505 5th Avenue, Suite 310
Des Moines IA 50309
515.243.4660
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. 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.
Variety Club 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 $90 million through the annual telethon and other fundraisers. Due to 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, over 280 Sunshine Coaches are transporting kids across the state.