Believe, Achieve, Inspire

Summer 2013 Issue

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Variety Gold Heart Award Page 2

Dinner with the Stars Page 4-7

Runway Lights Fashion Show Page 8-10

Call-A-Thon for Kids Page 11

Imo’s for Kids Day Page 11

Night of the Rising Stars Page 12

Spotl ghtA publication of Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis

MISSION: To help local children with disabilities reach their full potential by providing services every time they need assistance.

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Friends and Fans of Variety,

“The most valuable possession you can own is an open heart.” — Carlos Santana

This famous quote, not only describes the kindness but also the dedication and commitment of every person involved with Variety Week this year.From our generous donors, to our volunteers, to our Variety families - it seemed as if this was the year when everyone truly came together to make Variety Week a success – including Carlos Santana, himself!

Anyone present at this year’s Dinner with the Stars would have to agree that Santana rocked the Peabody Opera House with the generous gift of his performance. The Variety Children’s Chorus was dressed to impress in their Latin-themed ensembles. Joe Buck was an extraordinary emcee, and kept the audience entertained.

The new generation of Variety supporters, Young Variety, came out in full force to show their support at Night of the Rising Stars at City Cottage on April 26. With the largest Young Variety silent auction yet, Clear Channel Radio emcee, Sherry Farmer, and awesome entertainment by the Soulard Blues Band – everyone had a great time!

Once again, Margie and Ed Imo donated up to 20% of all Imo’s proceeds to Variety on Imo’s for Kids Day on April 24. Imo’s Pizzas all over the St. Louis region were bustling with Variety supporters and we couldn’t be more grateful for their generosity!

Another successful event this week was our annual FOX2 and KPLR 11 Call-A-Thon – bringing in a whopping $4,520 this year! Our favorite moments were with Variety kids, from Sam living his dream and announcing the weather in front of the green screen, to Adam spending time with his all time favorite anchor, Melanie Moon, we are counting this Call-A-Thon as a success!

And lastly, who can forget this year’s Runway Lights Fashion Show? Edward Wilkerson of Lafayette 148 New York and his wonderful team showcased some beautiful fashions on the runway at The Chase Park Plaza. Where one very important part of the Fashion Show, Ther-Happy Kids, raised over $21,000 to help Variety Kids with much needed therapy. Variety child Hannah debuted her very own line of designer hospital gowns with some help from Mandy Murphy! It is clear that Variety’s team of supporters are one in a million and truly showed their open hearts throughout Variety Week. We raised over $4.7 million to help Variety children reach their full potential. We thank you all!

Jan Albus Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive OfficerJan Albus

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Our Hearts are FullVariety received the 2013 International Gold Heart Award

Thank you for helping your hometown chapter of Variety the Children’s Charity win the 2013 International Gold Heart Award.

Variety International has awarded St. Louis Variety with the highest award, the Gold Heart. At the 86th Annual Variety International World Conference held in Las Vegas, the 41 tents (term used for individual agencies) from 11 countries met and shared their vision and plans to help children with disabilities. Since forming in 1928, Variety chapters around the world have raised more than $1.8 billion for 45 million kids with disabilities.

The criteria for the Gold Heart Award include: programs, innovation, financial stability and growth. St. Louis competed with nine other chapters who were finalists: Los Angeles, New York, Israel, Queensland, Iowa, Western Australia, British Columbia, New South Wales, and Southern Australia. Variety St. Louis has raised more than $92 million in 81 years, and helped more than 1.2 million local children with disabilities reach their potential. Last year, Variety helped 14,500 kids in 547 zip codes in the bi-state region. Variety’s growth in 2012 was 83%, raising a record breaking $4,669,240. Our efficiency was also high, meaning that 85 cents from each dollar raised goes to Variety Children. Thanks to our very generous partners, we launched our first endowment campaign to support Variety Adventure Camp. This now $1.125 million endowment will further our mission and add to our sustainability. Now the world knows St. Louis’ giving heart. Thank you.

Variety’s Chief Operating Officer Brian Roy, Jan Albus and Program Director Barb Kramer proudly pose with the Variety International Gold Heart Award.

Did You Know? The International Heart Awards have three categories: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Since 1984, Variety St. Louis has won the Silver Heart Award three times and the Bronze Heart Award three times.

VARIETY CLUB PARTNERS

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNERS

THE ONES WHO CARETHE ONES WHO CARE

MAJOR PARTNERS

TOTAL RAISED*

$4,741,000

Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis extends its thanks to the entire community for its generosity to help local children with disabilities say, “I CAN!”

THANK YOU, ST. LOUISRunway Lights Fashion Show

FOX 2/KPLR 11 Call-A-Thon for Kids

Imo’s for Kids Day

Night of the Rising Stars

Dinner with the Stars

Revenue generated from June 1, 2012 - April 30, 2013

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Jim Weddle was honored as the 2013 Man of the Year. He is pictured above (center) with his wife Stacey (left), Variety President Greg Boyce, 2012 Man of the Year Michael Neidorff and Variety Child Gracie

Noémi Neidorff (center) received the 2013 Woman of the Year award. Pictured with her is her husband Michael (right), Variety President Greg Boyce and Variety child Josiah.

Santana takes the stage at the Peabody and WOWS the crowd of more than 2,000.

The Dinner With the Stars black-tie gala raised almost $2 million and, for the second year in a row, was underwritten by Centene Corporation, World Wide Technology and the Steward Family Foundation. This ensured that all money raised went directly to Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis to serve children in our community. Joe Buck hosted the program, which honored Noémi Neidorff as Woman of the Year and Jim Weddle as Man of the Year and David Steward with the Humanitarian Award during Santana’s performance. The night included a performance by the Variety Children’s Chorus, a Special Equipment Appeal facilitated by Jim Byrnes, Joe Buck and featured Variety Child Lorelei – raising more than $360,000 that will go directly to provide children with vital medical equipment. After the program, headliner Carlos Santana took the stage for a vibrant and energetic performance for a crowd of more than 2,000 guests.

PEABODY OPERA HOUSE April 27, 2013

and Hosted by Joe Buck

with

Photos by Peter Wochniak

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CONTINUED

David and Thelma StewardConnie and Kevin Popejoy, Davida and Randy Layer, Paige and Craig Kline

Bill and Ira DeWitt Dinner With the Stars Chairman Marilyn Fox and her husband Sam

Lisa and Greg Boyce

Variety Children’s Chorus performing , “La Musica”Emcee Joe Buck

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Variety teen Madison and Santana giving a surprise presentation for the Humanitarian Award

Paul and Elke KochKen and Nancy Kranzberg

Jeff and Steve Fox

Steve and Kelly Gross

David Steward just discovered the Humanitarian Award was for him, his family proudly applaud his achievement

CONTINUED

Ron and Cheri Fromm with Alex and Dana Bochert

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Laura and Spencer KochEd and Margie Imo Jan Albus, Lorelei and Jim Byrnes during the Dinner with the Stars pledge drive

Ambassador George H. (Bert) Walker III and his wife Carol

Anita and Fred Chu

Nancy and Walter Galvin

CONTINUED

Gayle and Fred Palmer

Tom Sobbe, Carole Buck, Ruth Sobbe, Margaret Roarty, Dee Hamel, Lee Roarty, Michael Roarty and Sean Roarty

Vicki and John Sondag

Megan and Richard Mark

Anita and Fred Chu

Chris and Lisa Terry, Jill and Larry Otto and Jan Albus

Laura Herring , Fern Hammerman, Carol Imo and Margie Imo

This year’s Runway Lights Fashion Show, the annual kick-off event to Variety Week featured the flattering and versatile clothing line of Edward Wilkerson, director and creative mind behind Lafayette 148 New York. Guests were in awe of each colorful design that graced the runway, each more vibrant than the next – providing the perfect preview of Wilkerson’s Spring 2013 collection along with Carlos Santana’s famous line of shoes. 

As in past year’s, the Ameren PowerKids took to the runway and the Variety Children’s Chorus performed.  Mandy Murphy once again, emceed – making our live auction full of top of the line get-aways and artistic creations a huge success raising almost $42,000. This year’s silent auction was also a sucess – highlighting Variety’s first ever Chairs for Children Fundraiser. Designers from all over the St. Louis area created 13 custom-made chairs to be included in the silent auction.

From the Left: New York Fashion Designer Edward Wilkerson with Variety child Hannah, a runway model in a beautiful Lafayette 148 gown and Edward Wilkerson with Honorary Chair Thelma Steward, Runway Show Chair Kimberly Steward and Event Chair Mary Steward

April 20, 2013 at the Chase Park PlazaEmcee Mandy Murphey

Katie Fidler, Penny Pennington, Karen Morrow and Kathy Iversen Elke Koch, Variety Chairman of the Board Greg Boyce and Lisa Boyce

Fashion Show guests shopping at the Variety Boutique

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Rolex raffle by Simons Jewelers

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Diane Breckenridge’s creation, one of the 13 chairs in the Chairs for Children silent auction

Runway Show

Mandy Murphey and Christina Altholz auctioning off the bedazzled Carlos Santana boot on the runway

Carolyn Grove and Holly Blumeyer

Variety Children’s Chorus performing “Wish Upon a Star”

Kay Love, Rosemary Burgess and Mollie Burgess

Tom Voss and David Catron

CONTINUED

Variety child Kenneth in his Ameren Power wheel chair

Terry Coleman, Mary Steward and Fran Zamler

CONTINUED

Runway ShowVariety child Taylor on the runway in her Ameren power wheel chair with Mark Krupinski

Variety Woman Penny Pennington talking about Ther-Happy Kids

Mandy Murphy showing off herCarlos Santana shoes

Kathy Hammer, Myrna Williamson, Vicki Groswald and Kristi PetersonSimons Jewelers Rolex watch raffle

Terry Ross, Alison Sheehan and Ashley MargulisVariety Children’s Chorus member Eddy modeling a hospital gown from Designs by Hannah

Variety Chairman of the Board Greg Boyce taking a test ride in a Rolls Royce, provided by Stl Motorcars

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Fox 2/KPLR 11 Call-A-Thon For Kids

Variety Child Ryan with Margie Ellisor of FOX 2

Variety teen Cole helped man the phonesVariety child Sam helps Edward Jones associate answer phone calls during the live broadcast

FOX 2/KPLR 11 President Spencer Koch with Variety child Sophia and her dad

Raising more than $4,500 – it is clear that this year’s Call-A-Thon had the right mix. Between the numerous anchors who not only boasted Variety’s mission on air but showed unparalleled kindness to each Variety child, to the 12 Variety children and their families who made their way to the Fox 2/KPLR 11 studio for interviews, to the 25 Edward Jones associates that worked diligently in the call center to accept countless donations from Fox 2 viewers – everyone seemed to have a hand in making this year a success!  To view photos of the Call-A-Thon visit our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/varietystl, or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/varietystl.

Once again, Margie and Ed Imo graciously confirmed their reputation as “The Care Beyond Compare” and hosted Imo’s for Kids Day on April 24, 2013. As Imo’s all over the St. Louis region bustled with the business of Variety-supporting customers, Variety’s agencies and Variety’s corporate sponsors, Imo’s donated up to 20 percent of all proceeds from that day to Variety. From waking up early with Fox 2 to making

pizza with Variety kids Josie and Dominick, to directly helping Variety children with their generous 125,000 donation, Imo’s has proven to be an amazing partner throughout Variety Week and the rest of the year! To view photos of this year’s Imo’s for Kids Day visit our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/varietystl or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/varietystl.

Imo's For Kids Day – April 24, 2013

April 24, 2012 • Presented by

Variety child Dominic with Margie ImoCarl Imo cooking pizza with Variety kids Josie and Dominic Variety child Sam

Varietychild Josie

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April 27, 2012 • City Cottage

Miss Missouri with Variety child Nick

Colin McNamee, Alexis Nelson, Joannah Racine, Young Variety President Joe Denother and Rebecca Lich

Melanie Volk, Jessica Poppenhager, Meredith Hollingshead, Jill Reiniger and Christine Johanson

St. Louis young professionals joined us at City Cottage for Young Variety’s signature event, Night of the Rising Stars. Guests enjoyed complimentary cocktails courtesy of Anheuser-Busch Inbev and Purus Vodka as well as live music by St. Louis favorite, The Soulard Blues Band. Night of the Rising Stars was a huge success bringing in more than $38,000! The evening featured an appearance by emcee, Sherry Farmer of Clear Channel Radio, and Variety Kids Nick and Morgan had a blast hanging out with Miss Missouri USA 2013, Ellie Holtman. This year’s silent auction featured a variety of items from Cardinals tickets to golf outings and raised more than $6,200. Special thanks to our sponsors, BKD, LLP., World Wide Technology, Inc., Enterprize, Ameren Missouri, McCarthy, Landis+Gyr, Kaldi’s Coffee, Greensfelder, Hemker and Gale P.C. and Frank LETA Acura. To view photos of this year’s Night of the Rising Stars visit our Flickr page at www.flickr.com/varietystl, or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/varietystl.

Thank you to our cash prize winners, Laura and Mike Hill for donating everything back to Variety!

Korey Johnson, Khalia Collier and Arika Parr

Emcee Sherry Farmer of Clear Channel Radio with event Co-chair Becky Clauss

Megan Mark and Tara Ryterski

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This huggable Variety child, Lorelei, served as the perfect special equipment ambassador during Variety’s Dinner with the Stars program at the Peabody Opera House alongside Jim Byrnes and Jan Albus. Lorelei’s contagious smile and awe-inspiring story seemed to touch the hearts of everyone present at the event – and garnered an amazing special equipment drive this year – raising more than $360,000. Lorelei’s story – told through a beautiful video showed to everyone present at this year’s gala, allowed the crowd to get a small glimpse into the challenges Lorelei and her family have faced. Doctors told Lorelei’s family that she would never walk or talk and that more children every year die from congenital heart defects like Lorelei’s than all childhood cancers combined. But Lorelei, like many courageous Variety children, is defying the odds and living each day to the fullest. Variety has changed Lorelei’s life forever. Her equipment allows her to take part in normal daily activities and to communicate her needs to those around her. Her positive attitude and personal experience with Variety’s equipment made her the perfect representative at Dinner with the Stars and we couldn’t be more proud of her!

Lorelei

At this year’s Runway Lights Fashion Show Variety child Hannah fullfilled a lifelong dream by debuting her inaugural line of designer hospital gowns on the runway at The Chase Park Plaza.  This 10-year-old fashionista in training designed four hospital gowns for kids and even got some advice from this year’s designer Edward Wilkerson. Forget the boring neutral colors and uncomfortable fabric. Each gown in Hannah’s “Diamond Collection” featured bright fabrics with fun patterns including cupcakes, peace signs and even camouflage for the boys. Each gown, modeled by a Variety Children’s Chorus member prior to Edward Wilkerson’s runway show, astonished the audience. However, it is her story and her passion that truly made an impact on this year’s fashion show attendees. Hannah has undergone 17 surgeries and has been alone for most of them. However, her 2010 adoption allowed her to have a family by her side during her most recent surgery, a MACE mitrofanoff surgery, a bladder augmentation surgery. During this hospital stay, Hannah and her mother passed the time decorating her hospital gown. This activity inspired Hannah, a lover of anything pink and sparkly, to spread the joy of feeling beautiful and comforted by a family and minimize the fear of hospital stays by creating her own line of hospital designer gowns for children like her. Hannah’s fashion designs were the perfect addition to this year’s show and we can’t wait to see her gowns spread joy to children everywhere!

Hannah

Lorelei with her mother Nicole backstage at Dinner with the Stars

Lorelei meeting Carlos Santana

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Tributes and Memorials (March 2, 2013 – May 29, 2013)

In honor of Joseph, my awesome son an Adventure Camper

Mr. Joe Niemeyer

In honor of the Boyce FamilyMr. & Mrs. Michael Wirtz

In honor of Reece DelashmitMr. Chandler BrooksMr. Eric ChouMr. Micheal Hopkins

In honor of Marilyn and Sam FoxMr. & Mrs. Tom Schweich

In honor of Marilyn FoxMr. & Mrs. Jeff FoxMr. & Mrs. Steven M. Fox

In honor of Morgan FritzMs. Cherie L. HillMrs. Dorothy J. Sinclair

In honor of Nancy GalvinMr. & Mrs. William Rusnack

In honor of Vincent GoviaMrs. Kelly Kokinos-Govia

In honor of Maggie’s KidsMrs. Gloria Luber

In honor of Noemi NeidorffDr. & Mrs. Timothy J. EberleinMr. & Mrs. James L. FogleMs. Lorraine GallardMr. & Mrs. Edward LowenthalDr. & Mrs. William PeckMr. & Mrs. John R. RobertsMr. & Mrs. Alan SunshineMrs. Donna Wilkinson

In honor of Ryan SchulteMr. & Mrs. Robert G. Ryan

In honor of David & Thelma StewardMr. Barry T. CervantesMr. Gene SehlMs. Fetauaiga Faye Walker

In honor of everyone who works for Variety

Volha Zhdanava

In memory of Victor BecvarMr. & Mrs. Richard NietersMrs. Mary F. Weaver

In memory of Shirley BeermanMr. Tom Beerman

In memory of Ahamadi BegumDr. Anjum Hassan and Tariq Hassan

In memory of Verna DelashmitMrs. Emma BoschertMrs. Linda S. BoyleMr. & Mrs. FearsMr. James FeslerMr. & Mrs. John FoleyMs. Julie GilbertMs. Julia KlineMr. Anthony LombardoMr. Owen MargolisMr. Gary MargolisMr. & Mrs. John J. MayMr. Lee McCormickMrs. Pam NealMr. & Mrs. Mike O’BrienMrs. Ellen J. RenschMr. Richard SheltonMr. Timothy ShockleeMr. & Mrs. Kenneth SimpsonStock Transport Inc.Akin & Porter Produce, Inc.Carson’s A.D., Inc.

In memory of Patricia KealeyMs. Sharon L. DominguezMr. & Mrs. Tom Noelke

In memory of Marie KilianMr. William P. Kilian Sr.

In memory of John Mulderig Jr.Mr. & Mrs. David BircherMr. Jeffrey M. CrockerMr. & Mrs. William Johnson Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Bob MayoMr. & Mrs. John W. MessbargerMrs. Nancy QuickeMs. Christine RaabMr. & Mrs. Gerald Voss

In memory of Corinn PetersonMs. Lillian Peterson

In memory of Joan Marie PfeiferMr. & Mrs. David A. Bartz

In memory of Richard “Dick” RennaMrs. Dinorah BommaritoMrs. Nina BryansMr. & Mrs. Robert FlachMr. & Mrs. Jerry LibersteinMr. Terry SchielerMr. & Mrs. Neil SchulteMrs. Elizabeth Bolen StookeyMr. & Mrs. Ben ThietjeMr. & Mrs. Timothy TynanMrs. Beth VordtriedeMs. Carole ZatlinSchuchat, Cook & Werner

In memory of Michael J. RoartyMr. & Mrs. Shawn AndersonMs. H. Lucinda BakerMr. & Mrs. Joe CastellanoMr. Robert CostasMs. Sharon FruitMrs. Tanya Grogg MartellMr. & Mrs. Daniel HenrichsMrs. Norma LaenenMr. Joe LaMantia IIIMr. Nick PizzichinoMs. Ruthe PonturoMr. James RalphMr. & Mrs. Jerry RitterMrs. Lee RoartyLaGrange Grocery CompanyNH Scheppers Distributing Co.

In memory of Jim RussomannoMr. Donald W. Cramer

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Have someone you would like to honor? Visit our website at www.varietystl.org to make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one. We’ll send them a card, just like this one to let them know of your thoughtfulness.

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Variety Adventure CampJune 10-14 June 24-28 July 8-12 July 22-26

For the first time in Variety’s history, all four weeks of camp (beginning June 10) are now full and currently have waiting lists!  As camp continues to grow, we appreciate this tremendous interest in our program and hope we will have the resources to eliminate wait lists and allow every child that applies to join us for Adventure Camp next year. If you would like to donate to Variety Adventure Camp and allow us to continue to serve the children in our region please visit www.varietystl.org.