Who is Variety

Variety - the Children's Charity was born from the deep-seeded desire to protect and care for children in need. With your help and support, Variety of Iowa has raised over $88 million since 1975.

We change children's lives. We find children in need and we reach out.

Because of Variety, there's a wheelchair that gives a child a chance to be mobile, a camp scholarship that lets a girl forget she has cancer, and a backpack filled with supplies that takes the dread out of a little boy's first day of school.

We help hospitals take care of premature babies. And make it possible for kids to go from place to place.
But our work isn't done. Every year, there are kids we can't help.
Needs that go unmet. Cries unanswered. It is our goal to change that.

A Brief Bit of History

On Christmas Eve, 1928, an abandoned baby was left on the steps of the Sheridan Theatre in Pittsburgh with a note pinned to her dress:

The theatre’s social group of 11 men, called the Variety Club, rose to the occasion. They agreed to underwrite the infant’s support and education, naming her Catherine Variety Sheridan (YouTube video) . In the process of caring for Catherine, they became aware of many other children in need. The outcry of desperate children soon caught the interest of show business men and women all over the world, motivating them to join together to help disadvantaged and disabled children in their communities.

Once called Variety Club, the charity has since grown to an international organization, Variety – the Children’s Charity, with more than 50 chapters in 14 countries helping millions of children with disabilities lead more comfortable lives and grow to be productive, self-sufficient adults.

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa was founded in 1937. Since the inception of the Telethon, in 1975, Variety has raised more than $88 million through its annual Telethon and other fundraisers. Through the generous support of individuals and the corporate community, Variety has provided funding for capital projects, essential medical equipment and special programs to more than 300 charities throughout Iowa and neighboring states. In addition, Variety has provided more than 345 Variety Vans that provide transportation to children across the state.

Variety is International

Variety - the Children's Charity is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children around the world. Through our network of 43 chapters in 13 countries, Variety reaches into communities across the globe to offer financial assistance and services to children and organizations that serve children with special needs. Through hard work, thoughtful stewardship, and single-minded focus on the needs of the young, Variety strives to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, their families, our communities, and the world...one need at a time.