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.