Author: Variety
Big Impact from Community Initiatives
MADabolic Gym Members Sponsor Adaptive Bikes
In August, MADabolic Strip District owner, Jesse Holloway hosted a month-long fundraising campaign with gym member, Shayna Zayac, who is the Co-Chair of Variety’s Movement Board! Jesse and Shayna pushed the fundraiser throughout August. Altogether, the gym members collectively raised more than $5,000 to sponsor two adaptive bikes, which we presented on Monday at MADabolic!
More Than $34,000 Raised by Reason-to-Ride
October 6th was absolutely remarkable at Z&M Harley-Davidson as we presented 12 adaptive bikes and 2 adaptive strollers to local kids and families – all made possible by Z&M’s 9th Annual Z&M Reason-To-Ride Fundraising Event.
To get a feel for all the joy, check out this video of the bike parade!
This year was a big success with a crowd of 650+ supporters and an incredible $34,250 raised to support Variety, and our friends from TribLive even attended to capture the joy of the day.
After the bike presentation, new bike recipients, Felicity and Tanner, as well as Variety Ambassador, Jacob joyfully challenged Z&M’s Dax to a race that was full of fun and freedom! As you’ll guess, Dax lost every race, but he lost with a smile and fist-bumps!
Click here or the photo below to watch their race!
$15,000 Raised By Client Appreciation Event
On September 24th, we presented several adaptive bikes with the incredible Leonard Advisory Group team at their 10th Annual Client Appreciation Event! As the Charity Partner for this year’s event, the Leonard Advisory team and their generous community raised enough funds to sponsor 6 adaptive bikes ($15,000) – including those presented at the event, where supporters tangibly saw the impact of their donations!
The Leonard Advisory Group created an awesome recap video that you can watch by clicking here!
An Annual Tradition of Joy for Guardian Employees
Guardian Protection continued their annual tradition of hosting a bike giveaway, and this year, they or celebrated 4-year-old Michael, who received his new adaptive bike on September 24th. As always, the Guardian team were amazing hosts and organized the equivalent of a pep rally to honor Michael and his family. Over recent years the team at Guardian has provided over $24,000 in funds for Variety and have presented 12 adaptive bikes. This was also the second time in which the recipient (Michael) was the child of a Guardian Protection employee, which made it even more special!
Presentation with Janney at Historic Summit Inn
In partnership with the Uniontown Office of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, we presented 5 adaptive bikes and 5 adaptive strollers to local kids and families at the end of August! The Janney team had been running a summer long fundraiser to cover the costs of a few of the bikes and strollers that we presented, and will continue for the rest of the year. Read more in this article from The Daily Courier!
Are you interested in organizing a fundraiser? Variety is in critical need of support to fund adaptive bikes and strollers that are ready to be presented – we simply need the funding. Please reach out if you, your employer, or community group are interested in helping us fund equipment for kids that are ready to receive it now.
Don’t Miss Variety’s Gala – Nov. 13th
You can help our most important event of the year!
This year’s Gala, Celebrating the Kids is on Wednesday, November 13th at Acrisure Stadium beginning at 5:30 PM, and it will be one of the most memorable (early) evenings of the year (click here for details)!
Variety’s Gala is a annual fundraiser that’s critical to ensuring our work continues, and there are many ways to support the event:
- Sponsor – will your company/organization consider being a sponsor? Click here for all the opportunities available.
- Buy an Ad – less expensive than a sponsorship, a program ad is a great way to support the event, and highlight your organization. Click here for more details.
- Attend – individual tickets are $300 for one or buy two for $450. This year’s event will be a fresh, new take on our annual event to make it more fun and enjoyable.
- Silent Auction Donation – a highlight to the evening, we are still in need of donations for our silent auction. If you or your organization are interested in donating an item, gift card, basket, etc., please complete this form.
- Patron Donation – a donation of any amount towards this year’s event will always make a difference. You can donate online here.
Should you have any questions regarding this year’s Gala, please contact Patti Ferraro at patti@varietypittsburgh.org or (724) 933-0460. We greatly appreciate your support!
At the Gala, our 2024 Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Award will be presented to The Honorable Rich Fitzgerald, who has been passionately involved for more than 12 years. When Variety kicked off My Bike® in 2012, Rich was one of a core group to rally behind the program and give it the momentum it needed to succeed. Since then, he has stayed deeply involved in the evolution and impact that Variety has created for thousands of kids with disabilities.
At the Gala, our 2024 Charlie LaVallee Starfish Award will be presented to Randy Prunty, who has also been passionately dedicated since 2012. As the business development manager at Blackburn’s, Randy has been instrumental in launching both of our mobility programs. He has personally attended the majority of bike/stroller presentations to ensure every child goes home with equipment that is safe and right for them. Not only does Randy ensure safely, but he has delivered equipment to homes and will always go above and beyond.
WICKED Gold Hearts Pins
WICKED Gold Heart Pins Are Now Available!
Variety – the Children’s Charity is THRILLED to partner with Universal Pictures to create two limited-edition gold heart pins featuring characters Glinda and Elphaba from the spectacular new cinematic event, WICKED, in theatres on November 22nd!
Proceeds from the pins sold benefit local Variety programs that provide life-changing equipment, services and experiences to children who live with special needs or endure daily life challenges. The limited-edition collector’s pins are now exclusively available for a minimum donation of $3.00 in movie theatres throughout the U.S. while supplies last, and a full list of participating locations can be found by clicking here.
Excitingly, one of our very own Variety kids out of Wisconsin, Marrisa Bode, is playing Nessarose in the upcoming film! Variety of Wisconsin granted a vehicle modification for Marissa and her family in 2013, and we are so proud of her! Here is a short video featuring Marrisa promoting the Wicked film!
Three-Thousand Reasons to Smile
BIKE #3,000 given to Jude on PITTSBURGH TODAY LIVE!
There was a lot to celebrate last Thursday, as we presented adaptive bike #3,000 to JUDE & #3,001 to PAISLEY, and hit one historic milestone for the My Bike® Program!
Even more special, we got to present the history-making bikes alongside our My Bike founding sponsor, Highmark and our incredible mobility partners, Blackburn’s – both of whom have been instrumental to our impact!
Paisley’s joy was a stand-out as she “honked” along riding her new bike for the first time, and you can watch the short video by clicking here.
When Variety kicked off My Bike in 2012, we hoped to sponsor 100 adaptive bikes, so it means the world that we have now surpassed 3,000 bikes (worth more than $5.5 million) thanks to the ongoing support of so many!
Don’t miss enjoying ALL the joy and impact from Thursday:
- Pittsburgh Today Live highlights official presentation of Bike #3,000 to Jude LIVE
- KDKA and KidsBurgh – presenting Bikes #3,000 and #3,001 and reach historic milestone
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Goodness section) – Children take spin on bikes no. 3,000 & 3,001
Now, there are 3,001 Reasons to Smile!
But, receiving an adaptive bike is only the beginning…
After receiving his new bike, Jude’s mom, Megan kindly sent us the above photo and a beautiful message of joy, “Just wanted to share a picture of Jude on his first ride in the neighborhood with his brothers!”
A Decade of Riding Adaptive Bikes in the Labor Day Parade!
Baseball Nights at Washington Wild Things & Altoona Curve
A “Peak Moment” Experience at the Washington Wild Things
Tuesday, June 23rd was an evening full of peak moments for 3 Variety kids and their families who got to spend the night together at the Washington Wild Things Game! Julia and her sister, Jillian even got to throw out the First Pitch to kickoff the game, and they were extraordinary!
After the game, Julia’s mom shared, “We had a blast at the game! I think I’ve shown everyone we know Julia’s first pitch video. Her therapists absolutely loved seeing it, then Julia would begin therapy with the biggest smile from listening & seeing herself throw again. I can’t thank you all enough for this experience!”
Mason’s mom also shared a message of joy, saying, “Mason had an incredible time at the game, and it was truly a memorable evening for our entire family. Your generosity provided us with a much-needed and enjoyable outing. We are deeply grateful for your kindness and the positive impact you have on our lives.”
Altoona Curve Hosts Presentation & Experience
In partnership with the Altoona Curve, we presented 9 adaptive bikes and 4 adaptive strollers at last night’s Altoona Curve game, and it was spectacular!
Bailey received her new pink adaptive bike, and her mom, Katherine explained, “With an adaptive bike of her own, Baylee will finally be able to go out and ride bikes with all of us! She can be like her big brother and sister without having to wonder why she’s the only one not riding a bike. This will bring our family closer together!”
Don’t miss reading and watching this media coverage that will surely make you smile:
Read Altoona Mirror’s article at https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2024/08/sweet-ride
Watch all the joy that was captured by WTAJ-TV at https://www.wtaj.com/news/local-news/adaptive-equipment-presented-to-9-central-pennsylvania-kids-with-disabilities/
Bogey, Birdie, Par, Putt – FOUR!
Beaver County Young Lawyer’s Golf Outing: June 14, 2024
This was the 10th Year that the Beaver County Young Lawyers sponsored equipment for Beaver County kids from their annual golf outing, and we are SO grateful for their ongoing support!
Khloe received her new adaptive bike, and her mom, Brittany shared why the equipment means so much, “I imagine it’s not easy to grow up in a world that’s not adapted to your needs. I also imagine, even though she can’t talk, Khloe feels left out when other kids around her are doing ‘kid things’ like riding bikes.
With her disability she does not understand or have the capability to ride a traditional bike, but every child should have a bike, disabled or not. With Khloe’s new adaptive bike, it will let her have the opportunity to simply be a kid and ride bikes. We love to go on family outings and now Khloe will have a bike to ride alongside her sister, and Khloe can be one of the kids!”
Since 2014, BCYL have sponsored 22 pieces of equipment, including 19 adaptive bikes, 2 communication devices, and 1 stroller (worth nearly $40,000 in equipment).
Mason’s Movement Golf Outing: May 11, 2024
Since 2020, we’ve been fortunate to partner with the Mason’s Movement Foundation, and this year, we got to present an adaptive bike at their annual golf outing!!
Everyone celebrated Ronnie, who received his new adaptive bike at the event, and his dad, Michael explained his hope with the equipment, “This adaptive bike will help strengthen his legs, help him get outside and handout with his friends, help him appropriately use his arms and legs. This special bike gives us fun ways to spend time together as a family on the bike trails, so we’re very excited!”
We’re so grateful for everything Mason’s Movement does to help those in need, and we hope you’ll take a moment to learn more about their work here.
Variety’s 2024 Golf Outing & Clay Shoot Event: June 3, 2024
Variety’s 2024 event was a big success, and we couldn’t have done it without the generosity and participation of so many incredible partners (see all our 2024 sponsors here)! A special thanks to Ron Lewis Automotive for sponsoring another bike at our reception!!
Save-the-date for next year’s event on June 2, 2025 at Longue Vue Club!
More Memories for Sawyer
Sawyer’s new adaptive stroller means MORE MEMORIES, as his mom, Shayna shared with us,
“Having an adaptive stroller for my son means being able to make more memories by going to more places! It means not worrying about walking too far or too long before my son gets too tired to walk. He is growing out of his regular toddler stroller and has exceeded the weight limit. My son loves to get out and explore new places, and this stroller will be the most ideal and comfortable thing for him!”
BONUS PHOTO of Sawyer’s bike fitting (the last step before ordering the equipment), where it’s easy to see how much he loved testing out an adaptive bike!
Core Pediatric Dentistry Sponsor Josephine’s Stroller!
We were SO grateful to Core Pediatric Dentistry for their generous sponsorship of Josephine’s new adaptive stroller!
Her mom, Courtney explained how much it means, “Josephine elopes and wanders, so she has to be in a stroller to stay safe. She also has trouble walking long distances, so a stroller helps her get around. The adaptive stroller will help us in scenarios where the wagon we typically use for her is too big. We are planning a trip to Disney World and want to make sure that the stroller we have for her will be the most comfortable and safe.”
It’s Much More Than A Bike
It is so much more than a bike, as Marlena’s mom, Shannen graciously shared with us,
“An adaptive bike will be so amazing for Marlena! She is a twin, and her twin brother loves to ride his tricycle, and I would love to able to see them enjoy this activity together. We frequently go on walks in our neighborhood as a family, it’s one of our favorite things to do.
Logan, Marlena’s brother, is always on his trike while Marlena is in her wheelchair. While she is happy and content in her chair, I believe she deserves to experience the joy of riding a bike alongside her brother – not to mention all the ways it will help her from a therapeutic standpoint!”
Thanks to Variety’s My Bike® Program, Marlena now has her own adaptive bike!
Matteo Can Simply, Enjoy Being A Kid
We were beaming with JOY, as Matteo received his new adaptive bike AND adaptive stroller a few months ago, and we’re STILL SMILING because of his mom, Rebecca who explained what this bike means,
“We try to keep Matteo included in all the activities we do, and an adaptive bike will greatly help with that! He loves going fast and the wind blowing on him, and his three sisters like to have him next to them for everything! Thank you for this program and giving Matteo the opportunity to ride bikes and enjoy being a kid!”
Thanks to Variety’s My Bike® Program and My Stroller® Program, Matteo now has the freedom to go anywhere and easily be included in all activities!