Variety KC – Trustworthy

Jul 19, 2019 | Communication, Inclusion, Variety KC Awards

If you’re like me, when you support an charity, you just want them to be responsible, to be good stewards of your money and time. I’ve never been more proud of an area charity than I was this week, with Variety KC.

First, Councilwoman Heather Hall – a Variety KC supporter and champion of several Variety initiatives – was honored at the Royals in their Buck O’Neil tribute seat.

Next, I watched as Variety KC Executive Director, Deb Wiebrecht, was featured on local news promoting the Hy-Vee Pedals for Petals initiative. Don’t all kids deserve a bike?

And then…this, https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article232505597.html, an article in the KC Star about inclusive parks in the KC area.

Full disclosure – I’ve heard Deb talk about inclusion for nearly a decade (before it was a buzz word.) I recognize her influence throughout this article. She’s been an advocate for all kids…all families…and has supported the Variety KC battle cry of “Be Active, Be Social, and Belong” by building the majority of inclusive play areas in our community.

Our family has recently moved away from the Shawnee Mission area, but I’m thrilled to see this inclusive playground at Shawnee Mission Park. It’s a great park and serves visitors and residents alike.

 “This population of kids never had an opportunity to play before,” said Deborah Wiebrecht, the organization’s executive director. “And by opening this opportunity — just by creating equipment that’s a little different — it opens up the world to the special needs population.”

Inclusion is the key to strong communities. It is a sign of a strong growth; attracting business, tourism, and most of all – serving every member.

Variety KC has become an award-winning chapter of Variety International. Under Ms. Wiebrecht’s tutelage, their efforts have increased 500% in the past seven years. They are creating opportunities that cities all across the country are calling about, and modeling. They are leaders in the area of inclusion.

I’m a CPA, so yes…a number’s cruncher. When I spend money – I want it to count. Variety KC makes it count. Kudos to you Deb Wiebrecht – to your board – to your partners – to your supporters -and to the families and kids that make up the Variety KC family.

Jim Stanislav, CPA

Brands That Speak – 2019 Corporate Award Winner!

Brands That Speak – 2019 Corporate Award Winner!

Apr 26, 2019 | Variety KC Awards

Variety KC is so proud that Brands That Speak was selected as the 2019 International Variety Corporate Winner! Unsung heroes, Brands That Speak is behind the Variety KC website and so much more. They truly are responsible for much of our success and the reason so many Variety KC Kids get the help they need. Read our nomination to find out why they won:

Variety Tent 8 (Kansas City) is excited to nominate a true Variety Champion for this year’s Corporate Award.Tim McCoy is the founder of Brands That Speak (BTS), a digital marketing and media firm in Kansas City. One of Brands That Speak’s claims is that they are invested as long-term custodians of your brand. That is certainly true for Variety KC. Tim and his team have been providing services for Tent 8 for over 10 years, and eight of those years it was at absolutely no charge. Even now, they only charge for hard costs.

Tim started as a member of Young Variety, and now serves on the Board of Directors. Tim and his team are not only committed to marketing and media services for Tent 8, they are champions of our mission. They recruit and involve their other friends and associates to volunteer for Variety.

They are champion volunteers – They are professional service providers – They are selfless fundraisers

Best of all, their entire staff speaks to and promotes Variety’s mission and brand. If ever there was a corporation that totally ingrained themselves into a cause, this is it! Please consider Brands That Speak for the 2019 Corporate Award.