Variety’s Gala makes it possible for our organization to carry out its work of enabling children with disabilities to live life to the fullest with a focus on mobility, communication, and social inclusion.

Each year, Variety honors certain individuals and organizations who are advocating and championing the cause and mission of our organization, in order to give kids with disabilities more opportunities to discover the possibilities for their own lives.

2025:

  • Sally McCrady (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Sherri Longenberger (Charlie’s Champions Starfish Awardee)

2024:

  • The Honorable Rich Fitzgerald (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Randy Prunty (Charlie’s Champions Starfish Awardee)

2023:

  • Deborah Rice-Johnson (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Charlie LaVallee (inaugural Charlie’s Champions Starfish Awardee)

2022:  The Honorable Tom Corbett (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)

2019:  John Weinstein (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)

2018:

  • Tim Wiebe (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Mickey Sgro (Variety Advocacy Awardee)

2017:

  • Leo Gerard (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Roy Powell (Variety Advocacy Awardee)

2016:

  • Laura Shapira Karet and Giant Eagle, Inc. (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Robert Kozel (Variety Advocacy Awardee)

2015:

  • Bernita Buncher & the Jack Buncher Foundation (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Deborah Rice-Johnson (Variety Advocacy Awardee)

2014:

  • Joyce Bender (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Jerry MacCleary (Variety Advocacy Awardee)

2013:

  • Dick and Ginny Thornburgh (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Andrea Carelli (Variety Advocacy Awardee)

2012:

  • Greg Babe (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Kelly Frey (Variety Advocacy Awardee)

2011:

  • Jeffrey Broadhurst (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)

2010:

  • Gretchen Haggerty and U.S. Steel (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)

2009:

  • Ralph J. Papa (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • The Hill House Association (John H. Harris Awardee)

2008:

  • Kimberly Tillotson Fleming (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central PA (John H. Harris Awardee)

2007:

  • Linda Dickerson (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Pittsburgh Pirates Alumni Association (John H. Harris Awardee)

2006:

  • Rocky Bleier (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • HOPE Network (John H. Harris Awardee)

2005:

  • Jeffrey Deaver (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • The Watson Institute (John H. Harris Awardee)

2004:

  • Jamie Dixon (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • The Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh (John H. Harris Awardee)

2003:

  • Tommy Maddox (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Pioneer Education Center (John H. Harris Awardee)

2002:

  • Chevy Chase (Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Awardee)
  • Allegheny Valley School (John H. Harris Awardee)