Pizza, smiles, and a whole lot of heart! On Tuesday, October 13, Imo’s Pizza and Variety St. Louis teamed up once again for Imo’s for Kids Day, bringing the St. Louis community together to make a difference in the lives of local children and teens with disabilities. With more than 90 Imo’s locations participating, this beloved annual tradition raised $100,000 for Variety Kids and the equipment, therapies, and inclusive opportunities that help them thrive.
At Imo’s, the celebration came with a little extra fun in the kitchen! Variety Kids Emmett (8), Andrew (18), and Cricket (15) each had the chance to make their own pizza from start to finish. From adding their favorite toppings to practicing their pizza-flipping skills with plain crusts while waiting for their creations to cook, the kids made plenty of memories along the way. Their time in the kitchen was a fun reminder that sometimes, the best ingredients for a great day are a little creativity, a chance to try something new, and a whole lot of cheese!
“Variety has been a blessing to our family, especially for Emmett,” shared Emmett’s dad, Grant. “We were told early on that Emmett might never walk, but Variety helped provide orthotics for him.“
Each of these incredible kids has their own story, but they share the opportunities Variety helps make possible. Emmett, a Variety Kid since 2019, benefits from essential equipment and therapy. Andrew, who joined Variety in 2013, has explored his interests through therapy, Adventure Camp, Chorus, Dance, and theatre. Cricket, a Variety Kid since 2023, has enjoyed opportunities to participate in Adventure Camp and theatre. Through these programs, Variety helps kids build skills, discover new passions, and find meaningful ways to express themselves and connect with others.
For more than 20 years, Imo’s and Variety have shared a commitment to making a lasting difference for local families. Together, the two organizations have raised more than $2.2 million to help provide children and teens with disabilities access to essential equipment, therapy, recreation, and performing arts opportunities.
For families, the cost of specialized equipment and ongoing services can create significant financial challenges. Variety helps bridge that gap, connecting children with resources that support their individual needs and open doors to new experiences. Partnerships like this one make that work possible, helping more kids build independence, discover their passions, and experience the joy of simply being a kid.
“It’s an incredible organization and I know there are always kids and families that need services and need these opportunities,” shared Amy, Andrew’s mom. “And the donations, that’s what they go to, they go towards building these programs.”
“Variety counts on partners like Imo’s and the generosity of our community to help ensure children with disabilities have access to the tools and opportunities they deserve,” shares Brian Roy, Chief Executive Officer of Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis. “Our partnership with Imo’s has made a tremendous difference for local families over the years, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who placed an order, visited a participating location, and helped make this year’s event such a success.”
Thank you to the Imo’s team, participating locations, and everyone in the community who helped make this year’s Imo’s for Kids Day a success. Together, we’re helping more Variety Kids find their voice, explore their passions, and reimagining possibilities.
Join Imo’s in empowering Variety Kids today; because every child deserves the chance to shine.
