t a Stretch for Madi

Variety Teen Madi is very busy and active. She likes to do a ton of activities, many with Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis. Madi attends Teen Camp every summer, participates in our Variety…

Thanks Sno Much!

We’d like to say thanks “sno” much to all those who came out to Ballwin Sno-Cone on August 25 in support of Variety Kids! From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on that date, a portion…

Variety Families and Friends Enjoy the Bommarito Automotive Group 500

On Saturday, August 21, 2021, Variety Families and friends had the chance to experience the thrill of IndyCar racing at the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at the World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, thanks to…

Chase Goes for Gold

When the Olympics and Paralympics air, you can find children around the world glued to their screens, dreaming of the day they might take the podium for their country. Variety Kid Chase is living out…

Leah is Amazing

Through Variety’s inclusive Performing Arts programs, Variety Kid Leah has grown and flourished into a confident young lady. Like all kids and teens in these programs, she is very talented, and it has been a…

Summer Camp 2021: The Great Virtual Adventure

For six weeks this summer, Variety Kids and Teens gathered online for an exciting and engaging Virtual Adventure and Teen Camp 2021. Through this virtual adventure, campers made crafts, played games, cooked snacks, sang songs,…

Building a Musical Theatre Toolbox at Curtain Up

Curtain Up Camp 2021 has wrapped, and it was certainly one for the books! We were excited to welcome the kids and teens involved in our upcoming production of The Music Man for a two-week,…

Virtual Camp Activity – Paper Bowl Jellyfish

Dive under the sea with our Virtual Campers and create a colorful jellyfish! This craft is easy and fun to make, and you likely already have all of the materials at home. And, if not,…

Variety remembers Henry Givens

Henry Givens was an extraordinary advocate for children with special needs. For more than 20 years, he and Belma have supported Variety and attended Variety events, especially Runway Lights Fashion Show and Dinner with the…

Welcome to Variety, Kathy!

Please help us give Kathy Payne a warm welcome to our Variety St. Louis family! Kathy is joining us as Controller in the Finance Department and will be responsible for payroll as well as supporting…

Virtual Camp Activity – Tape Resistant Painting

Love to paint but looking for a new method? Try making a tape resistant painting! Our campers tried it and they had so much fun creating their own designs with just cardstock, washi tape and…

Will Builds Strength and More on Horseback

Did you know that the cadence of a horse’s movement mimics a human walking? That’s what makes hippotherapy so effective – it gives those with mobility challenges, like Variety Teen Will, a way to build…

How to Help Variety Kids in 2021

With the global COVID-19 pandemic continuing into 2021, there are many who are still facing the challenges that come with it. If you’re looking for a way to help those affected by the coronavirus this…

MacKenzie’s Power Wheelchair Brings Independence and Fun

Like many people, Variety Teen MacKenzie hasn’t been outside much since March. MacKenzie’s manual wheelchair did not give her the freedom to move easily, making it difficult for her to even enjoy the outdoors around…

Ameren Corporation and Judy Jones receive top honors from Variety International

St. Louis (July 26, 2018) – Variety International  presented top honors to local philanthropist Judy Jones and Ameren Corporation during its 2018 world conference earlier this summer. Variety St. Louis also won the Mort Sunshine Award for Electronic Excellence. Jones, awarded…

You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Ava and Ashlyn’s Story

Variety Kids Ashlyn and Ava used to have a hard time making friends because of their communication challenges. Then, at Variety’s Adventure Camp, they each found a new best friend in the other. The two…

Warner Baxter steps up to lead Variety as New Board Chair

St. Louis (Jan 17, 2018) – Warner Baxter, Chairman, President & CEO, Ameren Corporation, and an active community leader and partner, has accepted the role of board chair of Variety the Children’s Charity.  Variety is St. Louis’…

Variety hires Chief Program Officer

St. Louis (Dec. 15, 2017) –Variety the Children’s Charity has chosen Susan Schuh, PhD MHA, as Chief Program Officer. Schuh has a PhD in Cellular and Developmental Biology from Stony Brook University, and a Masters, Health…