Variety of Illinois
Variety - the Children's Charity is an enthusiastic group of business leaders who donate their time, resources and energy to positively impact the lives of children in their own communities, and around the world.
VARIETY OF ILLINOIS PRESS RELEASES
THE ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS VIEWING PARTY PRESENTED BY VARIETY CHILDREN'S CHARITY
Brings the Red Carpet to You on Hollywood's Biggest Night!
Naperville, IL (January 20, 2012) – Hollywood's most celebrated event, The Academy Awards, will once again be feted at Naperville's Hollywood Palms Theatre this year to support Variety Children's Charity of Illinois. The Red Carpet. Celebrity interviews. Glam attire. Golden statues. Is this Hollywood? No, it's Naperville!
Come Oscar night, February 26, Hollywood Palms will be transformed into the Kodak Theatre of the Midwest! Dress to nines, walk the red carpet, chat with gossip interviewers, get your photo snapped by the paparazzi, and watch the Academy Awards in real time on the BIG screen. All proceeds benefit Variety, the Children's Charity of Illinois, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of local children in need.
Festivities Include:
- Red Carpet fashion, gossip and interviews: Walk the red carpet dressed in your best "Glam Attire" (encouraged but not required).
- The Academy Awards LIVE on the BIG screen with Hollywood's signature to-your-seat service.
- Silent Auction with premium gifts such as luxurious hotel stays, spa packages, movie memorabilia, sporting tickets, restaurant gift cards and more!
- Trivia, contests and commentary by our host Sarah Adamson from Hollywood 360.
- Take home engraved champagne glass, bubbly & appetizer reception (6pm-7pm).
- Take home 'swag bag' & printed photo.
- Limited edition Star Wars Gold Heart Pin – Variety's signature collectable.
Admission / Tickets & Location:
- $25 per person (suggested donation) – includes all festivities listed above.
- The event start time is 6 pm.
- Hollywood Palms Theatre, 352 S. Route 59, Naperville, IL 60540.
- Trivia, contests and commentary by our host Sarah Adamson from Hollywood 360.
- Secure seats today by purchasing tickets online at atriptothemovies.com.
- Pre-sale tickets are highly recommended, as seating is limited (no age restriction).
- 100% of proceeds benefit Variety, the Children's Charity of Illinois.
Variety the Children's Charity of Illinois to Mark Disabilities Day with Gift of Mobility
(Chicago, IL − Nov. 3, 2011) – Variety the Children's Charity of Illinois will join a nationwide effort of 14 Variety chapters, or "Tents," to observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 by presenting two sports wheelchairs and an adapted recumbent bicycle to three local children with disabilities.
Variety of Illinois will officially make the presentation to the children on December 3rd at the 23rd Annual Chicago Bulls Day for Kids event at 1770 Centennial Place in Addison, IL. The ceremony will take place during half-time of the Wheelchair Bulls All-Star game (approximately 11:15 am half-time start). The three recipients include: 13-year-old Joshua Silvern of Crystal Lake, 13-year-old Peyton Withrow of Roscoe, and 17-year-old Jose Gonzales of Chicago. All three kids have mobility disabilities, requiring them to use adapted equipment for sports and recreation.
The United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an annual occasion to reaffirm and draw attention to the rights of people who live with disabilities worldwide. Variety, through its "Kids on the Go!" initiative, regularly assists families who can't otherwise afford to obtain adapted sports equipment such as sports wheelchairs, handcycles and adapted bikes, as well as services designed to increase children with disabilities' access to their community, building the child's sense of independence and self-esteem.
"Variety Kids on the Go! not only helps kids gain mobility, confidence, freedom and independence; it gives them the chance to join in the life of their community," explains Variety of Illinois President Amy Key. "Every child that we can give the gift of mobility is an investment in improving the future for everyone."
The focus of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a global expression of local efforts by Variety across the United States, she noted. According to U.N. Enable, "Experience shows that when persons with disabilities are empowered to participate and lead the process of development, their entire community benefits, as their involvement creates opportunities for everyone – with or without a disability."
Variety Tents participating in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities-Monty Hall's birthday celebration include: Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Desert, Calif.; Colorado; Florida; Georgia; Illinois; Iowa; Detroit; Kansas City and St. Louis, Mo.; Buffalo and Western New York; Texas; and Wisconsin.
*For more information on how to participate in the 23rd Annual Chicago Bulls Day for Kids, visit "Chicago Wheelchair Bulls" on Facebook.
About Variety the Children's Charity
Variety the Children's Charity is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children around the world. Through our network of 43 Tents (or Chapters) in 13 countries, Variety reaches into communities across the globe to offer financial assistance and services to children and organizations that serve children with disabilities. Variety of Illinois supports children with disabilities, as well as those who are underprivileged, or otherwise at-risk.To learn more about this organization, please visit varietyofillinois.org or facebook.com/varietyofillinois.
Variety of Illinois is pleased to be one of the sponsors of AXIS Dance Company on November 19, 20 at the Auditorum Theatre.
CHICAGO — AXIS Dance Company, one of the world's most acclaimed and innovative ensembles featuring performers with and without disabilities, will change the way audiences think about dance and the capabilities of the human body with two spectacular performances at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (ATRU), 50 E. Congress Parkway, Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now and start at $30, available online at www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by phone at (800) 982-2787 or in-person at ATRU's Box Office. Click here to read more,
and for more information about this great event, please Click here
International Paralympics Day
In observance of International Paralympic Day on September 8, 2011, Variety presented another two kids with brand new equipment. These members of the local Paratriathlon team, Dare2Tri Paratriathlon Club (www.dare2trichicago.com), received special adaptive equipment to help them train for the Paralympic's newest sport for the 2016 Games, the Paratriathlon.
Aaron is 11 years old and has cerebral palsy. An adapted bike helps him to better participate with Dare2Tri in triathlons. Gabrielle is 8 and has spina bifida walks with braces and uses a wheelchair, also. She operates a handcycle for the bike portion of the event.
The Dare2tri Paratriathlon club has recently launched in the Chicago area. This club serves youth, adults and injured service members who have a physical disability such as an amputation, spinal cord injury, stroke, spina bifida, cerebral palsy as well as those with visual impairments or who are blind. Beginners to advanced athletes participate in any part of the triathlon: swimming, biking, or running. The club will provide the adaptive equipment, when possible, as well as training, coaching, handlers and guides so that all athletes can be fully prepared to Dare2tri and inspire others to do the same. Four triathlons are scheduled, one weekend camp and weekly training opportunities with certified coaches available to the athletes.
Variety hopes to provide even more athletes with the right equipment and see them reach their full potential.
15-Year-Old Holds Snow Cone Fundraiser.
Variety champion Brittany Bosca does it again with her annual snow-cone fundraiser to benefit burn survivors. See the press coverage here:
View Video
Chicago to Host Variety, The Children's Charity's World Conference, April 27 - May 1
CHICAGO – (March 28, 2011) – Variety, the Children's Charity, announced today that it is headed to Chicago to host its 84th Annual Variety World Conference. This year's conference will take place April 27 - May 1, 2011 at the iconic Palmer House Hilton and will honor the Chicago Cubs with the Variety Humanitarian Award.
"I'm so thrilled that Chicago is hosting Variety's 2011 World Conference, which celebrates the strides we're making to help children in need around the world," said Julia Morley, Variety's International President and Chairman of the Miss World Organization. "Variety can learn a lot from the hardworking, selfless people who live in this great city, as well as share a lot about how to improve the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children in their areas."
With an eight-decade legacy of caring for children across the globe, Variety is today the largest and most effective children's charity in the world, with 43 chapters across 13 countries having raised nearly $2 billion to-date to assist with the treatment and care of children with special needs.
The 2011 Variety World Conference is open to members of Variety chapters from around the world, volunteers, staff members, recipients of Variety's help or general public interested in Variety's mission and cause. Building upon the success of last year's World Conference in Los Angeles, emphasis this year will be placed on learning from each other and offering tangible ways to raise more money for children in any community... click here to read more.
Miss World Alexandria Mills
Unfortunately, the Cubs game was a wash out yesterday and Miss World didn't get a chance to sing :( Thanks to all that came out to support. We has Miss World on WGN Radio later in the evening supporting our Variety cause. Click here's to listen the podcast:
SYNAGOGUE FUNDRAISER SELECTS VARIETY TO RECEIVE DONATIONS
Children giving to children is a beautiful thing to see.
The Hebrew School of B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim, a synagogue in Deerfield, had a charity (tzedakah) fair in early
December and selected Variety of Illinois to be one of its recipients.
The school raised over $2,300 in just and hour and a half from 600 students ranging from Kindergarten to the 7th grade.
A group of 6th grade girls searched online for a charity that serves disabled children and disadvantaged youth. When they found Variety, they knew they wanted their funds to help children get the mobility equipment they need to play sports or get around more easily.
Other charities including the Jewish National Fund, UNICEF, Orphans of the Storm, and the National Wildlife Federation.
VARIETY IS FINALIST IN HIGH SCHOOL FUNDRAISER
Variety of Illinois was selected as one of six finalists to be the recipient of a high school fundraiser. Project ONE-27 is a district-wide fundraiser held during the month of February at Grayslake Central and North High Schools. The name refers to District 127 united as one for 27 days. The students at both schools will vote for one local charitable organization to receive the proceeds of the fundraisers. Individuals and groups at both campuses will plan a variety of events to raise money for the selected organization. This effort is being led by the Public Service Practicum classes at both high schools. This course seeks to provide students with opportunities to study and practice public service and develop skills and experience in leadership, teamwork, marketing, event planning, and other professional skills, while making an impact on the local community.
WHITE SOX AND BEARS TO HOST SPORTS CAMPS FOR DISABLED KIDS,
JULY 30 & 31
"Presented by Variety Children’s Charity of Illinois"
Chicago, IL (June, 2010) – When the beautiful weather rolls into Chicago, it can only mean one thing...It's time for the kids to come out and play! Variety Children’s Charity of Illinois and the National Sports Center for the Disabled are once again hosting FREE, public sports camps for children (ages 6-18) with disabilities, either physical or developmental. The one-day camps include instruction and skill development, use of equipment, games, prizes and possible appearances by players and coaches.
To view a fun video of the 2009 camps, visit: Variety's Believin' - in Sports Mobility
Chicago White Sox Camp
Date: Friday, July 30, 2010
Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location:
Miracle Field at Mt. Greenwood Park
3724 W. 111th St.
Chicago, IL 60655
Chicago Bears Camp
Date: Saturday, July 31, 2010
Time: 3:30pm - 6:30pm
Location:
Bears Training Camp
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
*The Chicago Bears have also invited the sports camp (kids, parents, siblings, etc) to stay and watch practice directly following the camp (includes privileged seating).
“Some of life’s most memorable experiences involve sports,” says Michelle Baert, president of Variety of Illinois. “All children deserve the ability to lead full and active lives.” As such, Variety’s signature program, Kids on the Go, gives kids with disabilities the access they require to experience sports firsthand by raising funds to purchase and donate sports mobility equipment.
For more information or to register for a camp(s), visit: National Sports Center for the Disabled . To volunteer to help at a camp(s), email jannapenhale@gmail.com.
About NSCD
The National Sports Center for the Disabled is one of the largest therapeutic recreation organizations in the world. Each year thousands of individuals with disabilities take to the ski slopes, mountain trails, and sports fields to learn more about sports and themselves. With specially trained staff and its own adaptive equipment lab, the NSCD teaches a variety of winter and summer sports to individuals with almost any mental or physical disability. For more information on the NSCD, please visit www.nscd.org.
About Variety
Variety – The Children’s Charity is a multi-million dollar philanthropic organization with locations throughout the United States. Starting with a baby left on the doorsteps of a movie theatre in 1928, Variety has continued to be a group of local business men and women, many of whom hail from the theatre and movie business, reaching out to children in need. Today, through the efforts of Variety’s enthusiastic volunteers and generous corporate contributors, the organization remains true to its heritage by bringing children real, tangible help. For more information on the Illinois Tent, which was formed in 1944, please visit www.varietyofillinois.org or call 312-822-0660.
VARIETY - THE CHILDREN'S CHARITY OF ILLINOIS LAUNCHES ANNUAL GOLD HEART PIN CAMPAIGN
"Support Children in Need by Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve"
Chicago, IL (December, 2009) - Variety - The Children's Charity of Illinois' signature fundraising initiative, the annual Gold Heart Pin Drive, aims to help children in need by asking people to literally wear their heart on their sleeve. Running from Thanksgiving through Valentine's Day, this year's Gold Heart Pin is adorned with everyone's favorite amphibian, Kermit the Frog. To send a Variety e-card from Kermit himself, or to view a personal message about the campaign from Variety friend, Whoopi Goldberg, go to http://varietyecard.org/.
Sold for $2 at area movie theatres, the Gold Heart pins are collected and worn by millions of people around the world as symbols of their support for Variety and the children who are helped by Variety funded programs and facilities. The Gold Heart Pin campaign is one of Variety's most recognized and successful global fundraising programs (Variety has 54 chapters in 13 countries - all of which participate in the Drive). The program was created in 1991 in Great Britain by a Variety International board member, who thought to create gold pins in the shape of hearts to raise funds to assist children in need.
For the past seven years, Variety has launched a partnership with the motion picture industry to design and market the Gold Heart pins around Hollywood movie properties. Each year, Variety partners with a major motion picture studio to design a new Gold Heart pin around a movie or a movie character from that studio. Gold Heart pins with tie-ins to universally recognized characters Mickey Mouse, E.T. , Shrek , and Spider-Man have helped raise awareness of Variety's work and have generated millions of dollars for children in need. More than 2,000 theatres around the United States sell the pins and display promotional posters, counter cards, in-theatre slides, film trailers and other materials. This partnership between Variety and the motion picture industry has raised $95 million dollars worldwide to date.
GRANTING GIFT OF SPORT TO DISABLED SCHOOL CHILDREN
CHICAGO, IL (September 2009) Variety Children's Charity of Illinois presented two Chicago Public Schools with grants in amount of $5000 each this month to assist them in obtaining adaptive sports equipment for students with disabilities (a photo of the check presentation is available for release upon request). Blair Early Childhood Center (6751 W. 63rd Place) will use the grant money to acquire updated adaptive sports equipment for physical therapy and Christopher School (5042 S. Artesian) will use it to resurrect its adaptive sports programs.
We are thrilled that Variety of Illinois selected Blair, said Principal Karen Bryar. We are celebrating our 25th anniversary next month and much of our adaptive sports equipment is original and broken down. With new adaptive bikes ranging from $1800 to $3000, Bryar admits the old ones have been extremely difficult to replace.
Rather than identifying a few children to donate adaptive sports equipment to, Variety chose schools because the funds will be used to purchase communal PE equipment. This way, every child in the building can benefit from the use of new adaptive bikes, trikes and sport chairs, adds Bryar. Blair services about 150 students between ages of 3 to 6, all of whom have disabilities "either physical or cognitive. Christopher School services children grades 1st to 8th. The school has approximately 250 students of which the majority has disabilities.
A NEW CHAPTER IN VARIETY'S HISTORY
The Incoming Board of Directors Lead the Way
Like no other in recent memory, 2008 was a memorable year in Illinois, and not just for the politicians making headlines.
The 2008/09 Variety of Illinois Board Executive Officers' induction, held at the 2008 Annual Meeting on November 19, 2008 at Marcello's Italian Restaurant near downtown Chicago, represents a continual shaping of Variety of Illinois's growth. Chairperson of the 2008/09 board, Nick Liberati, said, With the addition of several new board members, and continued board development, the diversity of experience and background of the group will fuel the growth of Tent 26 into the coming year."
As Tent 26, which began in 1944, moves into another busy and productive year, the board represents a renewed dedication to expanding Variety's programs and services for Chicago-area children. Executive officers include Chairperson, Nick Liberati; Board President, Michelle Baert; Vice President, Amy Key; Second Vice President, Linda Mastandrea; Third Vice President, John Stephens; Treasurer, Mayo Walcott; Secretary, John Bosca. The executive officers' oath included the spirited praise of long-time Variety member Ed Jablonski who spoke of board members' dedicated vision to serving Chicago-area children. Board leadership in Variety of Illinois will continue to build lasting relationships through its programs and services in Illinois.
Liberty Swing Brings Smiles to America’s Children
America’s first Liberty Swing was unveiled and dedicated to Swann Special Care Center, which cares for children and adults with profound mental and physical disabilities, in Champaign, IL on June 30, 2006. The simple act of swinging through the air, something most children take for granted, overjoyed young residents of the Swann Center during a memorable dedication ceremony as they tested the new swing made especially for the disabled. Designed in Australia by Wayne Devine, the Liberty Swing accommodates children in wheelchairs or those unable to use a conventional swing.
Variety of Illinois purchased the Swing three years ago when it hosted the international convention in Chicago and they chose the Swann Center as the first site in the western hemisphere to get one! The original Liberty Swing opened in Australia in 2001 and now there are 130 Swings throughout Australia and New Zealand and one in the United Kingdom. In keeping with Variety’s international reach, parents of Swann Center’s residents will be given keys that allow them to use any Liberty Swing around the world. As he waited for his turn, Swann Center’s own Randy Cockrell could barely contain his excitement. “Yay!” he shouted, laughing, as he rolled up to the Swing. After being buckled in, Randy grabbed one of the bars, threw his head back and shouted “Whee!” Thereafter, all of Randy’s berty friends were equally as thrilled once they too had their first ride! Tent 26 president Nick Liberati exalts, “Nothing makes our children smile more than swinging through the air!”
Watch YouTube Video
ABOUT VARIETY OF ILLINOIS:
It's Variety's belief that every child deserves access to lead a full and active life "on and off the playing field. Dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children in need, Variety implements an array of programs such as Kids on the Go, which provides adaptive sports equipment that insurance won't cover and exorbitant costs exceed families' means. Through the efforts of enthusiastic volunteers, generous corporate contributors and various fundraising endeavors, Variety remains true to its 80-plus year heritage by bringing children real, tangible help.
Media Contact: Jody B. Grimaldi | 630/470-0044 | jodybgrimaldi@aol.com
