Variety is an international, volunteer-driven organization with 80 chapters worldwide committed to bettering the quality of life for special needs children.

The organization's commitment to children began on Christmas Eve, 1927, with the discovery of Baby Catherine, an infant abandoned at the Sheridan Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her heartbroken mother left behind a note which read,

". . .I have always heard of the goodness of people in show business, and I pray to God you will look out for her."

A group of theatre owners rallied to find a comfortable home for the baby and raise funds to help with expenses. Together, they formed Variety and began helping special needs children. Today, the entertainment industry continues to be supportive of Variety, which has expanded its membership to include all professions.

Chartered in 1943, Variety of Greater Kansas City - Tent #8 was one of Variety International's earliest affiliates. Locally, the organization has raised more than $4 million for special needs kids in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The funds help strengthen and reinforce the programs of area children's agencies and provide scholarship and medical necessities to individual children.

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