Is it your time to be discovered?

To help us raise funds and find an amazing opening act for our 2014 Variety Show, Variety is hosting a star search. We’re looking for talented and fun acts that want to win big. Whether you’re a group or individual, adult or child – if you have a special or unique talent, it’s your time to shine.

Enter your act by January 6

Submit your 3 minute (max) video highlighting your act by January 6, 2014 and help us raise money for children with special needs by paying the $10 application fee. 

Compete in the Variety Show Star Search

We’ll post the top 40 qualifiers for voting between January 10 and February 10 (one vote per dollar donated). The 10 acts with the most votes will compete live during the Variety Show Star Search on February 23 at Alamo Drafthouse. 

You could perform in the 2014 Variety Show!

One grand prize winner will get to perform live on The Midland stage before Sinbad – at the 2014 Variety Show (March 28). He or she will get a free, professional photo shoot session with Haley Photography.

So, if you’re looking for something fun to do over the holidays, get the kids, the band or whoever else together. Make a video and submit it by January 6 for your chance to win big!

For questions, call Luke Wade at 573-579-3668 or read our terms and agreement.

 

The Conversation: iPad Gives Voice to the Autistic

So proud Variety is offering this new communication device!!!
What a difference in the life of a child!

Hooray for Holidays 720p

The Variety Show is gaining momentum – with our Chair and Co-Chairs

Our committee and sub-committees have been meeting regularly and making big plays. So far, we booked the date, The Midland and Sinbad! And now, we’ve locked up the most amazing Chair and Co-Chairs.

Drum roll please …

Variety is proud to announce Mike Avery (President of Waddell & Reed Financial) as our one and only Honorary Chair. With his long history of doing great things for our community, we know Mike will be a wonderful addition to the 2014 Variety Show and so will our amazing Co-Chairs – Brent and Lee Ann Bloss (Waddell & Reed Financial) and Sean and Rayeann Yokley (CommunityAmerica Credit Union).

Mike, Brent, Lee Ann, Sean and Rayeann believe whole-heartedly in our organization and the children we serve. We are very lucky to have their support as we continue to plan and ultimately host the best Variety Show yet!

Our Honorary Chair – Mike Avery (President of Waddell & Reed Financial)

Brent and Lee Ann Bloss (Waddell & Reed Financial) and Rayeann and Sean Yokley (CommunityAmerica Credit Union)

Help us provide assistive devices for children with special needs. Grab your tickets now – and we’ll see you on March 28 for great food, drinks, friends and comedy!

Ryan Using Proloquo2go

Give the gift of laughter – with Variety Show tickets

This week, as you’re shopping for the perfect baby doll, bicycle, p.j. pants or purse for your friends and family members, remember to also give them something that represents the true spirit of the holiday season.

Give your loved ones special time together. Give children with physical and cognitive disabilities wheelchairs, van lifts and the assistive devices they need to be included in society. And, give everyone the gift of laughter.

Give tickets to our 2014 Variety Show – headlined by Sinbad the comedian.

Can we look forward to seeing you and your family or friends at the Show? Please click on “Comments” below to tell us why you wouldn’t miss it.

Help us celebrate 80 years with 80 stories

For the past 80 years, Variety of Greater Kansas City has been a charitable force in the Kansas City community – bringing the gift of mobility to children with mental and physical disabilities. 

Leading up to this year’s Variety Show, we’re planning to gather all the stories that represent that history that we possibly can. We want to celebrate the last 80 years and look forward to what is to come in the next 80. 

For 80 days leading up to the Variety Show on March 28, 2014, we will share a different story from families, children, volunteers and other Kansas Citians – and we want to make sure your story is included too. 

Share your story with us and we may feature it at the 2014 Variety Show

1. Post on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or our Facebook page with #varietyofstories
2. Or submit your story, photo or video on our landing page and we’ll share it for you

We hope you’ll help us celebrate our 80^th anniversary by sharing the story, memory or experience with Variety that means the most to you. Families and children are what make Varieties so special, and we can’t wait to hear all about your Variety memories.

Sinbad – for Good

Sinbad the comedian is back, and he’s better than ever – headlining our 2014 Variety Show and helping us give children with disabilities the freedom of movement!

Curious about his act? Watch the video of Sinbad’s “Where U Been?” tour below. 

Then, do a little good yourself. Get your tickets and join us for laugh-out-loud entertainment on Friday, March 28, 2014 at The Midland.

It's (Variety) Showtime!

Can you feel the excitement? It was buzzing all around at our first big Variety Show planning meeting a few weeks ago – and so were we. More than 20 eager volunteers – including familiar faces and friendly new ones – came together at The Bean Hangar to share ingenious ideas for tasty food and drinks, fun décor and especially, laugh-out-loud entertainment (stay tuned for a big announcement about that next week.)

Our annual Variety Show typically raises an impressive 50% of the funds we use to provide special needs children with wheelchairs, adaptive bicycles, prosthetic limbs and the freedom of mobility. And, this year’s show promises to be even better. 

Help us help children with special needs by putting Friday March 28, 2014 on your calendar. Be sure to follow our blog so you’re one of the first to know when tickets go on sale, and if you or your business are interested in sponsoring a table, please contact Deb Wiebrecht at varietykc@gmail.com.  

  

Front Row: Nancy Pagel, Brenda Clevenger, Lee Ann Bloss, Mark Moberly, Joy Sedlacek and Deborah Wiebrecht; Back Row: Tamera Rheuport, Gayle Terry, Annie Hellweg, Shannon Oleen, Ashley Martin, Luke Wade, Julie Burdick, Tim McCoy, Karen Abramowitz, Bill Gentilesco, Lindsey Jamis, Devin Moberly and April Lethert; Not Pictured: Laura Palermo, Katie Isebrands, Todd Natenburg, Carey Crossley, Lauren Baranowski, Megan Gelmers, Beth Ott and Quint Hall

Do you have an idea for the 2014 Variety Show? We’d love to hear it. Please click on “comments” below to share your brilliance!

Variety Baseball Ground Breaking

Variety Scimeca Wiffle Ball Classic

Variety Children's Charity of Greater Kansas City - Mission Video

Variety Scimeca Wiffle Ball Classic

Variety Equestrian Therapy Movie

Variety Kansas City Celebrates!

Tent 8 enjoyed another year serving the children of the Kansas City area.  If we were to put a title on our activities this year, it would most likely be called “Think Big, Think Outside the Batter’s Box.” 

Being in the unique position of straddling the states of both Kansas and Missouri, this year Variety Kansas City was proud to announce groundbreaking ceremonies for two adaptive playing fields.  Straight from the headlines of local media, “Royals & Royals Charities Partner with Variety Kansas City & Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to Build Fields on Both Sides of the State Line.”

The Independence Ability Field at McCoy Park in Independence, Missouri and Olathe Miracle League Field in Olathe, Kansas, offer specialized equipment ensuring all children can participate regardless of limitations created by disabilities.

These parks have been little more than a dream for many years now, until Variety stepped in, involving the Kansas Royals and Royals Charities. Now, because of the proceeds from the 2012 Major League Baseball Gatorade All-Star Workout Day held at Kauffman Stadium in July 2012, the fields have come to fruition.

That’s the greatest benefits of being involved with Variety.  Tents are able to make one-on-one impact on an individual child’s or family’s life, and can also participate or spearhead larger scale projects that will benefit their community for decades to come.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9e2vDc_UA24&feature=share&list=UUjEAPy1Ic5p7kuV_MWj_2sw

Variety Baseball Ground Breaking

Variety Family Spotlight: Elise's First Ride

Elise Ballard is a girl on the go, so her family wanted to get her a tricycle she could call her own. Working with their case manger Elise's mom, Kelly, contacted Variety to see what all was involved with getting an adaptive trike. Through submitting a little paperwork and getting quotes from the bike manufacturer, they were able to secure Elise's trike. 

When Elise was presented her trike, her first ride was memorable for her family. She immediately found and rang the bell. As she started peddling, she began laughing and smiling. Her excitement only grew as she felt the breeze on her face as she sped down the small hill in front of their house. 

Before receiving her trike, Elise would run beside her younger sister, Abby, as she peddled around the neighborhood. Now, the girls can play together. Because of her trike, Elise has made huge improvements on her flexibly, speed, and strength. It has also allowed the Ballards to ride together for a fun family activity. They love that it is easier to get outside and be apart of the community they live in. 

When Elise isn't busy riding with her sister and friends, she attends all day kindergarden where her favorite subjects are music and reading. She also enjoys dressing up, playing games, and playing with her dolls and train set. Variety the Children's Charity of Kansas City is so honored we could assist Elise and her family with their trike. There's nothing better than helping kids gain mobility and confidence! 

View Elise's first ride!

Happy New Year’s From Variety!

Variety the Children’s Charity of Kansas City wishes all our friends and family a joyous new year. With the new year comes many goals for resolutions and hopeful thoughts. To help keep you motivated, we would like to share the story of 2013 Variety Show performer Nate Muehe. 

Nate is an amazing kid who never allowed obstacles to get in the way of his passion. He was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome which ended his left arm just below his elbow. Despite not having a left forearm or hand, Nate has found a love for baseball and has excelled as a pitcher. The 13-year-old from Olathe, KS pitched a perfect game back in 2011 garnering him much attention for his 60 mph pitches. Since then, he has gone on to throw out the first pitch for The Kansas City Royals, and you might have recognized him from a 2012 Summer Olympic Nike commercial. Through Nate’s hard work, dedication, and optimism he is truly an inspiration for anyone going after their goals and reaching their dreams.