Variety supports kids wherever the need is greatest. Becoming a member is your commitment to support the children of Variety through yearly donations and by attending special events.
Join nOWThe 2016 Variety Gold Heart Classic will be held at Peacock Gap Golf Club in San Rafael, CA to benefit Variety – the Children’s Charity of Northern California.
Individual tickets and foursomes are available by clicking here.
For sponsorship information contact Ayesha Williamson, Executive Director at 415.710.4412 or [email protected]
June 10, 2016
Richard Mann – January 21, 1933 – May 6, 2016
(George) Richard Mann of Novato, California, passed away at home on Friday, May 6, 2016. Born on January 21, 1933 in San Francisco, California to George M. and Vivian Mann, Richard lived most of his life in San Francisco and Marin County. He graduated from Lowell High School in 1950, and went on to receive his Bachelor ‘s Degree in Economics at Stanford University in 1954. He served in the United States Navy, and then came home to work for his father’s business, Redwood Theatres, Inc. He took the helm of the family business in 1963.
Richard married Katheryn Jensen in 1955, and was an amazing and inspiring father to their children: Randall Bechler, Michael Bechler, Leilani (Mann) Solheim , George M. Mann, and Lydia M. Mann, and their spouses. Each of them will hold him in their hearts forever. He was also beloved by his 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren who will always remember him as their “Gumby”. He leaves behind his cherished companion of 31 years, Linda Giovannini, and his sisters Vivian Barry and Diana Gilman, as well as many nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Richard was a passionate and educated man who loved sailing, traveling, skiing, historical books, classic automobiles, airplanes, ships, movies, good food, and especially Coca-Cola.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to the Variety Children’s Charity or Leukemia And Lymphoma Society .
The family wishes to thank the Visiting Angels for their loving and compassionate care during his final weeks.
Click here if you wish to make a donation in celebration of Richard.
Published in San Francisco Chronicle from June 10 to June 12, 2016 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?n=richard-mann&pid=180275641#sthash.QQFndhgT.dpuf
June 25, 2016
The FireFly Run is the coolest, most eye dazzling, and illuminating 5K night race. Runners and walkers of all speeds and experience are welcomed. Decorate yourself like a Christmas tree or dress up in mesmerizing costumes and let your creativity flow. Enjoy the post-race after party with live entertainment, refreshments, and amazing visual effects! Come out and support us for a great cause that benefits local charities. Relax and enjoy the spectacular sight of an one-of-a-kind night-time race. It’s time to get your glow on and light up the night like fireflies!
Costume Contest: Dress your very best to compete and win an awesome prize in our Costume Contest!
The Goodies: Besides an amazing night with lights, participants will receive the following high quality items:
– Premium t-shirt
– 2 Firefly Run 3M Reflective LED light bands
– Mystery gift!
– A sweet race bib
Post Race Celebration: Enjoy the music as you drown in mesmerizing lights. Lasers, lighted trees, glowing arches, and other lighting decorations will celebrate with you to dance the night away.
Variety is both a beneficiary of this fantastic event as well as staffing volunteers!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Shift A: 1:30PM-5:30PM Race Setup (help with setting up race site, course, equipment, miscellaneous needs)
Shift B: 5:30PM-9:30PM Race Check-in/logistics (help with checking in participants, handing out water, glow items, clean-up/tear-down).
June 6, 2016
Join us at 4pm, 5:45, or 7:30pm for a free screening of “Given－Your Happiness is Here and Now”
May 15, 2016
Today at Southwest Park in Santa Rosa we gifted adaptive bikes to 18 special kiddos!
After hosting a special day in March of measuring and outfitting the children and working with CCS therapists and families to get finalized applications, today was the big day!
Freedom Concepts sponsored the picnic with drinks and sandwiches and ABF freight lines delivered the bikes on this huge 18 wheeler that had several of the therapists husbands, rolling up their sleeves to help unhinge doors and roll the bikes off the truck!
The Distribution Manger from the Oakland Port warehouse even drove up with his wife, because the shipment was so important to them that it be delivered promptly and in one piece and they were excited to see who the bikes were going to!
May 14, 2016
Along with help from the team at Freedom Concepts, 29 fabulous people from all over the state of California, Alaska, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, Washington, North Carolina, Colorado and even the U.K. donated to help us make it happen.
And, that’s not all, Mikes’ Bikes gave Ramon super strong locks and a helmet & gear to ensure his safety as well as that of the bike, another donor provided a GPS tracker and bike alerts, lights and other accessories. Special thanks to the Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club for having us out today! Ramon even got to officially start the children’s race!
The importance of this bike, like ALL the children we grant to, means so much more than fun, it means FREEDOM. These custom bikes are built for each child so they will no longer be limited to wheelchairs and the indoors. Thanks to you, Variety kids are free to be a kids.
April 25, 2016
This past weekend we delivered 4 custom built #FreedomConcepts bikes to deserving children who had been on our waiting list.
Each of these children had something in common. They shared the challenge of mobility.
One was literally walked out of the house with his father physically supporting each step, another scooted out on her walker, yet another rolled out in his wheelchair and the 4th child was carried out of the house.
After each child was seated on their new bike, another thing was also consistent – they took off pedaling & smiling!
Having learned one child and not left his room in weeks, another hadn’t smiled in ages, one was now enjoying being outside when it was the least favorite thing to do before – and another child just felt empowered to move on his own – we now know, theses kiddos are going to prove the doctors wrong, show their therapists #VarietyKidsCan and race their friends in the neighborhood for bragging rites!
Kids want to be kids, and each of these children are now #VarietyFreedomRiders thanks to you! They are riding, laughing, enjoying the outdoors and most importantly – able to play alongside friends and siblings…and because of your donation, we’ve not only given them happiness but also emotional confidence and physical strength that they truly would not have gotten any other way. Because of you, they get the chance to be a kid! #SupportVarietyKids and make a donation today at varietync.org/give
March 19, 2016
Ramon’s bike was stolen!
Before we had Ramon’s custom bike built for him he was limited to his wheelchair and the indoors. With the bike, he is free to be a kid. With the help of the bDC, we donated this bike to Ramon in December, and it truly changed his life. We are saddened by the theft of his bike, but we aren’t going to let that stop him.
Please help us replace his custom built adaptive Freedom Concepts bike.
Variety - the Children’s Charity of Northern California is a non profit charitable organization. Since 1947, we have provided access to; medical care, rehabilitation, housing assistance, community aid and more, to tens of thousands of NorCal children most in need. Our federal tax ID is 94-1075155 and all donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
January 19, 2016
Last fall, 50 employees from the Corporate Accounting Operations department at Salesforce joined us in the Variety Preview Room to sponsor a Bike Build. In less than an hour they put together 50 trick-or-treat baskets and built 16 bicycles. The treats and bikes were later donated to two groups. One of those was in a partnership with The Yuba-Sutter Association of Realtors who works with several elementary schools on an essay contest. They chose to give the bikes to participants in the essay contest so the children would really understand the value of their prize.
This photo ‘Thank You’ arrived this morning and we couldn’t be more proud of this Variety kiddo!
This little guy’s message brought us to tears, he says; ‘thank you for the bike, I never had a bike.
We’d like to send a big thank you to Salesforce and to The Yuba-Sutter Association of Realtors & Laurie Trotti for being our partners in helping Variety children get the chance to be a kid.
With your help #VarietyKidsCan
*If you’d like to sponsor a Bike Build or would like more information on how you can help, contact Ayesha Williamson, Executive Director at [email protected]
Salesforce employees building 'My First Bikes' for kids in Yuba City.
December 19, 2015
Join us for a special screening on Saturday December 19th at 4pm, at IMAX The TECH Museum of Innovation in San Jose.
Tickets available HERE
For over 65 years Variety Children’s Charity has met our mission of providing medical equipment, rehabilitation services, housing assistance, community aid, and more, to tens of thousands of the Bay Area’s children and families most in need.
Seating is Limited
For more information, please call Variety at (415) 781-3894 or email us at [email protected]
Join as a member at: varietync.org/give
Your support helps fund programs including the purchase of pediatric wheelchairs, adaptive bikes, and mobility programs for disabled children in our community – and much more!
Event proudly sponsored by:
December 8, 2015
By David Kligman
SAN FRANCISCO — Riding a bicycle represents independence for children. But for the parents of 7-year-old Chandler Christen and other children with disabilities, just finding a bike can be an ordeal.
Chandler, who was born with a form of cerebral palsy and suffers occasional seizures, requires a customized bike with a larger seat and pedals to keep him secure and a handle and brake so his parents can steer him. These bicycles cost several thousand dollars.
Chandler Christen rides his new bike, courtesy of Variety Children’s Charity of Northern California. (Photo courtesy of Josh Christen.)
Earlier this year, the boy was surprised with a new three-wheeled bike designed just for him. His father, Josh Christen, remembers when it was delivered while his son was home sick with the flu.
“He’s half asleep and he sees his bike and says, ‘Wow, what’s that? Bicycle?’ recalled Christen, who lives in Woodland in Yolo County. “Before we even had a chance to look at it he was trying to climb up on the thing. He had the flu but he hopped on that thing and it was like he hadn’t been sick at all. He was just thrilled. We were all just floored.”
A San Francisco-based organization, Variety Children’s Charity of Northern California, arranged for the bicycle and paid for most of it.
Last week, the longtime organization was honored with 7×7 magazine’s favorite San Francisco charity contest. For the past five years, PG&E has sponsored the contest whose winners are chosen by online votes from 7×7 readers.
Ayesha Williamson, Variety’s executive director, described the ceremony as a little like a beauty pageant. Runner-ups were announced and then there were only two left. When the first runner-up wasn’t Variety, she realized her group had won.
PG&E’s Rob Black, left, presents a $10,000 check to the staff and board members of Variety Children’s Charity of Northern California.
“We couldn’t believe it,” said Williamson, one of two employees who work for the charity. “My board has this look of sheer and utter joy like we had just won the Little League World Series. But there was a little bit of guilt knowing there were all these really incredible organizations that didn’t win it. It was a wonderful feeling and there were mixed feelings but we were certainly honored.”
PG&E awarded Variety a $10,000 grant and $2,000 each to the six runner-up organizations.
“This is a way for PG&E to recognize those organizations that do so much for our local communities,” said Rob Black, the utility’s senior director of Community Relations.
Williamson described her organization’s beginnings in 1928 Pittsburgh after a newborn girl was abandoned in a movie theater. Pinned to her was a note from a woman who hoped that a good home could be found for her daughter. A group of show business professionals found a foster home for her and pitched in to raise her.
“They wanted her to grow up as a normal child and feel loved and never forgotten,” said Williamson, who said the girl eventually learned of her story as an older woman.
Variety established its Northern California chapter in 1947. Through it all, its mission is to step in to help when insurance agencies or others can’t or won’t.
An online vote determined the winner of 7×7′s annual contest to name San Francisco’s favorite charity.
For nearly 70 years, Variety has provided access to medical care, rehabilitation, housing assistance and community aid to tens of thousands of Northern California’s most needy children.
There are many examples of what the organization does — providing gas cards for a family traveling to the hospital while their child receives cancer treatments; paying for back-to-school supplies for a family that can’t afford it; and in Chandler’s case, funding his first bike.
“That chance to be a kid is very important to our organization,” she said.
Christen, Chandler’s father, said he’s grateful for all that Variety and Williamson have done for his son.
“I can’t say enough about that organization,” he said. “We feel like we’re a part of their family. You can never have enough people rooting for you when times get a little tough and things aren’t going your way.”
Email David Kligman at [email protected].
December 3, 2015
|
We WON!
Last night the 7 finalist charities were invited to a party in San Francisco by 7×7 Magazine and PG&E
where it was announced that
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Northern California
was voted San Francisco’s Favorite Charity!
We are incredibly honored to have this title and we are thrilled to have the gift of $10,000 from PG&E for Variety kids!
We wish to thank all our amazing voters of; our corporate supporters, partner organizations, vendors, Variety peers all over the world, grantee families and all of your extended networks! You are all truly our friends & family!
Special thank you to:
|
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Northern California
Variety of Northern Claifornia’s mission is to aid disabled, at risk and disadvantaged children, and their families, throughout San Francisco, the greater Bay Area and Northern California.
In our pursuit to help children most in need, Variety of Northern California has provided millions of dollars of medical equipment, rehabilitation services, housing assistance, community development aid, and more, to tens of thousands of children however, we can’t do it without you!
Variety’s legacy of leadership in San Francisco Bay Area community spans more than 68 years. Learn more and become a part of our workhelping kids at varietync.org
|
|
November 16, 2015
Variety has been nominated as a finalist in 7×7′s Annual San Francisco’s Favorite Charities Contest!
Voting time is here and we need your help!
Instructions:
1) Scroll to the bottom of the page
2) Select Variety Children’s Charity
3) Enter your email address
4) SUBMIT
October 31, 2015
Join us in celebrating Halloween with one of the best holiday movies of all time:
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
Event open to adults and children of all ages (well, probably 7+).
There will be Popcorn, Soda, and Candy available ($1 each).
Don’t miss trivia, raffle and prizes.
Come in Costume!
Doors open at 6pm.
Movie at 7pm.
Only $3 (plus Eventbrite fees).
October 8, 2015
Variety and IFDA Northern California (International Furnishings and Design Association) invites you to their annual “Take A Seat” gala and auctions to benefit Variety Children’s Charity of Northern California.
Hosted at the wonderful B&B Italia showroom for an evening of extraordinary talent, savory hor d’oeuvres, refreshing cocktails/refreshments, and a live charity auction.
Mingle with Bay Area’s top designers as their original, one-of-a-kind “chair” creations are auctioned off for Charity.
Get Your Tickets HERE
Variety Members enjoy a special discount with the code “GOLDHEART”
September 16, 2015
Join us for a special members screening of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION
With the IMF now disbanded and Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, a new threat — called the Syndicate — soon emerges. The Syndicate is a network of highly skilled operatives who are dedicated to establishing a new world order via an escalating series of terrorist attacks.
Members enjoy priority seating, complimentary drinks and special gifts.
Join as a member or Monthly Donor
June 27 & 28, 2015
Variety is seeking volunteers!
We invite you to come have fun and help support Variety Children’s Charity of Northern California as a Donation Volunteer at SF Pride.
This is the 2nd year Variety NorCal is participating as a Donation Partner and we must provide a minimum of 10 volunteers on Saturday 6/27 and 10 volunteers on Sunday 6/28 to collect donations at the gates or along the parade route during the parade on Sunday.
In exchange for our participation, Variety will receive a grant equal to a percentage of what we collect for SF Pride as well as for the hours we volunteer, the more money we collect in donations, the bigger the grant they give us to impact kids & their families in Northern California! The more volunteers we have, the bigger donation haul we’ll collect!
On Saturday June 27th & Sunday June 28, 2015 we will need volunteers to:
1. Collect donations (as a team) at an assigned entrance to the Pride celebration in San Francisco Civic Center.
2. Be able to stand for at least 3 hours.
3. Wear a provided Variety Volunteer t-shirt.
About SF Pride 2015
Take a Stand for Pride – Donate $5 at the Gates
Gate donations support more than 40+ local nonprofits including Variety Children’s Charity of Northern California!
2015 marks the 45th anniversary of the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade. The event will be held over the weekend of June 27 and 28, 2015. With over 200 parade contingents, 300 exhibitors, and more than twenty community-run stages and venues, the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest gathering of LGBT people and allies in the nation.
The two-day celebration takes place in Civic Center Plaza in downtown San Francisco the last full weekend of June each year. The Parade, which takes place the Sunday morning of the event, kicks off from Beale Street along Market and ends at Market and 8th St. in the heart of downtown San Francisco.
June 9, 2015
Join us for Game 3 of the NBA Finals to cheer on our Warriors!
For over 65 years Variety Children’s Charity has met our mission of providing medical equipment, rehabilitation services, housing assistance, community aid, and more, to tens of thousands of the Bay Area’s children and families most in need.
Movie Nights & Special Screening are just one of the many benefits provided through our Membership Program, which provides vital funding and ensures our ability to continue as one of the Bay Area’s most trusted charitable organizations
serving children and families in need.
Members enjoy priority seating, complimentary drinks and special gifts.
If you aren’t a current member, please join or
Click to Join or Renew as a MEMBER or Monthly Donor
Not Rated / est. 3Hr5:30PM - Join us for HAPPY HOUR!
Enjoy Wine, Beer, Mixed Drinks, Soda, Popcorn, and Candy!
6:00PM - Game starts
$10 – $20 Suggested donation at the door
Cash bar & tips all benefit Variety
Your financial support ensures that we can continue to helping more children and to bring you films throughout the year!
Seating is Limited
Variety members and their guest receive priority seating
Tickets will not guarantee seating.
May 29, 2015
- The following was taken from the FOX 40 News broadcast on May 29, 2015. Click here to view the video -
SACRAMENTO-
Meet Miracle Joy Surgeon, a sweet 6-year-old girl who is living up to her name.
“Miracle was born at 23 weeks, 1 pound 12 ounces. She spent her first 129 days in intensive care. She came out she had hydrocephalus, she had a level 4 brain hemorrhage at birth,” grandmother Bonnie Surgeon said about Miracle’s early life.
Her grandmother has cared for her ever since, helping her get through the tough times.
Just over a year ago, Miracle Joy started having seizures. One episode lasted for six hours, it was too much for her little body and she fell into a coma.
It was so bad, doctors thought she would never celebrate her 6th birthday.
“She came out of the coma, two and half days later we found out that she had lost complete eyesight. She had cortical visual impairment.” Surgeon said.
But Miracle’s eyesight is starting to come back.
“Miracle never let that hold her back, she’s never let any of her disabilities hold her back.” said Surgeon.
She now reads on her own, writes on her own. But there’s still one thing she struggles with.
“To get her a bike that she could ride, has been like an impossibility because of the weight.” said Surgeon.
But on this day, Miracle Joy will get her chance.
Thanks to Variety The Children’s Charity, Miracle and 11 other kids with disabilities have their own customized bikes.
For Miracle, this bike is a true blessing.
To learn more about Variety The Children’s Charity of Northern California and how you can help sponsor other kids like Miracle. You can visit their website here.
May 20, 2015
Palo Alto, CA – Variety asks all of our supporters to help us in congratulating Rebecca N. of Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School for her amazing work in fundraising $1,175!
Rebecca’s fundraising was part of her 7th grade class project. Variety’s Executive Director, Ayesha Williamson, was fortunate to be able to attend the presentations and was honored to be presented with the highly successful fundraising effort.
Congratulations to Rebecca! She is an example for us all! Her fundraising effort will go directly to helping deliver life-changing medical and support equipment to a local family in need.
May 16, 2015
With the help of Sean Doolittle of the Oakland A’s, Variety Children’s Charity of Northern California, and Batman, a little boy named Andrew was able to receive a bike to help with his therapy.
According to Ayesha Williamson, Executive Director of Variety Children’s Charity of Northern California, Andrew has Spina Bifida and had surgery on his spinal cord last Monday.Variety Children’s Charity is a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering services to children.
April 27, 2015
Beginning Monday April 27th – Sunday May 3rd, Variety is running the 18th hole concessions at the Cadillac Match Play at Harding Park.
This exciting opportunity will not only be a community outreach effort but will also help raise funds for Variety programs as we collect tips and 8% of all sales made at the 18th hole!
Volunteers are still needed. Learn more and sign up here.
April 24, 2015
Variety was featured on KRON 4 News as we delivered a van to help grandmother Maxine and her family care for grandson Marquis.
April 21, 2015
We are pleased to welcome Tim Schafbuch of Dolby to our Board of Directors. He joins our other 12 Directors in their passion for our mission to help children throughout all of Northern California.
April 17, 2015
Join us for our 2nd annual guest bartending event at Tonic on Russian Hill at 2360 Polk Street in San Francisco from 6-9 PM. Bring your friends and get fabulous drinks poured by your Variety Board officers and members – and for those three hours Variety earns all the tip money you are so generously going to donate to Variety kids!
April 4, 2015
Variety sponsored the 10th Annual Beeper Egg Hunt, an event run by the Blind Babies Foundation, a leader in the field of sight impaired children and an organization that was founded out of our own NorCal Variety program many years ago!
April 17th, 2015
Not Rated 1Hr 30Min
In 2012, legendary French fashion house Christian Dior Couture announced the appointment of designer Raf Simons as its head Creative Director. DIOR AND I takes a privileged, behind-the-scenes look at the high stakes, high tension makings of Simons’ debut haute couture collection and how it returned to the origins of the house of Dior. The film also takes an intimate, cinema vérité-style glimpse at the inner workings of the Dior atelier, capturing the entire eight-week process up until the premiere of Simons’ collection. This includes the little-seen atelier workers-the heart and soul of the fashion industry-some of whom have sewed for Dior for decades and do so with an unbridled passion. Together, they form a support system for Simons and help to create his masterpiece collection, with every line they sketch and bead they sew. A whirlwind of creativity, stress, determination and triumph,DIOR AND I marks the third fashion film for writer/director Frédéric Tcheng, who previously co-wrote and co-directed Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel and co-produced Valentino: The Last Emperor. DIOR AND I had its World Premiere at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival.
Opening April 24th at the Landmark Opera Plaza Theatre
Enjoy Wine, Beer, Mixed Drinks, Soda, Popcorn, and Candy!
$10 – $20 Suggested donation at the door
Cash bar & tips all benefit Variety
Your financial support ensures that we can continue to helping more children and to bring you films throughout the year!
Seating is Limited
Variety members and their guest receive priority seating
Tickets will not guarantee seating.
April 3, 2015
San Francisco, CA
Variety had the pleasure of hosting the the children from our long time partner agency, Booker T. Washington Community Center for a movie at our Variety Preview Room.
The children ages 6-10 were enjoyed a screening of Big Hero 6, enjoyed snacks and took group photos in front of our very own Kung Fu Panda.
March 30, 2015
For over 65 years Variety Children’s Charity has met our mission of providing medical equipment, rehabilitation services, housing assistance, community aid, and more, to tens of thousands of the Bay Area’s children and families most in need.
Movie Nights are just one of the many benefits provided through our Membership Program, which provides vital funding and ensures our ability to continue as one of the Bay Area’s most trusted charitable organizations serving children and families in need.
Members enjoy priority seating, complimentary drinks and special gifts.
Join as a Member or Monthly Donor
Please join us Monday, March 30th for
KUMIKO THE TREASURE HUNTER
Not Rated / 1hr 45min
Populated by eccentrics, this darkly comedic odyssey stars Academy Award nominee Rinko Kikuchi (Babel, Pacific Rim) as Kumiko, a frustrated Office Lady whose imagination transcends the confines of her mundane life. Kumiko becomes obsessed with a mysterious, battered VHS tape of Fargo, fixating on a scene where a suitcase of stolen cash is buried in the desolate, frozen landscape of North Dakota. She embroiders a map to the treasure and, believing it to be real, she leaves behind Tokyo and her beloved rabbit Bunzo to recover it—and finds herself on a dangerous adventure unlike anything she’s seen in the movies. With Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter, indie mavericks the Zellner Bros. spin a strangely touching underdog fable that will leave audiences rooting for the impossible. Elevated to sonic heights by a Sundance award-winning score from electro-indie outfit The Octopus Project. (Partially subtitled)
Opening April 3rd at the Landmark Opera Plaza Theatre
$20 Suggested donation at the door, cash bar & tips all benefit Variety
Your financial support ensures that we can continue to helping more children and to bring you films throughout the year!
Seating is Limited
Variety members and their guest receive priority seating
Tickets will not guarantee seating after 6:45pm.
For more information, please call Variety at (415) 781-3894
or email us at [email protected]
Join as a member at: varietync.org
Your support helps fund programs including the purchase of pediatric wheelchairs, adaptive bikes, and mobility programs for disabled children in our community – and much more!
March 11, 2015
Come Meet & greet with our Board of Directors during this casual happy hour and open house to learn more about Variety and what it means to be a board member.
5:30-6:30pm at the Variety Preview Room
RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/variety-board-meet-greet-tickets-16028516725
February 22, 2015
Suit Up! Get ready to enjoy the Academy Awards in style at the private Variety Theater off Market. Walk the red carpet with cameras flashing and watch the Oscars on the big screen. Think you know your films? Guess winners for each category throughout the evening for a chance to win.
Guests will enjoy champagne to toast & for those lucky few who purchase Presenter or Red Carpet Club tickets, they’ll take home a little bubbly in your Swag Bag.
*Cocktail attire encouraged.
**Limited space.
***This event is not sponsored by or affiliated with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
February 11, 2015
We were early risers this morning with our friends at CBS13 and CW31 Good Day Sacramento & Mark Allen as we granted 3 bikes to Kira, Emma, Fili and their families!
Along with Al from Freedom Concepts, Aurora from Orchard MTU and David Tate our Variety NorCal Board Member, we then visited with 12 other families and the local MTU in need of our help!
Variety featured on Good Day Live
February 6, 2015
Just received out $5000 check from the wonderful folks at Wells Fargo! Looking forward to putting this to great work helping deserving families!
January 9, 2015
We are excited to announce the Best of SF Stand-Up Comedy officially now calls Variety home!
Catch this amazing show, featuring a rotating troupe of Comics from HBO, NBC, and Comedy Central and SF locals, every Friday night at the Variety Preview Room!
Tickets are $15 and make for an incredible night! Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/button2/559273
December 31, 2014
|
|
At the core of Variety Children’s Charity of Northern California is a desire and dedication to inspiring hope, enriching lives and building better futures for the children in our greater region. From the Oregon state line to Bakersfield, We (“We” means you too!) at Variety NorCal know there are a lot of children who need our assistance. All this year we’ve asked you to join us in new endeavors to do more for these kids.
Together, We donated 10 custom adaptive bicycles enabling children to not only address therapeutic needs but to provide the social need to just be a kid and have fun too. We also granted 30 bicycles and helmets to children in Napa & Sonoma counties who would otherwise not be able to afford a “First Bike”. We’ve funded camp scholarships, van lifts, van payments, ramps, gate-trainers, wheelchairs, adaptive strollers, ‘trykes’ and retro-fit items to make children safer and happier. We also took care of some necessities; We answered a Compassion Care request for a family who, while ‘living’ at the hospital with their admitted child, were worried about losing their apartment, so We stepped in and helped them with their rent and a few bills to ease their worry. We also answered a plea from a Principal when her school in San Leandro was robbed twice during the summer and she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to open the doors of her school in time without the necessary supplies to teach. And, We even launched a new program at this year’s Abilities Expo Bay Area with the Variety Childcare Pavilion, a free drop-in childcare station allowing parents and caregivers the opportunity to take in the full resources and workshops of the expo while their children played with trained volunteers in a safe environment. But We didn’t stop there, we partnered with companies and individuals to make some magic happen; a few of those are: the WWE, Oakland A’s, Golden State Warriors, 49ers, Wal-Mart, Salesforce, Wells Fargo, TRUSTe, John N. Hansen Company, Genentech and Gregg Lynn who hosts an annual Toy Drive so that We can make the holidays a little brighter for greater Bay Area children – this year we collected more than 2,300 Christmas gifts along with cash donations too!
We also welcomed four new Board members, upgraded the lounge space of the Variety Preview Room and logged thousands of volunteer hours from our friends like YOU. This year you made it happen, by helping us help the children, who need Us. On behalf of the children we help and the smilesWe make…Thank YOU!
2014 was a memorable one for our organization and for me too. I joined an amazing group of individuals, corporations, organizations and you in wanting to do more for the children that Variety serves and will serve.
With 2015 only hours away, I know it promises to be another challenging year, one that will pull at our heart-strings and ask us to do even more. As we do every year, we intend to deepen our impact on the lives of the children of Northern California while exploring more opportunities that inspire, enrich and better their futures.
We encourage you to make a gift to Variety Children’s Charity of Northern California and to share this request with friends & family who will join you, as we make 2015 a year of Us! Together, we will continue to ensure that children will have the opportunity to be a kid.
Happy New Year,
Ayesha Williamson
Executive Director |
December 21, 2014
San Francisco, CA -
We’d like to thank our Variety Northern California donors who made Peyton’s ‘Freedom Concepts’ custom bike possible, we had a lovely party yesterday to give it to her and the echoing of her giggles will stay with us forever.
Peyton and her family
Executive Director Ayesha Williamson and Peyton
Board Member John Goldie and Peyton enjoying the new bike!
December 14, 2014
San Francisco, CA -
The San Francisco Film Critics Circle held their annual awards event at the Variety Club’s Preview Room. The group of 35 Bay Area film critics discussed the merits of the year’s films and performances.
For more information visit: http://sffcc.org/
SFFCC members
December 7, 2014
San Francisco, CA — Variety collected over 2,300 toys this year as the beneficiary of the 10th annual Toys for Tots event hosted by Gregg Lynn. This year’s event, which was hosted at the luxurious St. Regis Ballroom set the record for most toys collected and has helped us deliver even more for our community partners serving local disadvantaged children.
Volunteers spent the entire next day sorting toys into relevant age groups so that we could then bag them up for every child on our list!
Spread the cheer! Make your donation via text now!The toy stacking in progress.
Variety volunteer dancing and taking pictures with guests
Toy sorting in progress
December 2, 2014
South San Francisco, CA -
Genentech employees stepped up to help Variety raise over $2,000 toward the purchase of an adaptive bike for Julian, a boy and his family waiting for help.
The generosity shown by the Genentech team is only the beginning and we’ll be heading back to campus to deliver the bike to Julian soon!
Genentech employees posing in their reindeer best!
Nov 21 – Nov 23, 2014
San Jose, CA -
Variety launched the first ever Child Care Pavilion at the Abilities Expo! The Abilities Expo is a trusted and hugely important resource for families seeking to expand and enable their lives and those of their loved ones with disabilities.
Adding the Child Care Pavilion was an incredible benefit to parents who need their time at the expo to be focused on collecting information, attending workshops, educating themselves on the best resources, and testing out and signing up for new products and therapies. The Child Care Pavilion was provided free to all parents and gave children a safe and fun play.
