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.  

Volunteer Spotlight

On December 3^rd, Variety The Children’s Charity of Kansas City was proud to be apart of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Variety visited Harmony Elementary School in Overland Park, Kansas to present an adaptive bicycle to Harry Pettes. Harry was born with Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia and never had the opportunity to ride a bike. So, his school rallied around him and adopted the Catie Cares program to raise funds. As a result of selling pizza, candy and water, the amazing kids at Harmony Elementary raised over $900 all going towards Harry's first bike.

The Catie Cares program was envisioned by Variety child, Catie Flourney. After receiving her adaptive bicycle, Catie was inspired to give back to other kids with mobility needs. She encourages all kids to get involved with their families, friends, and classmates to help others. If you are interested in the Catie Cares program, make sure to check it out and get involved! 

Variety Events - Hooray for Holidays!

Hooray for Holidays is in full swing at Mission Farms! Variety The Children’s Charity of Kansas City is honored to have 16 local artists display their art with all the proceeds from the on-line bidding going to area Variety kids. If you want to own a one-of-a-kind piece, make sure to place your bid before 5 p.m. on December 7^th. It is as easy as clicking right here!

The amazing artwork includes Wes Benson’s Candy Number 3, Samantha Buller’s Time to Celebrate, Pam Peffer’s Abundance, Noelle Stoffel’s Joyful and Triumphant, Cynthia Hudson’s Celebrate, Nancy McCarthy’s Christmas Poinsettia, Teresa Dirks’s The New Year to Come 2013, Claudia True’s Memories, Jennifer Rivera’s Peace Within, Suze Ford’s Color The World, Trudi Burns’s Plaza Lights, Sue Adams’s Christmas Snow in Hackfall Woods, Steve Rimmer’s Universal Sigh, Julia Shapiro’s Holiday Bottles, Majo’s Cheers to Life and The Holidays, and Rebecca Pashia’s Generations. To see all the paintings in person, make sure to stop by Mission Farms at Indian Creek Parkway and Mission Road in Leawood, Kansas. 

Variety Events - Hooray for Holidays!

It is beginning to feel like the most wonderful time of year! Variety the Children’s Charity of Kansas City is kicking off the holiday season with our 2^nd annual Hooray for Holidays event at Mission Farms on November 15^th at 6 p.m.  The event will include a performance from the Shawnee Mission East Drum Line, the Heartland Ringers and Vocalocity, a presentation of gifts to local special needs kids, an official tree lighting by Santa Clause, and an auction of contributed artwork from 17 area artists with all proceeds going back to Variety of Kansas City.

The auction for original artwork will be hosted on-line at www.mission-farms.com. However, make sure to visit the different storefronts to see all the art in person. Contribution artists include: Wes Benson, Samantha Buller, Jennifer Rivera, Teresa Dirks, Cynthia Hudson, Trudi Burns, Steve Rimmer, Rebecca Pashia, Pam Peffer, Majo, Claudia True, Sue Adams, Noelle Stoffel, Nancy McCarthy, Suze Ford, and Julia Shapiro. If you aren’t able to make it out on November 15^th, the auction will last until December 7^th.

Variety would also like to give a huge shout-out to Drew Six! Thanks again for performing your amazing song for us at Haus in Martini Corner. Everyone had a wonderful time, and there was a great turnout of all our friends!

Variety Spotlight Shines on Drew Six

Variety the Children's Charity of Greater Kansas City is excited to celebrate the song release of Drew Six’s newest recording, We Choose Livin, this Thursday at Haus in Martini Corner. He originally wrote the song for the kids of Variety, and then performed it with our Danielle Coulter at the 2012 Variety Show. After the show, Drew traveled to Nashville where he rerecorded the song with country music artist Sarah Allison Turner. His music journey can be seen here at Drew Six TV.

Variety would like to extend an invite to all our friends, family, volunteers, and music enthusiasts to join us this Thursday, October 25^th, from 5-6 p.m. at Haus in Martini Corner to hear Drew  sing the song live, get his autograph, and purchase a copy of the song. Drew Six will graciously donate all proceeds of the downloaded song to Variety! The song dropped today on iTunes, so we’re encouraging everyone to check it out. Thanks, Drew!

Family Spotlight

Variety the Children's Charity of Greater Kansas City is dedicated to making differences in the lives of kids and their families. Today’s Variety Family Spotlight shines on Lucy and her mom, Jill Cook. Here is a heartwarming update on Lucy’s progress:

Since Lucy is the youngest of four children I really wasn't concerned about the fact that she wasn't walking - really wasn't even pulling up to stand on her own - until she reached eighteen months. That's when I contacted Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County. After her initial evaluation we were assigned one of their wonderful physical therapists who began working with us on a regular basis immediately. Lucy's therapist soon concluded that orthotics were necessary to correct and help strengthen the lack of muscle tone in her little legs. Unfortunately the type of orthotics Lucy requires are very costly, and though we have insurance we were responsible to pay for them in full. Lucy is a very strong-willed child, and I truly believed that her refusal to even try to walk was a choice. She found a way to get around on her knees quite well, and she has three big brothers to help her reach anything she might want. Imagine my shock and amazement when Lucy stood up and walked around our coffee table the very first day she wore her orthotics! Her very first steps on the very first day of wearing them!! It was as if she had been wanting to stand up and walk all this time but simply couldn't. I don't think I stopped smiling the rest of that day. I am so proud of the progress she continues to make, and I finally have hope that she might be walking close to her second birthday! I am overwhelmed with gratitude for Variety KC's generous gift that will empower my daughter to walk. Sincerely, Jill Cook (Proud mother of an almost-walker)

Variety is so proud of Lucy and the progress she has made. With the help of warm hearted volunteers and generous donors like yourself, we will continue to make miracles happen. Click here
for information on how to help Variety children and their families.