It's All "FORE Our Kids"

Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa

Variety—The Children’s Charity of Iowa was founded in 1937. Since the inception of the telethon in 1975, the club has raised more than $84 million through its annual telethon and other fundraisers.

With the generous support of individuals and the corporate community, Variety has provided funding for capital projects, essential medical equipment and special programs to more than 300 charities throughout Iowa and neighboring states. In addition, over 280 Variety Vans are transporting kids across the state.

Variety uses its Principal Charity Classic funding to provide mobility resources for kids in need. For instance, in 2009, Variety used funding from The Principal Charity Classic to purchase a wheelchair-equipped coach for ChildServe, a local nonprofit organization that helps children with special health needs. The coach provides transportation for special needs children so they can get to physical therapy, doctors appointments and community outings. This year Variety purchased a van for the Rabiner Treatment Center in Fort Dodge, IA.  The Rabiner Treatment Center strives to instill hope in the youth and families they serve by teaching self-discipline, responsibility, commitment and pride through innovative treatment and positive growth experiencesThe van was presented to them in December 2011.

Variety also provides kids with bicycles—from traditional, just-for-fun bikes for kids who’ve never owned one before to specialized bicycles for kids with unique physical needs. The specialized bikes provide exercise, physical therapy and a little bit of freedom to kids who otherwise would not be able to ride a bike.

To learn more about Variety—The Children’s Charity, visit www.varietyiowa.com.