Variety, the Children's Charity
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Variety, the Children's Charity was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 10, 1927 when a group of eleven men involved in show business set up a social club which they named the "Variety Club". On Christmas Eve 1928, a small baby was left on the steps of a movie theatre, with a note reading:
"Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her. I have eight others. My husband is out of work. She was born on Thanksgiving Day. I have always heard of the goodness of showbusiness people and pray to God that you will look after her. Signed, a heartbroken mother."
Since efforts to trace the mother failed, the members of the Variety Club undertook to fund the child's living expenses and education. Later the club decided to raise funds for other disadvantaged children.
To date the organization has grown to include chapters (or "tents" as they are termed by the organization) in 13 countries worldwide, including:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Japan
- Israel
- The Netherlands
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- France
- Ireland
- Mexico
- Barbados
The exact name of the organization is Variety, The Children's Charity, however the usage of the name may differ worldwide. For instance, in the USA it is known as "Variety", whereas the UK chapter is known as "The Variety Club". The aims of the charity are, however, similar worldwide. Though open to all volunteers the charity still has strong links with the world of show business and sport.
All Variety Tents are committed to raising funds to help children with special needs. One of the best-known programs currently run by the charity is the provision of "Sunshine Coaches". These are mini-buses provided to local communites to allow disabled children who would otherwise be unable to go on holidays and similar trips.
[edit] Terminology
From its origins in the world of show business, Variety often uses carnival and circus terminology. For instance, a local or national chapter of the charity is known as a "tent", and the main board of trustees and others of a particular tent is called the Crew. This is named after those who erected the old circus tents or nowadays provide the various technical experts to make a film or stage a live production. The chairman of the board is called the Chief Barker, after the man who drummed up customers at the fairground.
