Variety News
Official Newsletter of Variety International
Greetings!
We welcome you to 2010 and to the 2nd edition of our Variety International official e-newsletter. We are inspired by all that is going on around the world to support our mission to improve the lives of children. Natural disasters and tough economic times are troubling, but our spirit is renewed by the outpouring of love and action. Thank you for being a part of what brings hope and light and inspiration. We're bringing you Variety International news from around the globe so that we can all stay informed and be inspired by the work we're doing for children.
Please keep us informed of news from your Tent by emailing us atevariety@varietychildrenscharity.org.
Sincerely,
Michael Huffman
Director of Development & Communications
Variety International
VARIETY IN HAITI
Variety International's Earthquake efforts in Haiti:
At the Variety International Board Meeting in October, the VI Board voted to embark on a mission to Haiti, to address the many needs of children throughout the region. In light of the recent tragedy, Variety International has diverted its energy and mission to the areas struck hard by the recent earthquake.
Variety International is presently responding to the Haiti earthquake disaster through a collaborative effort with Children's Health Missions International, Partners in Health, Operation Smile and Dr. Ben Fredrick of Penn State's Global Health Program.
Dr. Fredrick serves as the Director of Variety International's children's outreach project in Pestel, Haiti. Pestel was not impacted by the earthquake, however Dr. Fredrick, the Director of Penn State's Global Health Center was appointed by the Dean and Chief Executive of Hershey Penn State, Harold L. Paz, M.D., to lead the Hershey Medical Center and Penn State's Medical College response to the Haiti disaster.
The Penn State Hershey Medical Center volunteer team of nine physicians, nurses and technicians departed Thursday evening, January 21st for Norfolk, Va., and then boarded a military flight to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Dr. Fredrick reports to Variety International: "J. Spence Reid, an orthopaedic surgeon in the Penn State Hershey Bone and Joint Institute, is also coordinating the medical mission with a pair of not-for-profit health organizations -- Partners in Health, which has been providing medical care in Haiti for more than 20 years, and Operation Smile. We have faith in the ability of Operation Smile and Partners in Health to handle the logistics that allows our team to concentrate on providing vital care to the many people in Haiti who desperately need it. We certainly hope to make a difference. The team expects to be in Haiti for approximately two weeks."
Funds raised to date by Variety International, the Children's Charity have provided the outbound Hershey team the necessary travel vaccinations for travel to Haiti. Additional funds are purchasing the necessary Tetanus shots needed for the patients in Haiti to receive prior to surgery. The ongoing and long term needs for Haiti will require a sustained plan for more volunteer medical missions.
Dr Frederick added: "I wish to thank the Variety International community that is around the world for their support. The need is so vast, despite the many efforts. There will be costs for such things as translators, supplies, and in-country transportation, rebuilding structures, and other medical equipment. The list of needs will be big, but what we accomplish will be greater because of Variety International's support."
If you receive any inquiries or know of anyone wishing to help support these efforts, donations may be sent to:
Variety International Haiti Mission4601 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 260
Los Angeles, CA 90010
or an online donation may be made at https://secure.siteoncall.com/events/register_online.php?event=175and please indicate "Haiti Mission" in the comments section.
2010 VARIETY WORLD CONFERENCE - BOOK NOW!
Have you booked your reservations for the 2010 Variety World Conferencein Hollywood, California? May 20th will be here sooner than you think! Come to the heart of Hollywood and the Heart of Show Business! Join in on the fun, education, camaraderie and
goodwill for only $600/delegate, or $200 w/ Young Variety.
REGISTER NOW!
Take advantage of your trip to warm, sunny, Southern California and stay for a few extra days. The 4 Diamond Renaissance Hollywood Hotel and Spa is the official hotel of the Academy Awards. The complex is the home of the Kodak Theatre, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Disney's El Capitan, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 26 eateries, 3 night clubs, more than 60 retail shops and much more. Take advantage of the great Room Rates that have been extended to us for our 2010 Variety World Conference. These rates apply three (3) days pre and post event.
Single Room: $149
Double Room: $149
Executive Bedroom: $209
One-Bedroom Suite: $209
Studio Suite: $999
(All Rates in $USD)
In addition to the outstanding room rates, we have negotiated for all Variety guests to receive Complimentary In-Room High Speed Internet Access during your stay. Boook your roomNOW for the Variety World Conference and be a part of this exciting, motivating event.
The dedicated website for the Conference, where updated information, registration details, etc will be posted is
http://VarietyWorldConference.com
GRANTING WISHES WITH GRANT MONEY
Congratulations to Variety Wisconsin, Tent 14! The Wisconsin Variety Team has been doing a lot of soul searching and reorganizing over the past few years and their new focus and mission has paid off. Last January they wrote a request for $40,000 in federal earmark funds through WisconsinRepresentative Gwen Moore. They requested $30,000 for funding of equipment, services, therapy and $10,000 for increased staffing of their program. They just received the news that the funding was signed into law on 12/31!
Additionally, they were chosen for an in-kind grant of services from a local marketing firm which will construct a PR campaign for them. Considering one of their goals for this year is to raise awareness for Variety of Wisconsin amongst their target population and potential donors, this is a very timely and exciting opportunity. While this is the team's first foray into federal funding, and they say they're not sure what to expect, they are very excited about this opportunity and willing to share their grant proposal and learning with others.
Congratulations to all those involved in this achievement. What a great start to Wisconsin's kick-off of their 75th Anniversary!
VARIETY EVENTS IN THE NEWS
Recent events included lots of holiday spirit. Starting with the kickoff of this year's Gold Heart campaign, festivities began and continued to spread cheer into the New Year. Our highlights focus on Gold Heart Events, Bike Give-Aways, and holiday parties that made kids fill with glee and volunteers warm their hearts.
GOLD HEART KICKOFF EVENTS
Variety of Southern California, Tent 25 kicked-off the Gold Heart campaign at Disney's gorgeous El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California. The day was truly kicked-off with breakfast and live music from the famous El Capitan Organ. The event continued with a presentation on Variety and the Gold Hearts Program. Following the presentation, the theatre managers were treated to an advance screening of the film, "Disney's A Christmas Carol 3D" with a popcorn and soda in hand.
Variety of Eastern Tennessee, Tent 81 - worth repeating, this team had quite a night raising $440K on Tuesday 11/17 hosting a screening of "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" in Knoxville. While the children were thrilled to see the movie, it didn't hurt that Twilight stars Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner were in attendance.
Variety of British Columbia, Tent 47 hosted its Golden Heart Community Achievement Award Dinner at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver on Wednesday, November 18th, in honorof the late Peter C. Toigo Sr. The gala featured exciting jazz entertainment, a delicious dinner, and fantastic auction prizes! All together, 450 guests attended the dinner and the evening raised an incredible $224K. Guests were able to rub shoulders with legendary hockey player Gordie Howe, and former British Columbia premier Bill Vander Zalm who proved to be an accomplished auctioneer. Lucky bidders snagged some great items including 2 tickets to New York City and a meet-and-greet with international singing sensation Michael Buble, dinner for eight at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver prepared by the Fairmont's Executive Chef, and a Gordie Howe autographed hockey jersey!
BIKE GIVE-AWAYS
Tis the season to be jolly. Variety made it a very merry season for many with new bikes - first bikes for most of the recipients; and very special adaptive bikes for some.
Variety New Zealand, Tent 68 started their 20th anniversary celebrations with a benefit cocktail party, quickly followed by their annual bike-giveaway to deserving children. 1000 bikes were distributed to children throughout New Zealand as part of Variety New Zealand's annual Bikes for Kids tour. The charity conducted concurrent North and South Island tours distributing bikes, helmets and high visibility vests to role model children from selected schools in lower socio-economic areas - celebrities and VIPs were on hand at every location to help distribute the bikes.
As a note to honor their 20th Anniversary: Variety New Zealand was established in 1989 and has distributed over $11.7 million in grants to Kiwi kids and child-related organizations including 102 Sunshine Coaches, 14 mobile ear clinics, 4082 bikes, 25 Liberty Swings, 50 Gold Heart Scholarships and an additional 1952 general grants. Here's to your next 20 years Variety New Zealand!
Variety Florida, Tent 70 conducted their "Central Florida Bike Build" on December 12th, preparing 500 new bicycles to be distributed along with helmets to needy children of Central Florida. Additionally, an adaptive trike (valued at $4K) was presented to United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida's Holloway Center. According to bloggers who arrived grumpy early in the morning, there was nothing but smiles by the end of the day!
Variety of the Desert , Tent 66 had their annual radiothon in November which raised over $75K to fund their bike program. Over 300 children received bikes and helmets. Recipients were selected based on need and on good grades and behavior at school. [Pictured above.]
Variety of Greater Kansas City, Tent 8 had a very special bike to give-away recently. They invite you to see Elijah's big day as he received an adaptive trike.
HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES
And there were others making children happy during the holiday season. Here are the stories we heard of holiday festivities.
Variety Kansas City, Tent 8 was joined by Santa and by Kansas City Chiefs linebackers, Jovan Belcher, Derrick Johnson, and Pierre Thomas in hosting a holiday movie party. Over 400 special needs children watched a premier private screening of a Disney animated movie followed by visits from Santa and some of his "red-clad" elves. (That's a reference to the Kansas City Chiefs team of the National Football League for anyone not familiar with the US version of "football".) Together they distributed holiday gifts and good cheer to all the youth present. The children attending this year's Variety Kansas City movie party are served by over a dozen local agencies. You can read more on the Chiefs' web site or see clips on YouTube.
Variety New York, Tent 35 held its Annual Holiday Party on December 12, 2009 at the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens.
Variety of New York has been hosting this party for over 40 years and annually welcomes close to 1,000 children from the New York City area to attend. Children come from grantee organizations that Variety supports, as well as local hospitals and community centers serving underprivileged children.
During the event the children took part in a host of fun activities including arts and crafts, drama, music and dance and of course indulged in a feast of tasty healthy snacks. The children also got to experience a VIP cinema visit at a nearby movie theatre - where they enjoyed complimentary concessions and watched Planet 51. At the culmination of the party each child received a new toy that had been collected during Variety New York's Annual Toy Drive.
Variety Australia, Tent 75 hosted an annual Christmas party to the delight of more than 1400 sick and disadvantaged children. They also took on a new holiday tradition with an Inaugural Variety Santa Fun Run with over 1100 entrants in red Santa suits (a sight to be seen!)
Congratulations and THANKS to everyone who made these events possible!
OTHER NOTEWORTHY EVENTS
Variety US Annual Meeting
Under the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas, Nevada representatives from 13 Tents came together for US Variety's 2009 Annual National Leadership Conference in November. The conference was kicked off with a cocktail party at the beautiful Las Vegas Country Club and then the team got down to business. The agenda included:
" Updates on the accomplishments of the U.S. Association and Variety International over the last six months.
" Presentations from outside speakers on topics including legal issues, the economic forecast, 990 policies, and human resources.
" Success sharing - Tents shared information about their most successful programs and fundraisers to give their colleagues across the country fresh ideas.
" Discussion and review of the US Variety by-laws and discussion of the structure and representation of the new US Variety Board.
An awards dinner honored:
" Lee Craner - recipient of the "Distinguished Service to Children" award for his years of substantial contribution to Variety of Southern Nevada, Variety US and Variety International.
" Variety of Florida and Variety of Southern Nevada - Fiscal Excellence Winners
Congratulations to all three recipients for their outstanding efforts!
Variety Iowa, Tent 15
completed their annual 2009 Radiothon in December. During a very trying economic year, the Iowa team worked the market and found the key to success which they say was not asking for more, but asking more people to give whatever they could. These words seemed to resonate as they saw a 33% increase in the # of donors to help them surpass their fiscal goal for the campaign which raised over $85K.
Variety Israel, Tent 51
celebrated the 16th year of its exciting joint venture with Maccabi Basketball Club. At each basketball game of the European Championship, a Variety child is honored and given a ball with the players' signatures along with a gift from one of the home team's players - all caught on the arena jumbo screen. [Photos at right.]
Variety Israel was also in the news after opening another movie theatre inside a children's hospital. It is the 15th film theater that Variety Israel has had built in 15 hospitals all over the country, for sick children who cannot leave the Hospitals to enjoy a film at a regular theatre. The theatres are built in conjunction with The Israel's Company LTD with an investment of approximately $4 million (US).
Thousands of hospitalized children get to enjoy movies, popcorn and sodas as if they were in an actual movie theatre with theatre chairs and big screens. A true treat. [Photo at right.]
Variety Australia had a number of exciting fundraising events in 4thQtr 2009 ranging from a V2 Motorbike Classic (we can only imagine coming from the Tent that brings us the Annual BASH) which raised $360K, a Kickin 4 Kids Kangaroo Island Trek - a week long event raising over $200K, a Vintage Charity Wine Auction which raised $135K, the Melbourne Cup Luncheon and more. This is one busy TEAM! Congratulations on all your successful events.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The beginning of the New Year brings news of upcoming Telethons and Radiothons, a staple to fundraising at the heart of Variety.
January 30-31 Variety of British Columbia, Tent 47 Variety Show of Hearts Telethon
February 14 Variety Israel, Tent 51 will hold a Telethon in Holy Jerusalem
March 4 Variety New York, Tent 35 15th Annual Radiothon
March 5 Variety Iowa, Tent 15 Annual Telethon
March 20-26 Variety Australia, Tent 75 has a 4WD Challenge on their calendar. The 2010 Variety 4WD Challenge will take place through the stunning Victorian High Country. The region is renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery with snow-capped hills and high plains in winter and carpets of alpine wildflowers in summer.
March 28 Variety Buffalo, Tent 7 will host its 48th annual Telethon. Word has it that it is the longest running locally produced telethon in the world. In the very first year in 1963 they raised $80K; thru 2009 Variety Buffalo has raised over $40M. It is now a weekend long event that includes a hospital visit for participants / entertainers to see where the fruits of their labor go. Beneficiaries include: Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, the Robert Warner M.D. Center For Children With Special Needs as well as Boys & Girls Clubs, Challenger Sports Programs, Pre-School Developmental programs and many more.
VARIETY SPOTLIGHT
Miss World ladies help to raise over $400,000 for Variety International Children's Fund
In November, 120 Miss World nations came together for the Miss World Charity Dinner, in aid of the Variety International Children's Fund. Guests were invited to The Grosvenor House Hotel in London for a fantastic evening of world class entertainment to see this year's Miss World contestants introduced on stage for the first time.
Invited guests were amazed by the spectacular display of auction gifts brought in by this year's Miss World finalists as they arrived.
Before dinner was served the Miss World contestants were presented on stage in their groups before joining guests at their tables for dinner. As guests dined, giant screens showcased what a spectacular Miss World final destination Johannesburg will be.
The Wycombe Orpheus choir entertained guests as they ate their first course before Lindiwe Mahlangu, CEO of Johannesburg Tourism Company, gave a speech expressing Johannesburg's excitement at staging this year's Miss World and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The Charity Auction was the highlight of the night with gifts from competing countries going under the hammer. This year's gifts were the best we have ever seen with a luxury holiday from Bahamas and a surfboard from the USA proving popular with the guests. Other incredible prizes included a rare necklace from New Zealand and signed Usain Bolt running shoes from Jamaica which added an incredible $13,000 to the monies raised for Variety International Children's Fund.
The cast of Grease the musical closed the evening with a selection of songs from the one of the most popular shows currently gracing the West End stage. All contestants had a memorable evening and helped to raise an amazing total of $450,000 for the Variety International Children's fund.
From MWO
REMEMBER WHEN
From Our Past...
Bob Hope helps Variety on behalf of its Heart Project circa 1984
The "Remember When" section of our newsletter will share a fond memory from our past in each issue of E-Variety.
We are working diligently to make our archives available to Tents as part of our soon-to-be launched intranet -- providing you with materielas to promote Variety and our on-going achievements.
We will continue to highlight favorites here to bring back memories and smiles for all.
Discover any images or stories from our past you would like to be included? Be sure to email them to evarety@varietychildrenscharity.org
SHARE YOUR NEWS
Is your news in E-Variety? Don't forget to keep us informed of what's going on in your area. Submit your stories via email to: evariety@varietychildrenscharity.org. We're looking for:
" Success Stories - tales of successful events or information from Tents.
" Profiles - the feel good stories. Tales of the children / organizations Tents have helped.
" Special Recognition Highlights - who in your tent has done something amazing that deserves to be honored?
" Calendar of Events - What's coming up in your area in the next 3-9 months?
Remember to give us all the pertinent facts including: who, what, when, where, why and how we helped, and specific information about products or resources that could be beneficial to other Tents. Don't forget to provide web site urls if more information can be found on your tent's web site or in the news.
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