YOUNG VARIETY continues the tradition of caring. For those in their 20s and 30s, Young Variety offers the chance for professionals in our local communities to meet one another while fulfilling Variety's mission to give children with disabilities greater access to lead a full and active life. Their energy and commitment is inspiring as they work tirelessly in their partnership with Variety's efforts to provide life-enriching assistance to children with disabilities.

Young Variety is dedicated to extending the impact of Variety as a whole. Its members are committed to sharing their spirit, talent, and expertise, as well as encouraging the ongoing involvement of other young professionals. It is vital to keep this organization growing so that we can continue to do our work and pass the mantle from one generation to the next.

Through fundraisers, holiday parties, our Variety at Play program, and other volunteer opportunities, Young Variety members contribute much needed time and money to improve the lives of Illinois children with disabilities. Aware of how precious their own freedom and independence is, this group works toward providing the same for disabled children.

For more information about how you can get involved, please contact our Young Variety Chair, Janna Wilkie at Volunteer@varietyofillinois.org.

YOUNG VARIETY OF ILLINOIS EVENTS

Call for Volunteers

If you are interested in donating your time to help Variety of Illinois with its mission, please contact us at Volunteer@varietyofillinois.org.

YOUNG VARIETY TEAMS UP WITH THE NATIONAL SPORTS CENTER FOR THE DISABLED

Young Variety had dozens of volunteers help run the free public soccer camp on May 9, held at Toyota Park. Hosted by the National Sports Center for the Disabled (www.nscd.org), the Chicago Fire professional soccer team and Variety of Illinois. Forty kids (ages 6-18) with disabilities, either physical or developmental, were introduced to soccer. The one-day interactive camp included instruction and skill development, equipment use, games and prizes; and was administered in part by friendly Variety volunteers wearing red t-shirts. Appearances included Fire players and Sparky, the Fire mascot, whom all the kids absolutely adored.

Kris Ekeren, Vice President of National Programs at the National Sports Center for the Disabled, said, We really appreciated the willingness of everyone to work together to have a successful event. Also, the Variety volunteers that came out to help with the camp were wonderful. I think it's an effective way to collaborate to impact the lives of kids in the community.

Tent 26 has also partnered with the NSCD for additional NSCD sport camps that will take place throughout the summer with the Cubs, Sox and Bears.