History

It began with one child…

The “Variety Club” (as it was once known) was initially founded in the fall of 1927 by a group of 11 Theatre Owners and Showmen in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. At that time, it was designed as a social club that did charitable acts and raised funds with the Variety Club hosting its first Gala on November 11, 1928 at the historic William Penn Hotel.

Less than one year after forming, the Variety Club’s focus shifted because of one child.

In late-December 1928, the 11 men were playing cards backstage after a matinee performance at the Sheridan Square Theatre, when they heard whimpering from the auditorium. After investigating, they discovered a one-month-old baby girl left in a seat to whom her mother had pinned a desperate note, saying,

“Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her. I have eight others. My husband is out of work. She was born on Thanksgiving Day. I have always heard of the goodness of show business people and I pray to God that you will look after her.”

An Inspiration

The Variety Club decided that they would act as 11 “Godfathers” and underwrite Catherine’s support and education. They named her Catherine Variety Sheridan – her middle name for the club and her last name for the theatre.

The “Godfathers” continued to support Catherine even after they found her a permanent home with a family. The community was also so inspired by Catherine’s story, and more clothes, food, money, and toys were collected than any one child could ever need. The “Variety Club” used the surplus to help other disadvantaged children and grew from there.

Catherine’s Story

Catherine’s story became an inspiration to help kids everywhere, and since those early beginnings, Variety – the Children’s Charity (as it is known today) has evolved into an international brand with a network of 38 Tents (or offices) in 13 countries to help children in need around the world (www.variety.org).

When Catherine was five years old, she was adopted by a carefully selected and loving family. Over 300 families applied to adopt Catherine, whose name was changed to Joan to protect her identity and ensure as normal a life as possible. Joan lived a very happy life. She served the United States in both Korea and Vietnam as a registered nurse, as well as spending a great deal of her life helping disadvantaged children.

She remained anonymous until 1980 when, at the request of Variety International, she attended the Variety Convention in Los Angeles with her husband and three children. Catherine/Joan passed away on September 9, 1994 at age 65, but her inspiration and motivation to help children in need shines brightly today through Variety – the Children’s Charity.

While Variety has its roots in the entertainment industry, its heart is in the community. People from all walks of life can contribute and experience the joy of helping children in need.

Variety of Pittsburgh is proud to be Tent #1 and continue on the local legacy of helping kids live life to the fullest through our own mission and programs.