Category: Events
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.
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!
United Together for Kids!
For our kids, the chance to ride their adaptive bikes in the Labor Day Parade in Pittsburgh is an unforgettable experience, and this year was simply FULL OF SMILES.
We were fortunate to have Governor Josh Shapiro join us and celebrate the kids and families.
Governor Shapiro expressed his appreciation of them, and said, “I want you to know, we’re going to do everything we can to help.”
You can experience more of Monday’s joy and celebration by watching this video, United Together for Kids – just be ready to smile… a lot!
It is amazing what can happen when we all unite together for the needs of kids with disabilities.
P.S. On Monday, Anniyah’s mom, Cher proudly shared in our time together that Anniyah recently participated in a beauty pageant, and she used her communication device to answer the questions!! We are so proud of her!!
Mobility Presentation at Covestro – December 12, 2022
As the first snow of 2022 fell on Monday, Dec. 12, Variety’s kids were warm and joyful inside Covestro’s facility as they received bikes their new bikes and strollers through Variety’s My Bike® and My Stroller® programs. Whether it be their first or second time, the kids were ecstatic to try out their shiny, new adaptive equipment.
Gia received her second bike at the presentation, and her parents expressed how far she had come in the time she had her old one.
Daria said, “She can steer on her own in therapy. I think there was a lot going on for her and she was overwhelmed today, so it was harder for her to focus on steering.”
Gia was right behind Mike Schneck, Variety Board Chairman, in the bike parade, and gained on him quickly, though she didn’t have recent practice outside of therapy because she had grown out of her old one.
Daria said, “We’re getting this second one because she outgrew her first one. There’s a bigger one at PT (physical therapy), but she hasn’t ridden at home since she outgrew her old one.”
Gia’s father, Doug , explained that he’s glad to get Gia another bike for at-home riding because he hopes it will make exercise more appealing.
“It’s another form of exercise. It’s hard to get her to exercise, so this will be great,” Doug said, “We have a treadmill at home, but the bike is more enjoyable for her.”
Doug also expressed how happy he was to have another one at home for Gia to ride.
Doug said, “she outgrew her other one right when she was getting the hang of steering it, so when we found out that we could get another one, we applied immediately.”
Variety gives kids the ability to have a lifetime of riding as they can apply for a second bike at least three years after they received their first one. As long as families and kids still meet Variety’s requirements, the kids are eligible for two pieces of the same equipment!
For other kids at the program, it was their first piece of adaptive equipment from Variety, and the parents talked about how this new way of getting around will impact their child’s and family’s lives.
Cristobal had never received equipment from Variety before, but on Monday he was receiving both a stroller and a bike. His mom, Maria explained how she expects both pieces of equipment to positively impact Cristobal’s life.
“Cristobal doesn’t like to walk long distances, so I bought him another stroller from the store, but his legs still touched the ground. It was a risk for his legs to hang like that,” Maria explained, “With the bike, I’m hoping that it will help exercise his legs and help him to walk longer distances.”
She hopes that the bike will enable Cristobal to get out into the community for longer periods of time, but she has other expectations for the stroller. She hopes that he My Stroller® program will help to get Cristobal out into the community and do it safely.
Leon also hopes to use it to take Cristobal and the rest of the family to church. She was most appreciative that she could apply for both the Stroller and the Bike at the same time.
Leon explained, “I felt very blessed that we could receive both because I thought we would have to choose.”
Anyone who fits the criteria for equipment can apply for one or all three of the programs that Variety has.
Carleigh also received a stroller from Variety on Monday. While she had an adaptive stroller before, it was not one provided by Variety.
Her mom, Melissia , explained that the stroller will provide opportunities for Carleigh to experience the world safely again. Carleigh is too big for strollers made for typical children, and though the family has tried multiple strollers, they are all too easy for Carleigh to tip.
“She outgrew her stroller and was tipping them,” Melissia explained. “Without this program, I wouldn’t be able to do our day to day. It was either stay at home or put her at risk.”
Melissa shared the plans they had following the presentation and receiving the new equipment.
Melissa said, “We’re going to pick up her siblings and we’re heading to the grocery store after this!”
Variety aims to help kids be kids, and with Carleigh’s new equipment, she can get out into the community like her brothers and sisters!
Partner Spotlight: Guardian Protection Gives Back!
Since 2008, Guardian Protection has partnered with Variety and in 2015, the Guardian team began an annual tradition of raising funds to sponsor adaptive bikes or adaptive strollers for kids with disabilities
Their employees went ABOVE AND BEYOND to raise money however they could do it. they organized a gingerbread house-building contests, 50-50 raffles, bake sales, and even a summer carnival, which featured an Executive Dunk Tank!
The Guardian team did whatever it took to raise the funds because they truly believed the importance of giving kids newfound freedom and the chance to be just like the other kids.
Since, 2015, the Guardian team has sponsored seven adaptive bikes and two adaptive strollers, and each year, Guardian invites the kids to their corporate headquarters to truly celebrate their special day.
The giveaway events at Guardian are truly out-of-this-world for our kids.
Guardian creates an entire bike route with tape around their headquarters for the kids to take their first bike rides; they provide refreshments and snacks (and even a candy station one year for the kids) to feel welcome; and they truly go the extra mile to decorate the space with balloons and signage that make the kids feel extra special.
Guardian has made giving back part of their culture, and we are so grateful for the life-changing equipment that they have created for kids and their families!
Check out this article from our first Guardian giveaway in 2015 that was done by the Tribune Review!
ON THIS DAY we celebrate kindness
TODAY ON NOV. 13, 2020…
We were scheduled to have Variety’s Gala that celebrates and raises critical funds, but then the pandemic hit. Instead, we join so many others in celebrating World Kindness Day and WQED’s Cardigan Day WITH A SMILE FROM TRISTAN, who is filled with pure joy on his new adaptive bike!
Variety’s programs are not only spreading smiles, but life-changing impact. We’re helping children to be included and not left behind. We’re helping to give kids a voice to be themselves. We’re helping kids to freely go out into the community and participate. Variety is a helper, and we are asking for your help now.
Will you support our Partners in the Pandemic Campaign for kids with disabilities? This campaign will raise critical funds that Variety needs to keep changing the lives of children and their families, and truly, any amount will make a difference. You can read more about the campaign by clicking here, and/or you can give a donation right now by clicking here.
ONE YEAR AGO ON NOV. 13, 2019…
We were in Clearfield County, PA presenting adaptive bikes, adaptive strollers, and communication devices to kids like Vladimir (pictured below). Could his smile of pure joy get any better?
As Fred Rogers once said, “Anyone who does anything to help a child in this life is a hero to me.”
Please be our hero, support this campaign, and help us, help even more amazing kids!
Thank you so very much, Neighbor!
CELEBRATING 10 & Why It’s Important
TODAY AT 4:00 PM, we celebrate Joke #10 in our JOKES WITH JACOB smile series, and we feel it’s something worth celebrating, together! You can keep up with all of Jacob’s jokes on Facebook or YouTube.
For Jacob, and so many other kids with disabilities, this time of “stay at home” has been especially hard, since it’s completely changed his daily activities. It’s changed his life completely.
We cannot forget about our kids and their challenges, especially now. Our kids just want the chance to be part of something.
JOKES WITH JACOB has been an enormous boost for Jacob, as it gives him purpose and helps him to give back to others through laughter. It’s also inspiring others to think of how they can give back. Excitingly, Jacob’s first 9 jokes have reached more than 34,000 people!
We hope that you’ll continue to follow JOKES WITH JACOB, and help make sure that our kids are not forgotten (BUT CELEBRATED) because they have A LOT of joy and beauty to give to us all.
An Idea Turned Into $4.3 Million for Kids!
Six years ago, Variety kicked off “My Bike” with the presentation of Bike #1 at PNC Park with then Governor Tom Corbett, Pirates’ President Frank Coonelly, PNC’s Andrea Carelli, Highmark’s Deb Rice-Johnson and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. We had an idea at that moment and the desire to impact kids with disabilities.
Six years later, we returned to PNC Park with not only “My Bike”, but “My Stroller” and “My Voice” with all three of these programs changing kids’ lives in dramatic ways. Since November 2012 when “My Bike” kicked off, 2,500 bikes, strollers, and communication devices have been presented and $4.3 Million has been donated to provide this life-changing equipment, and we’ve expanded our service area from 10 Southwestern Pa. counties to 54 counties in Pa. and West Virginia.
I was especially impacted by Clint Hurdle’s words for all of us in the room last Friday,
“To see this type of opportunity is priceless to me. We have a special needs daughter, Maddie, who is 16 years old. She has never ridden a bike and wants no part of a bike. The joy I walk out of here with is seeing the smiles on the faces of you parents and grandparents, and the independence these bikes give your children. I know the joy we get when someone takes a part in our daughter’s life. It makes our journey a little easier.”
Last Friday was not only a flashback to where “My Bike” began and where it has gone today, but Variety also presented 5 adaptive bikes as part of the Pirates’ CARE-a-van that allowed Pirates’ coaches / players to interact and walk alongside our kids, including: Josh Bell, J.T. Brubaker, Cole Tucker, Jacob Cruz, Joey Cora and Justin Meccage. Excitingly, three of the five bikes presented were sponsored by the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Alumni.
To see Manager Clint Hurdle leading our kids in the parade for yourself, then click this link!
Also joining the day’s festivities last Friday was Variety Ambassador James, his sister Krissy, and his mom Mary.
Krissy summed up the bike’s impact by saying, “The day that I rode bikes with my brother for the first time was one of the most amazing days of my life. It may be the very best day ever!”
Thank you for following along with us – we could not be more grateful for you!
P.S. If you have a few minutes, you can watch this short video that portrays our journey from an idea to the impact we are creating today for so many kids.