For 12-year-old Aurea, last summer marked a milestone. Living as an autistic pre-teen, new environments and unfamiliar experiences can often bring uncertainty. This was Aurea’s very first summer attending Variety Adventure Camp. For her family, saying “yes” to camp wasn’t something they took lightly. “First of all, this was one of the first camps that …
At first glance, it might look like an ordinary moment: an 11-year-old boy getting himself a drink from the refrigerator. But for Brandy, it was something much bigger. For the first time at 11 years old, Duncan got up, grabbed a cup, grabbed the juice from the fridge, took the cap off without help, poured …
Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis is thrilled to welcome Jonelle Masciotti as our new Director of Development. With nearly two decades of experience advancing mission-driven fundraising for national nonprofits, Jonelle brings both strategic expertise and a deep passion for creating meaningful impact for children and families. In her role, Jonelle will guide the …
We’re thrilled to share some amazing news — Variety’s Adventure Camp is now officially accredited by the American Camp Association® (ACA)! This national accreditation recognizes what our families, staff, and campers already know: Adventure Camp is a place where safety, inclusivity, and joy come together to create truly unforgettable experiences for kids and teens with …
Imo’s Pizza and Variety St. Louis teamed up once again to empower local kids and teens with special needs and to serve up a little extra happiness along the way. On Wednesday, October 15, more than 90 Imo’s locations participated in Imo’s for Kids Day, donating a portion of proceeds to support Variety’s life-changing programs. …
Imo’s for Kids Day Brings Joy (and Pizza!) to Variety Families Read More »
Variety Welcomes Leah! We are delighted to welcome Leah Folk to the Variety family as our new Senior Coordinator for Communications! In this role, Leah will be instrumental in sharing the stories of Variety children and families and ensuring these important messages of strength, determination and limitless possibilities are heard in and beyond the St. …
Variety Welcomes Megan! We’re excited to welcome Megan Myers to the Variety family as our new Health Services Coordinator! In this role, Megan will work closely with our Medical Equipment and Therapy Programs teams, providing vital support to local children with disabilities and their families. Originally from Southern Illinois, Megan graduated from Southern Illinois University …
At Variety St. Louis, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered — and that sometimes, the simplest things we usually take for granted can make the biggest difference. Recently, we had the honor of providing a life-changing piece of equipment for three-year-old Colton. His mother, Hannah, graciously reached out to share …
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 …
Welcome Abby | Development Coordinator Variety is excited to welcome Abby Stebner to the team as our new Development Coordinator! In this role, Abby will be instrumental in advancing our mission — helping to raise crucial funds, connect with generous donors, and support exciting new initiatives alongside our dedicated team. Abby comes to Variety from …
Meet Everett—first grader, dinosaur enthusiast, and all-around bundle of joy! His contagious laughter and bubbly personality make him a friend to all, especially at school, where students and staff alike greet him with big smiles and high-fives. But what makes Everett truly extraordinary is his journey of resilience and strength. At just 15 weeks in …
Variety St. Louis is proud to announce the appointment of Brad Tutterow to its Board of Directors. A seasoned IT executive and community leader, Tutterow brings a unique blend of technical expertise and heartfelt dedication to Variety’s mission of empowering children and teens with special needs. Tutterow’s journey to Variety began through the 2024 Nonprofit …
When you see 10-year-old Faith on stage, in the spelling bee, or on the court, it is hard to believe she was ever shy. But this dynamic Variety Kid has come a long way, transforming into a confident, compassionate, and unstoppable force. Faith’s journey began with a life-altering moment when her mother, Melanie, learned at …
90 Years Strong: Breaking Records & Changing Lives As we step into 2025, we reflect on and celebrate the incredible achievements of 2024—an unforgettable year for Variety St. Louis. We proudly supported over 1,500 families, marking a new record of Variety Kids served. What a remarkable way to honor 90 years of empowering kids and …
90 Years Strong: Breaking Records & Changing Lives Read More »
Hope in Every Step Three-year-old Danielle Rey adores all things pink and lights up with her love for Taylor Swift. Yet behind her vibrant spirit lies a challenging medical journey that has already seen her endure two six-month hospital stays. Danielle Rey has Mowat-Wilson Syndrome, Hirschsprung’s Disease, congenital heart issues, and more. She requires round-the-clock …
Honoring the Legacy of Sam Fox Variety St. Louis pays tribute to the extraordinary life of Ambassador Sam Fox, a remarkable individual whose humor, kindness, and commitment left an enduring mark on the St. Louis community. From humble beginnings, Sam achieved incredible success as the founder of Harbour Group, a billion-dollar investment firm, and as …
Bikes for Kids 2024 On Saturday, November 23, Variety St. Louis held its annual Bikes for Kids event, distributing over 230 bicycles to local children and teens with special needs. The event was made possible thanks to the dedication of more than 100 community volunteers, whose teamwork and enthusiasm brought it to life. Bike build …
Transforming Uncertainty into Independence For 90 years, Variety St. Louis has impacted thousands of local children with special needs, empowering them with the tools to unlock their full potential. With access to vital medical equipment, therapies, and socialization opportunities, Variety Kids’ possibilities are reimagined. After spending her childhood with the Variety family, 21-year-old Veronica is …
Variety Alum Veronica: Transforming Uncertainty into Independence Read More »
Imo’s Pizza and Variety St. Louis teamed up once again to empower local kids and teens with special needs. On Wednesday, September 18, over 96 Imo’s locations participated in Imo’s for Kids Day with 10% of purchases donated to benefit Variety programs. At Imo’s iconic Hampon location, Variety Kid Jo Jo (6) and Variety Teen …
