Variety, the Children's Charity facts for kids
Variety, the Children's Charity is a special group that helps children who are sick, disabled, or disadvantaged. It started in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1927. This charity works to make sure every child has a chance to live a happy and healthy life.
Contents
How Variety Began: A Story of Kindness
Variety started on October 10, 1927, when eleven men who worked in show business created a social club called the "Variety Club."
A Baby's Arrival Changes Everything
On Christmas Eve in 1928, something amazing happened. A tiny baby girl was found on the steps of the Sheridan Square Film Theatre in Pittsburgh. The theater was owned by John H. Harris, one of the club members. With the baby was a note from her mother, explaining she couldn't care for her daughter because she had eight other children and her husband was out of work. The note asked the kind people of show business to look after her.
The club members couldn't find the mother. So, they named the baby Catherine Variety Sheridan, after where she was found. They decided to pay for her living costs and education. This act of kindness made them realize they could help many other children too. That's how the Variety Club became a charity for children in need.
Helping Kids with Cancer
In 1947, members of the Variety Club of New England visited Sidney Farber's lab at Children's Hospital Boston. Dr. Farber was studying childhood leukemia, a type of cancer. Inspired by his work, Dr. Farber and a club leader named Bill Koster started the Children's Cancer Research Fund. This fund helps raise money for research into cancers that affect children. They also created The Jimmy Fund, which supports the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute.
Fun Words Variety Uses
Because Variety started with people from show business, like those who worked in carnivals and circuses, they use some fun and unique words:
- A local or national part of the charity is called a "tent."
- The main leaders and helpers of a "tent" are called the "Crew." This name comes from the people who used to set up circus tents or the teams who work on films and stage shows today.
- The head of the board is called the "Chief Barker." This is like the person who used to call out to people at a fairground to get their attention!
Variety's TV Fundraisers
In some places, Variety holds special TV shows called telethons to raise money. People watch and call in to donate.
- In Buffalo, New York, there's an annual Variety telethon every March for the Women's and Children's Hospital. It has been running since 1962.
- CHAN-DT in Vancouver, Canada, hosts an annual Show of Hearts telethon in February for Variety in British Columbia.
- The Iowa Chapter of Variety has held an annual telethon since 1975. It's their biggest fundraiser each year.
Variety in the UK
Variety started in the United Kingdom in 1949. Film producers, agents, and famous people came together at a dinner to help raise money for children. This yearly event became a popular gathering for the entertainment industry in England.
Special Awards in the UK
The Variety Club Showbiz Awards were a very exciting event in the entertainment world. These awards, made by hand from silver, were given to some of the biggest stars in film, TV, comedy, theater, sports, and music.
Some famous people who have won these awards include The Beatles, Audrey Hepburn, Laurence Olivier, Maggie Smith, Anthony Hopkins, Phil Collins, Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Helen Mirren, Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, and Daniel Radcliffe.
The awards were given in categories like:
- Show Business Personality
- Best Film Actor/Actress
- Best Stage Actor/Actress
- Most Promising Newcomers
- Television Personality
- Comedy Awards
- Musical Theatre
- Best Recording Artist of the Year
- Special Awards for Outstanding Contribution To Showbusiness
The Variety Bash in Australia
In Australia, a fun way to raise money is called the 'Variety Bash.' This is a motoring event where people drive old cars through remote areas of the Australian outback. The cars are often decorated with a special "theme," and the people driving dress up to match! It's not a race, but a friendly drive with friends.
This idea came from Australian businessmen Dick Smith and John Singleton. They organized the first Bash in 1985. Since then, these events happen every year through Variety Australia, raising millions of dollars for children.
Where Variety Helps Around the World
Variety has grown a lot since it started! Today, it has 41 chapters, or "tents," in 15 countries all over the world. These include:
- Australia (7 tents)
- Barbados
- Canada (6 tents)
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Japan
- Jersey
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South America
- Sri Lanka
- United Kingdom
- United States (16 tents)
