80 Stories, 80 Days: Crossing the Finish Line with My Son!

This happy story a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.  

From Paula Beruan:

My son, Sean Gilbert, participated in his first 5k by riding his tricycle from Variety for the Royals Charities 5k Run/Walk on August 28, 2011. He worked so hard. I was so proud to cross the finish line with him! His Aunt Debbie Gilbert was able to join us for the event too!

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

 

80 Stories, 80 Days: The Magic of Variety

This special story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.   

From Chris Thomas:

When I was first approached about serving on the board of Variety, I didn’t know much about the organization or what they did. After seeing the impact that this organization has on kids and families with mobility issues, it is sometimes overwhelming. I have witnessed these blessings first hand and it is magical to see what an adaptive bike, wheelchair or a van lift can do for a child.

Kids just want to be kids and through this organization, we have had the opportunity to help so many in the community do just that. It has not only impacted those kids and their families, it has impacted me and mine. We are so thankful to be associated with such a great group of people that care about others.

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

80 Stories, 80 Days: Creating an Inclusive Playground

This brilliant story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.   

From Kristin Zimmerman: 

We started the McCoy Park Inclusive Play Project in Independence a little over a year ago. Variety of Greater Kansas City learned about the project through some media that we received and has been a partner and sponsor since. Together with Unlimited Play and the Cal Ripken, St. Foundation we are changing the lives of children and adults throughout the metro. We are creating a place where kids can play together. We took a hard look throughout the park and are removing as many barriers as possible. Variety the Children’s Charity has been an amazing partner and they have been tremendous assets, helping us achieve our fundraising goals. We look forward to working with Variety for many years to come!

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

80 Stories, 80 Days: Kids Helping Kids through the Variety Show Star Search

This heartfelt story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.   

From Beth Ott: 

Last year a component was added to the Variety Show called Variety Star Search, where locals are encouraged to submit their talent and get as many votes as they could as a competition to see who would perform live the night of the Variety Show. Since voting was determined through dollars ($1 = 1 vote), it was amazing to see local youth raise money for our Variety kids through their talents. For a child to understand how important it is to give back at such an early age is so important for our community. And what better way to bring them together than celebrating what truly makes each one special. The talented young woman who won the competition last year brought tears to my eyes the night she performed live, because she not only sang very beautifully but I knew how much work she put into raising money for our Variety kids to be on that stage.

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad – happening TONIGHT.

80 Stories, 80 Days: The Wonderful Woman Behind Our Organization’s Success

This inspiring story is a part of our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign. For every story we collect through this campaign, Unique Connect will make a donation directly to our organization, so please submit your story now.  

Written by Ann Zimmerman:

I’m a sucker for Starbucks. Knowing Executive Director Deb Wiebrecht for 10 years, as a neighbor and friend and through various nonprofit and volunteer roles, I’m never surprised by her enthusiastic calls. When the invitation came for coffee, I looked forward to hearing about her new adventure.

Deb had been approached by the Board of Variety-KC to become the Executive Director. This would be the first time they had a full-time person in that position and they were eager to grow the organization. She had accepted the position and was now looking for advice on where to start with her new role.

A background in nonprofit management consulting, governance and marketing naturally led to my first questions. “What is Variety-KC?” and “Who is on the Board?” As I watched Deb light up explaining the mission and background of Variety, it was obvious she already had an immediate connection and passion for Variety’s vision to help children with mobility needs. She was also inspired by the Board that had a vision for growing their mission, and she shared their frustration of the lack of brand identity.

Our conversation focused on those two areas, building awareness and branding Variety-KC in our community and expanding the role of the board and volunteers. Deb’s natural enthusiasm and great communication skills were already at work as she brainstormed plans to leverage social media channels and revive the Variety Show signature event. She also had a fledgling idea to build a new Young Variety group that would capitalize on the time and enthusiasm of young professionals and engage them in Variety’s mission.

It is thrilling today, 3 short years later, to see the enormous strides Variety-KC has made in building their brand, growing their volunteer base, engaging the community and most importantly serving more children and families. The Young Variety group is a model for engaging rising philanthropists and the Variety Show has already become an integral event in the nonprofit community. I am confident that the next 80 years will be even more exciting for this rising star…Variety-KC.

Through our 80 Stories, 80 Days campaign, we are asking all of you who have been touched by our organization in any way to share your story and help us gain more support for Kansas City children with developmental disabilities.

Unique Connect will donate directly to us for every story we collect through this campaign, so please submit your story now.  

Looking for another way to support Variety? Get your tickets for our biggest fundraiser of the year – the 2014 Variety Show starring Sinbad – happening TOMORROW.