 |
 |
 |
  Variety News & Press 
|
VARIETY OF ILLINOIS NEWS & PRESS VARIETY - THE CHILDREN'S CHARITY OF ILLINOIS LAUNCHES ANNUAL GOLD HEART PIN CAMPAIGN Sold for $2 at area movie theatres, the Gold Heart pins are collected and worn by millions of people around the world as symbols of their support for Variety and the children who are helped by Variety funded programs and facilities. The Gold Heart Pin campaign is one of Variety's most recognized and successful global fundraising programs (Variety has 54 chapters in 13 countries - all of which participate in the Drive). The program was created in 1991 in Great Britain by a Variety International board member, who thought to create gold pins in the shape of hearts to raise funds to assist children in need. For the past seven years, Variety has launched a partnership with the motion picture industry to design and market the Gold Heart pins around Hollywood movie properties. Each year, Variety partners with a major motion picture studio to design a new Gold Heart pin around a movie or a movie character from that studio. Gold Heart pins with tie-ins to universally recognized characters Mickey Mouse, E.T. , Shrek , and Spider-Man have helped raise awareness of Variety's work and have generated millions of dollars for children in need. More than 2,000 theatres around the United States sell the pins and display promotional posters, counter cards, in-theatre slides, film trailers and other materials. This partnership between Variety and the motion picture industry has raised $95 million dollars worldwide to date. GRANTING GIFT OF SPORT TO DISABLED SCHOOL CHILDREN CHICAGO, IL (September 2009) Variety Children's Charity of Illinois presented two Chicago Public Schools with grants in amount of $5000 each this month to assist them in obtaining adaptive sports equipment for students with disabilities (a photo of the check presentation is available for release upon request). Blair Early Childhood Center (6751 W. 63rd Place) will use the grant money to acquire updated adaptive sports equipment for physical therapy and Christopher School (5042 S. Artesian) will use it to resurrect its adaptive sports programs. We are thrilled that Variety of Illinois selected Blair, said Principal Karen Bryar. We are celebrating our 25th anniversary next month and much of our adaptive sports equipment is original and broken down. With new adaptive bikes ranging from $1800 to $3000, Bryar admits the old ones have been extremely difficult to replace. Rather than identifying a few children to donate adaptive sports equipment to, Variety chose schools because the funds will be used to purchase communal PE equipment. This way, every child in the building can benefit from the use of new adaptive bikes, trikes and sport chairs, adds Bryar. Blair services about 150 students between ages of 3 to 6, all of whom have disabilities "either physical or cognitive. Christopher School services children grades 1st to 8th. The school has approximately 250 students of which the majority has disabilities. A NEW CHAPTER IN VARIETY'S HISTORY The Incoming Board of Directors Lead the Way Like no other in recent memory, 2008 was a memorable year in Illinois, and not just for the politicians making headlines. The 2008/09 Variety of Illinois Board Executive Officers' induction, held at the 2008 Annual Meeting on November 19, 2008 at Marcello's Italian Restaurant near downtown Chicago, represents a continual shaping of Variety of Illinois's growth. Chairperson of the 2008/09 board, Nick Liberati, said, With the addition of several new board members, and continued board development, the diversity of experience and background of the group will fuel the growth of Tent 26 into the coming year." As Tent 26, which began in 1944, moves into another busy and productive year, the board represents a renewed dedication to expanding Variety's programs and services for Chicago-area children. Executive officers include Chairperson, Nick Liberati; Board President, Michelle Baert; Vice President, Amy Key; Second Vice President, Linda Mastandrea; Third Vice President, John Stephens; Treasurer, Mayo Walcott; Secretary, John Bosca. The executive officers' oath included the spirited praise of long-time Variety member Ed Jablonski who spoke of board members' dedicated vision to serving Chicago-area children. Board leadership in Variety of Illinois will continue to build lasting relationships through its programs and services in Illinois. ABOUT VARIETY OF ILLINOIS: It's Variety's belief that every child deserves access to lead a full and active life "on and off the playing field. Dedicated to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children in need, Variety implements an array of programs such as Kids on the Go, which provides adaptive sports equipment that insurance won't cover and exorbitant costs exceed families' means. Through the efforts of enthusiastic volunteers, generous corporate contributors and various fundraising endeavors, Variety remains true to its 80-plus year heritage by bringing children real, tangible help. Media Contact: Jody B. Grimaldi | 630/470-0044 | jodybgrimaldi@aol.com
|
  
|
