#givingTuesday #forVarietyKC

First it was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday and now the best day of all: #givingtuesday

Developed as a charitable alternative to the all-out shopping extravaganza that takes place in the days following Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday has made a holiday out of giving back to organizations that change lives in the communities they serve. This year, Giving Tuesday falls on December 2 and Variety KC is asking for your support.

With the end of the year coming up, this is a big chance to make a difference for nonprofit organizations throughout the nation — including Variety KC.

So how can you support us in our mission to provide mobility equipment, communication and inclusion for Kansas City kids with disabilities?

There's a few quick and easy ways to make it happen:

Make a donation at www.varietykc.org

Purchase a Cuddle Bear for $25 to give to a child in recovery

Volunteer at one of our many events found on our website

Organize your own event to raise money for Variety KC kids.

 Giving Tuesday represents an incredible outpouring of generosity across the nation. Follow #GivingTuesday on Twitter to see all the other worthy organizations that are raising money on this day!

Tags: 

#forVarietyKC

#varietykc

#givingTuesday

#specialneeds

#nonprofits
#childrenwithdisabilities
#inclusion
#Communication

Variety - the Children's Charity's 2014-2015 PSA featuring the Minions

Buy your Minion pins today to support Variety KC kids! Available at Cinemark ad B&B Theatres!!

Young Variety at Sporting KC

Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are (Cover by MattyBRaps ft. Tyler Ward)

Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are (Cover by MattyBRaps ft. Tyler Ward)

Catie Cares Program

The phone is a lifeline to the family of a child with mobility issues.

When the phone rang at Variety KC, the call began like so many others.  Catie needed prosthetics, but insurance had run out and her family was tapped out.

Her mother’s voice was a combination of a resolute fighter used to advocating for her child, and the quivering hopeful voice of a mother tired from the fight.   

But this call was different.  It came at a time when Variety resources were strong from recent fundraising success and when the partnering resources were available.

Catie got her prosthetics.  Catie gained mobility, her family gained hope, and the Variety community celebrated right along with them.

And then the phone rang at Variety KC. 

This time it was a child’s voice, brimming with confidence and enthusiasm.  Catie wanted to help other kids like her. She had a plan, she had a name, and she had a goal.  Catie Cares was launched. A single child, giving back, armed with childlike ideas on how to raise awareness and funds.  And it was contagious.  

Phone calls were made and ideas were launched on our website www.varietykc.orgfor kids to raise funds for other Variety kids.

And Catie Cares caught the attention of a major philanthropic business in our area, Waddell and Reed. As a result, this year Waddell and Reed underwrote Variety KC’s primary fundraiser with one of their executives chairing the event and appearing on stage with Catie.

They cared because Catie cared, and because at the end of the line of another desperate phone call, Variety KC cared.

Variety Children's Charity- Popcorn month

80 Stories, 80 Days: Beaming Around the Neighborhood

This awesome story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.

From Sarah Beers:

Variety Child, Sam Beers, showing off his trike and his muscles with the neighbor boys!

My son Sam received an adaptive trike from Variety a couple of summers ago. He has had so much fun riding it and I think of the generosity of the Variety crew whenever I see him ride it. We have been shown so much love by Variety and we're so grateful to be a part of the family. I'm attaching a photo of him during the summer with the other boys in the neighborhood riding bikes. He was just beaming on this day. The best part is that his bike is actually faster than theirs!

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Remember What’s Important in Life

This heartfelt story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.

From Alicia Kirkpatrick:

I will never forget the Variety Show of 2013. I was fortunate enough to be on the Young Variety planning committee with Deb, Mark, and the rest of the amazing individuals that comprise the group. 2013 was my first year to be involved, and we worked for months preparing for the big event. Words cannot express how I felt when I walked into the Midland that evening and saw all of the pieces come together. I saw the kids for the first time when everyone met on stage to rehearse with Drew 6. As soon as he started performing and the kids joined in, I was brought to tears. Sometimes the stresses of life can cause you to forget about what is really important in this life. That moment brought me back to reality and filled my spirit with something I had not felt in a long time.

Deb, thank you for all you do. Cheers to Variety, and here’s to another 80 years... and more!

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Seeing Our Children Shine

This wonderful story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.

From the Mast Family:

Variety Child, Rachel Mast, on stage during the 2013 Variety Show.

We started our Variety journey in Memphis TN. It was such a positive experience that when we moved to Kansas City, we hoped to continue to be involved with Variety. My husband met Deborah at an event and then I met her. We were impressed with her and what they were trying to do. We have had the opportunity to do some events with the Royals and some really fun things. Rachel even got to meet and have her picture made with Billy Brewer! My best memory is around the Variety Acting Camp this past summer. My daughter Rachel has been in 14 stage productions. She loves the theatre. Deb and I had discussed inclusive theatre and Variety a number of times. This past summer Variety KC had their first camp. In conjunction with Stage Right Productions, they recruited typical peers and put on a short program at the end of the two day camp. This will probably seem like an odd memory, but here it is. Rachel has been on the stage a lot. She has Down syndrome and has good communication skills. Some of the students in the camp were in wheel chairs while others had serious medical conditions or other sensory issues. Many of their parents saw them on stage for the first time that afternoon. That’s my best memory of Variety. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to be a part of it and for what you do for kids and families! May God continue to bless.

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: The True Heroes

This great story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.

From Todd Natenberg:

This is my first year on the committee of the Children’s Variety show, and I'm very excited. I was first introduced to the organization because I'm a former mobility manager for a company that provides wheelchair accessible minivans for special needs individuals. In that capacity, we partnered with Variety to help children. While I'm new to Variety, I have a long history of helping those with special needs. That's why I'm helping now. Most recently, I volunteered at a summer camp for children with Muscular Dystrophy who were confined to wheelchairs. To see their bravery and positive outlook on life, it was I who received the gift, not the one who gave it. They were the true heroes.






Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: A Heartwarming Experience at Starlight

This sweet story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.

From Bob Potemski:

2013 was the first year in my memory that Variety Club was able to participate in Starlight Theatre's Community Ticket Program, a program through which we make it possible for individuals typically unable to access live Broadway entertainment to attend performances here at Starlight. Watching the faces of the kids and their parents during shows like Disney's The Little Mermaid was a truly heartwarming experience.

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: A Memorable Moment - Forever in Our Minds and Hearts

This powerful story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.

From the Paro Family:

Variety child, Emily Paro, with her handcycle
and Variety's Director, Deborah Wiebrecht.

My daughter Emily was born with Spina Bifida and is paralyzed from the waist down. Deborah and the Variety team along with a local high school (Shawnee Mission Northwest) students purchased her the most awesome hand cycle I have ever seen.

The presentation was so memorable from the tunnel that all the adults formed for all the kids in the school to the tasty donuts that were given to everyone. It was a very memorable moment that will forever be embedded in our minds and hearts.

Variety does everything they can to help children and I am so thankful they have been involved in our lives. Deborah is such a delight to be around. She really deserves a major pat on the back or maybe an awesome trip to Hawaii (Hint! Hint!).

Like Deborah told me the first time we talked "Once your in the Variety family you’re taken care of and never forgotten."

Thanks,
Dean and Angela Paro

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: “Transporting” Children

This joyful story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.

From Larry Carl:

The Automobile Dealers Association of Greater Kansas City established its own Charitable Foundation in 2010. It was done with the objective to give back to the community that supports the dealers' businesses and to positively impact the lives and futures of Kansas Citians. The nature of the dealers business is transportation, thus an emphasis was placed on providing grants that benefitted children who have mobility challenges. Our first experience with Variety KC was at our Auto Show where we able to present adaptive bikes to two wonderful kids. The expression on their faces and to see their eyes light up brought tears of joy to everyone present. We have been happy to be a sponsor of the Variety Show in the past and have big plans for the special park that will be dedicated this summer.

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Meeting the Kids. Seeing the Impact.

 

Kirby’s story of seeing the difference he’s making as a Variety volunteer is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. Through it, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.  

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Jackson’s Gift - Riding Everywhere with His Brother

This wonderful story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.  

Written by Laura Kozisek:

Jackson riding all over on his bike from Variety.

My son Jackson, age 11, has a disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis. Basically, he has benign tumors that are growing on most of his major organs. The tumors on his brain cause seizures. In addition, he is epileptic, Autistic and OCD. Because of his developmental delays, he is unable to ride a regular bike. His brain doesn't allow him to focus on balance, pedaling, turning, and stopping all at the same time. Last year, we found a big wheel type bike that he could ride around the neighborhood with his brother, however, he has outgrown this "bike". Variety sponsored Jackson and provided him with the most awesome bike. It is a four wheel pedal bike. It doesn't require that he balance it because it is on 4 wheels. When he is riding on the sidewalk and falls off because he doesn't go in a straight line, it doesn't get stuck. It doesn't get stuck on every bump in the side walk. It just goes everywhere. We got it out on one of the warmer days this winter. There was still ice on our driveway. He was riding it on the ice and was so excited because he was a "zamboni" from the ice rink. He also loves riding around with his brother and his friends. Some nights, it is hard to get him to come in. Thanks Variety for giving Jackson the ability to ride a bike with his brother and friends!  

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.  

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: It’s Amazing!

This beautiful story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.

From Darby Brender:

The smiles that light up the faces of those children will forever be embedded in my mind. The joy they get from simple mobility or communication devices provided by Variety - is amazing! The families show gratitude, give support, and create a strong community within this organization. This is truly one of my favorite organizations in Kansas City!

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Opening Up a Whole New World

This very special story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.

From Mona Edwards:

I have been blessed to witness what Variety KC can do for families. I am a special education teacher and have had several students receive adaptive bicycles through Variety KC. Having access to a bike at home opens these students to a whole new world. They are able to interact with the peers and families in ways that they have never been able to before! Thank you Variety KC for all that you do for our very special friends!

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Giving Haley Something to Strut About

 

Haley’s inspiring story about singing, acting, "showing off" and never letting anything hold her back is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. Through it, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Helping Kids Dream

This story of support is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now. 

From “win c”:

I got involved with this amazing cause via a friend of mine, and I am fully supportive of their mission to support individuals with disabilities who may not have good dreams and the message to achieve them.

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: A Special Appreciation for Life

This humbling story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now. 

From Quint Hall:

There are a lot of great charities and amazing causes out there, but, I have found, that Variety offers something truly special. These children face a level of difficulty that no person should have to know, especially a child. But, at the same time, they show up and fight everyday. Variety does a lot of amazing things for these kids, but we're just support; it's these kids who are the driving force. They have an energy and appreciation for life is unequal.

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Helping Kids, Including Danielle

 

Danielle’s inspiring story of interacting with her peers and volunteering for her community is part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. Through it, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.  

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Hooray for Hooray for the Holidays!

This fun story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.  

Written by Laurie Morrissey:

Variety children, families and volunteers at Hooray for the Holidays!

HOORAY for the HOLIDAYS! I love this kickoff to the holiday season! It's always a fun event to get to share the excitement of the holiday season with not only my kids, but all the Variety kids as well! Fusion Fitness hosts a party where it's magical to look around and see all these kiddos dancing and enjoying the music and joy of just being a kid!

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Helping Kids Be Kids

 

Jeremy’s story of getting an adaptive bicycle and just being a kid is part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. Through it, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.  

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Helping the Marker Family go places

This moving story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.  

Written by Christy Marker: 

The Marker boys with Variety's Executive Director,
Deb Wiebrecht, and their wheelchairs.

I can't pick only 1 memory. Variety has been a source of friendship and opportunity for our family. My boys have both benefited from the generosity of Variety with their assistance purchasing a wheelchair and with adaptations made to our van to allow their wheelchairs to be transported. Without Variety, we would feel lost. The freedom to be mobile, outside of the house, has allowed the boys to make friends and participate in age appropriate social events. They can go to football games, birthday parties, after school events, etc. Thank you to the Variety Board of Directors, Volunteers, and everyone who has ever participated/supported/or donated to Variety. We love you all!

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Zoe’s Everything

 

This heartwarming story about supporting Zoe and helping her interact with her peers is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. Through it, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.  

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: We Are a Family

This happy story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.

From Danny O'Neill: 

Variety is one of the most special organizations that I am involved with. From their inspired and passionate leadership to the children so full of love and gratitude, it is a heartwarming and uplifting organization. I've never been involved with a group of more positive, happy and giving people in my life. They are fun, creative, giving and just wonderful people to hang around with. Some of my best friends and some of the most meaningful business relationships were born in working with the Variety family; and they are truly a family.  

Danny O’Neill backstage with the dancers
at one of Variety’s biggest fundraisers –
the 2013 Variety Show

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.  

80 Stories, 80 Days: Kamora’s Wish

 

This inspiring story about Kamora’s wonderful way of doing things is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. Through it, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Haley’s Proof

 

Haley’s inspiring story about learning to be strong and embracing who you are is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. Through it, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.  

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Giving Kynedi a Lift

This wonderful story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.

Written by  Octavia M. Pleas: 

Dear Deborah and Advisory Board,

Words are not available to express the kindness exhibited toward my granddaughter, Kynedi. We were in dire straits when Variety stepped in and demonstrated care and concern for our unique position and was instrumental in expediting the repairs on Kynedi’s stair lift. Kynedi had been scooting up and down the stairs to get to her bedroom for over a week. She is wheelchair bound and had previously had surgery on her left femur on May 21, 2013. This would be her 35^th surgery since birth. Her doctor gave strict instructions regarding her bearing weight until her sixth week checkup. Approximately two weeks ago, her stair lift stopped working. We had difficulty getting the technician to return because we owed from a previous service call. A service call is one hundred fifty dollars plus other necessary cost dependent upon needed repairs.

I am a retired grandmother who lives on Social Security and Retirement with no savings to fall back on. We did not have money to get the stair lift repaired. The technician informed us that the circuit board was blown. We suspected that it could have occurred when we had the storm the week before. He told us that the cost of the board would be $584. We panicked because we had no idea how we could afford to repair the lift and we did not have money. Nor did we know how to keep Kynedi from bearing weight on her leg and getting her up and down the stairs.

I emailed Deborah Wiebrecht and she immediately began working to see if she could assist in resolving our dilemma. I submitted an application and followed the steps for assistance, and after a few days, Deborah and the Advisory Board at Variety called an emergency meeting, submitted a check to Silver Cross, and informed me that we would soon be getting the stair lift repaired soon.  

We are so grateful for Variety and we can’t begin to express our appreciation … We now know that she will soon be able to get to her bedroom on her stair lift. We are so grateful.

This is not the first time Variety has assisted our family. In 2009, we needed a Conversion Van to take Kynedi to the many hospital and doctor appointments, school activities, etc. I traded my car in for a Van but she needed the ramp for getting her wheelchair in and out of the Van. Variety paid for the conversion ramp and it has been a life-saver. We use to have to pick Kynedi up and put her in the car, fold and unfold her wheelchair, coupled with taking the chair in and out of the trunk for every trip. It became more difficult as the years went by and she grew and became heavier to lift. With the ramp on the Van, she is able to steer herself into and out of the Van in her power chair.  It has now been four years and thanks to Variety, our lives have been much more manageable.

May God continue to bless you and the wonderful outreach you have for children with disabilities. If there is ever anything we can do to help Variety, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We will do our best to rise to the occasion.

Respectfully,

Octavia M. Pleas

Grandmother 

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Putting a Groove in Their Steps

This heartwarming story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.   

From Sara Hart:

I have been a Variety volunteer for over two years. Last year, I became more involved with the Variety Show's talent search. As a result, I was invited on stage for the show's finale and was paired up with a Variety child. The final number featured Drew Six singing his original song, "We Choose Livin'", and the whole cast sang along and danced behind Drew. The boy that I was paired up with was hesitant about dancing and barely moved to the beat during rehearsal despite my coaxing. When it came time for the real thing, though, he finally caved in, started clapping and swaying along, and had a big smile on his face doing it. After the show, his mom found me and told me he hadn't stopped talking about his "dance partner" and wanted to dance again.

During those 2.5 minutes, our Variety kids became the stars of the show. They danced, they smiled and they sang along. I may have helped put a smile on that child's face but that memory will stay with me forever. These kids face challenges every day, and Variety makes it easier (and more fun) for them -- putting smiles on their faces and maybe even a groove in their step.

Variety children and volunteers starring in the grand finale of the 2013 Variety Show

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.

80 Stories, 80 Days: Speaking (and Singing) for Children with Disabilities

This beautiful story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.   

From Danielle Coulter:

My most fun memory about Variety is when I helped write and sing the Variety song with Drew Six, because I love when we show people what disabled kids really feel like inside. I really love helping speak their message, when they can't do it by themselves.

Variety kid, Danielle Coulter, backstage with Drew Six at the 2013 Variety Show

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad.