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 of Michael and the Centene Charitable Foundation. His personal and professional commitment has made an immeasurable impact on so many …
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 in a safe, exciting way. Attendees will be immersed into the stories of Variety Kids and families as we celebrate the …
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 the lives of those affected by autism spectrum disorders. Their goals include expanding the capacity of organizations to effectively serve …
Variety’s Adventure Camp program is now hiring for Summer Camp 2022. Several paid and volunteer positions are available!
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 families to ensure they receive the assistance they need. Julie’s background has more than prepared her for this role. She …
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 process for families looking for assistance as well as creating a better online donation experience.
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 how they achieved their unique possibilities, covering a wide range of topics. Variety Kids and Teens – and their families …
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 were able to continue to evolve as an organization, providing Variety Kids and their families with uninterrupted access to our …
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 event, Kim and Gracie, dressed as elves named “Holly” and “Jolly”, delivered holiday cheer in the form of goody bags …
A Holly Jolly Good Time with Variety Social Groups Read More »
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 the incredible source of hope and joy for children with special needs and their families without Jan Albus. She makes …
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 get back to what is always one of our favorite days of the year. During the event, more than one …
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 of the stand’s proceeds benefited Variety St. Louis and the kids and teens with disabilities we serve. Variety Families and …
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 the generosity of World Wide Technology and the Steward Family Foundation. The organizations donated more than 500 tickets to Variety …
Variety Families and Friends Enjoy the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 Read More »
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 those dreams. Last month, Chase competed in swimming at the Move United Junior Nationals, which serves as a pipeline towards …
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, went on virtual field trips, and so much more, all while building friendships that are sure to last even after …
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 Stars. His work enriched St Louis and we will miss him.
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 finance and accounting operations. Kathy has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Her …
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 strength and coordination by riding a horse. Hippotherapy combines physical, occupational and speech therapy and uses equine movement to develop …
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 year, there are many ways you can do so at Variety St. Louis! Variety Kids, many of whom are immunocompromised, …
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 her own home. Recently, however, MacKenzie received a power wheelchair with help from Variety and our supporters. This power wheelchair …
MacKenzie’s Power Wheelchair Brings Independence and Fun Read More »
