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 Polina (18) were warmly welcomed by Imo’s CEO, Mark Miner, and his team. Jo Jo and Polina shined in the spotlight as they created their own pizzas live on Fox 2. Jo Jo excitedly called his cheese-loaded creation a ‘volcano’!
“Variety St. Louis holds a special place in our hearts, and we are honored to support their mission of providing children with the tools they need to overcome challenges and embrace their full potential,” shares Imo’s Pizza Founder, Margie Imo. “We salute their 90 years of service to the children and families of the St. Louis region.”
This year, Variety marks 90 years of empowering kids, while Imo’s celebrates 60 years of creating cherished memories for St. Louisans. For more than 20 years, these two community pillars have partnered together, contributing $2.1 million in support of local families in need.
As families face costs that continue to rise as healthcare access dwindles and insurance coverage falls short, they depend on the generosity of the community. Imo’s support is especially crucial now as requests for Variety’s programs have exploded, forcing significant waitlists for essential tools like medical equipment, therapies, and recreational opportunities.
“Variety families depend on Imo’s and the community to empower their children to grow in independence, build meaningful connections, and actively engage in their world. With demand at an all-time high, we are especially grateful for partnerships like Imo’s that help transform the lives of Variety Kids and their families,” says Brian Roy, CEO of Variety St. Louis.
The ongoing partnership between Variety and the Imo’s family is celebrated with immense pride and gratitude by Variety families. Thanks to this partnership, kids with disabilities in the St. Louis region gain access to vital equipment and therapy, changing their lives forever.