VARIETY PAST EVENTS
We hope you will enjoy these photos from our recent Variety International World Conference.
View Heart Awards Evening, 29 April 2011 Gallery
View Humanitarian Gala, 1 May 2011 Gallery
View We Serve the Kids Lunch, 30 April 2011 Gallery
View Variety International Children's Fund Summit, 1 May 2011 Gallery
Governor Quinn gave a special proclamation at Variety's recent World Conference, Click here
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Variety Play for All at Blair School, Chicago.
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Governor Quinn gave a special proclamation at Variety's recent World Conference, click here
Variety's World Conference: An International Success
Variety, the Children's Charity held its 84th annual World Conference at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago from April 27 to May 1.
Since its inception in 1927, Variety – The Children's Charity has donated more than $1.7 billion for children in the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Canada as well as New Zealand, France, Ireland, Barbados, Japan, Mexico, Jersey and Hong Kong. Its diverse programs include providing wheelchairs and other mobility aids, specialized learning equipment and medical programs and hospital equipment among others. Through hard work, thoughtful stewardship, and single-minded focus on the needs of the young, Variety strives to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, their families, our communities and the world… one need at a time.
Each year, Variety brings together its members from around the world at an international convention. Hundreds of delegates representing all the countries in which Variety works attend, and it is a very special occasion indeed.
One of the highlights, the "Humanitarian of the Year" award presentation, is the focal point of this prestigious occasion, which was attended by members of the media, senior business leaders serving on Variety boards around the world, the Variety International Board and other representatives of the film and entertainment industry. Past recipients include: Sir Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, Dr. Jonas Salk, Dr. Henry Kissinger, HRH Prince Philip, "Doctors Without Borders," Bob Hope and Lord Montbatten.
Other esteemed awardees include:
HUMANITARIAN AWARDEE
Chicago Cubs
Since 1938, The Humanitarian Award has annually been awarded to a person or organization that has shown selfless dedication in the support of humankind. Each year the Chicago Cubs raise over $1.5 million dollars for Chicago Cubs Charities which helps to support local organizations and people in communities throughout the Chicago area. Chicago Cubs Charities supports programs that promote children and young-adult's interest in sports, particularly baseball. Other areas of support include community-based services targeted to low and moderate-income families; community development initiatives; schools, parks, open spaces and other organizations.
CATHERINE VARIETY SHERIDAN AWARDEE
Ric & Carol Jurgens
The Catherine Variety Sheridan Award, established in 1982, is presented to a person in recognition of his and/or her philanthropic achievements, primarily with underprivileged and disabled children. Both Ric and Carol Jurgens have been Variety supporters since the 1980s. Ric currently serves as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for Hy-Vee, Inc. Carol is on the board of Youth Homes of Mid-America and is also actively involved with Iowa State University. Leveraging their corporate partnership, both continue to join Hy-Vee in supporting Variety, giving time and financial contributions to activities such as Bikes For Kids, the Radiothon, golf events, Black Tie Dinners "and every other event that comes along." In 2007, Ric helped launch of the Hy-Vee Triathlon. Since its inception, the Hy-Vee Triathlon has raised more than $1 million for Variety the Children's Charity. Since 1983, Hy-Vee has generated more than $11 million for Variety!
SIR JAMES CARRERAS AWARDEE
Dr. Michel Ilbawi
The Sir James Carreras Award was originally established in 1986 to recognize those physicians whose dedication and skill in the field of pediatrics is exceptional. Michel Ilbawi, M.D., from Advocate Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois is a pioneer for a special procedure that switches the location of blood vessels leading into and out of the heart of babies marred by congenital defects. Dr. Ilbawi has made research and innovation as much of his practice as surgery and caregiving. When Ilbawi is not found in the operating room, he can be found in the lecture hall. After studying at the American University of Beirut, Ilbawi came to the States, where he focused on pediatric cardiac surgery at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, and at Cleveland's Case Western Reserve University Hospitals. Dr. Ilbawi's wonderful work is featured in a documentary film titled "Hearts of Hope"
Click here to view the trailer of this remarkable film.
JR. VARIETY AWARDEE
Brittany Bosca
Variety, the Children's Charity has a new award, the Jr. Variety Award, which salutes a special young person who has volunteered his or her time and talent in outstanding ways. This year, Brittany Bosca, is our most deserving recipient. For nine years, Brittany has held a Sno-Cone fundraiser outside of her home. Brittany raised $235 her first year when she was only 6 years old. For one day each summer, Brittany raises much-needed funds for the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Burn Camp. Now 15 years old, Brittany has donated more than $70,000 to the Burn Camp. The camp is for children who are burn survivors, aged 8-16 years, who get the opportunity to enjoy what all kids should have the opportunity to experience while at this camp. 100% of all money raised by Brittany goes directly to the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Burn Camp.
Presidential Citation for Gerry Henaghan
Variety of Illinois is truly honored to have Gerry as a member of our family.
What started with a simple phone call looking to introduce kids to our Variety organization has blossomed into a wonderful partnership with Gerry Henaghan, Manager of Special Recreation, of the Chicago Park District (CPD). Gerry's dedication to working with children with disabilities began at age 16 when she volunteered for the Chicago Park District-Special Recreation Unit. From there she has been a coach—and not just any coach —Gerry was selected five times as a USA Coach for Special Olympics representing the United States. She then was promoted to Program and Event Facilitator followed by Administrator for the Special Olympics.
In 2007, Gerry went back to the Chicago Park District and has expanded its staff, programs and services for individuals with disabilities ten-fold. She has been instrumental in letting kids with disabilities and their families know these kids can do anything they put their minds to when given the opportunity. Variety of Illinois partnered with Gerry and the CPD in 2008 to sponsor a new opportunity she initiated; adaptive sports camps. These camps are week-long and allow these special kids the chance to kayak, sail, fish, swim, play basketball, baseball, soccer and ride a bike to name a few of the activities. It is a huge success!!
Through our work together, Gerry has become our unofficial ambassador letting many families, organizations and schools know about our Kids on the Go! mobility program and Variety at Play, each of which have seen a significant increase in applications and participants. Gerry's tireless commitment to disabled kids has spanned 30+ years and for this we salute her! Keep up the great work!
Variety of Illinois is truly honored to have Gerry as a member of our family.
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I just want to thank you for inviting our kids and to just say what a wonderful and fun day it was. Even the adults stated that they had a great time. You folks certainly know how to engage kids as demonstrated by the activities on board the ship.
The seniors who were dressed as Clowns…stole the show.
Also, the Gala was so nice and the entertainment was AWESOME. It was so heartwarming to meet the son of the woman who inadvertently established Variety, the Children's Charity.
It was also inspiring to see Brittany, the young lady (15 year old) who was honored for raising thousands and thousands of dollars by selling Sno-Cones over a nine year period. To hear the firemen speak of their continued support of her efforts and that she had expanded her fundraising to include" young burn victims" resulting in donations totaling $70,000 leaves me at a loss for words. However, it does remind me of a recent quote I read:
Margaret Mead quotes
Beverly Blow
ABJ Community Services
