Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa

Carver is a six-year-old twin living with cerebral palsy and a variety of medical complications. Carver’s medical journey started when he was born at 25 weeks and had a nine month stay in the NICU. This adaptive bike will allow Carver to have a safe way to independently ride his bike alongside his twin sister, family, and peers. In addition, this bike will help Carver improve his coordination and balance, build muscle, and increase his endurance!

Thanks to the Moose Lodge Cedar Rapids 304/515, four-year-old Myles now has his custom specialized bike! Myles relies on a wheelchair for his primary mobility, and traditional bikes or tricycles lack the necessary support. This specialized bike offers the perfect blend of support and the thrill of bike riding! ♥️

Six-year-old Brooks received his new bike! ❤️

At school Brooks has been able to use an adaptive bike and is able to ride with some independence - now that he has a bike of his own, he will be able to improve his mobility by strengthening his muscles, improving his coordination and balance, and working on his motor skills. Brooks will also be able to join his siblings while riding bikes and continue working on his independence!

Today is your last day to ROUND UP at Fareway Stores and make a meaningful donation to Variety, supporting children like Felicity! Dollars raised through the Round Up provide mobility equipment to children living with special needs, as well as fund and deliver effective programs and grants to care for children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill, or living with special needs. ♥️ 🛒

Felicity received her new bike at Fareway Stores Burlington! This specialized bike will open up new opportunities for her to engage with her peers, gain strength, and will help improve her overall health.

Fifteen bicycles were donated to children at the Dubuque YMCA, thanks to Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company!

Employees from Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company volunteered their time and skills to assemble the bikes, and professionals from Free Flight performed thorough safety checks on all the bikes. The Dubuque Police Department was also present to educate the children on safe riding practices and how to properly secure their bicycles!

A big thank you to everyone involved in supporting this project in the Dubuque community! ❤️

Katana's new specialized bike will open up exciting opportunities for her to participate in family bike rides and explore the bike trails near her home! This bike is not only a means of fun and adventure, but also a valuable tool for improving her balance and coordination. ❤️

A special thank you to Jeff Lorenzen from American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company for sponsoring Katana's new bike!

During their lunch break, employees at Ahlers & Cooney, P.C. dedicated their time to assembling bikes for children in need! These bikes offer more than just transportation for children in our community - they promote a sense of responsibility, encourage exercise and good health, and provide the simple joy of riding a bike. ❤

This is the last week to round up your total at any Fareway Stores to support Variety and children like Brenna!

13-year-old Brenna is a triplet who was born with special needs and uses a wheelchair for long-distance mobility. Her wheelchair isn't always convenient or able to go everywhere, but her new specialized stroller is lightweight and can easily fold up in her family's vehicle so she can go on more family outings and attend her siblings’ sporting events!

This stroller was purchased with funds raised by the customers of the Fareway Store in Polk City during our Round Up campaign in 2023!

One month until eastern Iowa's 36th Annual Leinenkugel Golf Invitational at Elmcrest Country Club!

Secure your spot now and help us raise funds for children in need. It's not just about golf - it's about making a meaningful impact and having a fantastic time doing it! ❤️ ⛳
https://www.varietyiowa.com/calendar/events/event-177/

11-year-old Ben received his specialized bike in April, and it has been a game-changer for him!

"I can not tell you how much the bike has changed Ben's view of the world this summer. Since Ben got his bike in April, he is out nearly every single day riding with his siblings, friends, or just exploring the neighborhood. We recently took our first bike ride as a family to the ice cream shop where he didn’t need to ride in a trailer. This week we biked to dinner with a group of family friends and Ben led the group. Ben has gained a significant amount of independence and gave us peace of mind that he would be safe on a bike made for him. Experiences like this are instrumental in shaping how Ben thinks about himself and living with his disease and disability. We couldn’t be more thankful for organizations like Variety." - Ben's parents

When you round up when you checkout at any Fareway Stores to support Variety, you are supporting children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill, or living with special needs.

Through our mobility program, we work with physical therapists to identify children who would greatly benefit from a specialized bicycle or other piece of adaptive mobility equipment, such as gait trainers, standers, strollers, and more.

While these pieces of equipment are extremely helpful to the children who need them, they are rarely covered by insurance. Dollars raised through the Round Up help support our mobility program so children can gain strength, coordination, and be active in their communities! ❤️

Madison received her new specialized bike thanks to Mike McCormick! This new bike will allow Madison to be able to ride bikes with her siblings rather than having to ride in a stroller. This specialized bike minimizes safety concerns during family activities and provides Madison a safe way to work on her balance and coordination!♥️

Round up your grocery bill for Variety at any Fareway Stores starting TODAY through July 20! All funds raised during the Round Up will support Variety's mission of helping children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs. ❤️ 🛒

Pictured is four-year-old Jonah who received his new specialized bike at the Norwalk Fareway thanks to generous donations made by their customers during the Variety Round Up campaign last year! Now that he has his own bike to ride at home, Jonah will be able to move actively in his environment, strengthen his body to reach his therapeutic goals, and play with his peers.

Alayna's new adaptive stroller is much lighter than her traditional power wheelchair! This lightweight stroller makes it easier for her family to transport her to and from medical visits, family outings, and other appointments. This stroller helps children with limited upper body strength and is designed to withstand outdoor terrain better than a typical wheelchair.

12-year-old Annika received her new Freedom Concepts specialized bike, thanks to Roger Fors! This bike will help Annika gain strength in her core and legs, and will improve her mobility and ability to sit and walk for longer periods.

We’re just a month away from the - our 29th Polo on the Green! Join us at Powder River Ranch on July 27 for a fabulous evening featuring dinner, an all-inclusive hosted bar, live and silent auctions, and a thrilling polo match with divot stomping. 🏇❤️

Purchase your individual tickets, young professional tickets (ages 21-35), or a table of eight here: https://www.varietyiowa.com/calendar/events/event-181/

Last year’s memories captured by: Christopher Maharry.

Our charity finance subcommittee recently wrapped up their annual review of our new grant applications! This dedicated group of bankers thoroughly investigates the financial standing of each new nonprofit organization that applies for funding from Variety. Their in-depth analysis ensures that only financially sound and reputable nonprofits receive our support, maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of our funding process.

Camp Hertko Hollow's mission is to help make a difference in the life of a child living with type 1 diabetes by providing an educational, therapeutic, and recreational camping experience for Iowa’s youth.

Camp Hertko Hollow received a Variety Grant through last year's grant cycle to help subsidize camp fees for all campers and provide financial assistance for campers demonstrating financial need. This support helps ensure all campers are able to attend camp, regardless of their financial situation. Read more: https://www.varietyiowa.com/news/camp-hertko-hollow/

Nash, a 10-year-old boy living with special needs, received his new specialized bike at the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) conference at Flix Brewhouse Des Moines! This new bike will help Nash build strength, improve his balance and coordination, and allow him to safely enjoy riding a bike outdoors.♥️

At four years old, Abigail is gearing up for an exciting journey with her new bike! This new bike will help her gain strength in her legs and core, and provide her a sense of independence! This will also help her improve her motor skills and help keep her healthy and active. ❤️

17-year-old Kayla received her new tandem specialized bike thanks to Don and Margo Blumenthal! Kayla’s new bike will allow her to maintain her range of motion and improve her ability to walk. Biking is part of Kayla’s daily routine, which allows her to be outside with her family! ♥️

We are thrilled to announce the new leadership for our state board, eastern Iowa board, and Young Variety of Iowa board!

These dedicated individuals will guide our efforts over the next year to improve the lives of children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs. We are honored to have such passionate leaders commit their time and talents to supporting Iowa's kids!

Four-year-old Jaxten loves being outside - with his brand new specialized bike, Jaxten's world just got a whole lot bigger! When he's riding his bike, Jaxten is strengthening his legs and opening up endless opportunities to play with friends and ride together! ❤️

To the dads who air up the tires, adjust the safety straps, and do all they can to help their children live their best lives: Happy Father's Day!

19-year-old Maxwell received his new TRAM - a transfer and mobility device designed to deliver three functions in one unit: gait training, sit-to-stand transfers, and seated transfers.

This mobility device will help Maxwell to safely stand, walk, and transfer with decreased assistance from caregivers!

A big thanks to Knapp Properties for supporting Variety and our mission to help children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs. ♥️

Saddle up for the ultimate summer soirée - Polo on the Green! Join us at Powder River Ranch on July 27 for an air-conditioned evening of dinner, an all-inclusive hosted bar, live and silent auctions, and of course, a polo match complete with divot stomping. 🏇 ❤️

https://www.poloonthegreen.com/

Photos from last year taken by: Christopher Maharry

Variety mourns the loss of Rosalie Gallagher, Variety’s #1 VIP fundraiser and champion of children in need.

Rosalie Gallagher inspired everyone she met, and was a tireless advocate of Variety’s mission. Rosalie had a profound sense of giving back to her community. She was a leader in civic duty, serving on Variety's Board of Directors as well as numerous boards for other local nonprofits. She also served as the International Vice President of Variety - the Children’s Charity and won numerous awards for her philanthropy.

She was a master in fundraising, having honed her skills so that she seldom heard “no” when she asked for a donation. Rosalie is Variety's top VIP fundraiser, raising over $3.3 million through her own personal fundraising efforts and leading a team of women who have raised over $7.9 million since 1997. She proudly would tell her admirers, “Service is the rent for living.”

Rosalie was honored during our 50th Telethon Spotlight Special, which you can watch here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/YJH9rsREJ6ChKVQu/

Rosalie's presence will be greatly missed, but her generous and tenacious spirit will continue to shine through the lasting impact she made on our community through her philanthropic endeavors.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, August 3rd at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates in Des Moines, Iowa.

Donations can be made in her honor here: https://www.varietyiowa.com/donations/rosalie-gallagher-memorial

Thank you to the Dubuque area Hy-Vee stores and their generous customers and suppliers for supporting Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa! Your support is very appreciated! ❤

With the help from all of our customers, suppliers, and employees, the Dubuque Hy-Vee stores donated $6,743.50 to Variety, the Children's Charity of Iowa. This donation will benefit children in the Dubuque area who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs.
For more info about Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa visit ----> https://ms.spr.ly/6183YsIJJ