PRESIDENT/CHIEF BARKER’S MESSAGE
In 2010, Variety the Children’s Charity of Southern Nevada celebrates 60 years of service in the Las Vegas community - and what an amazing six decades it has been! Despite some occasional bumpy economic times over the years, the persistent efforts and support of many has paid off considerably.
Though much work still needs to be done in responding to special needs, Variety can be proud of its tradition of bringing real change to thousands of children. Gratefully, much has changed in dealing with developmental and physical disabilities and other challenging circumstances, so that today, health and welfare reform, assimilated academic settings, employment opportunities, parity regulations, and social integration are accepted concepts.
It is therefore my distinct pleasure to invite you to take a look at the very rich legacy Variety has been able to create since 1950, none more outstanding than being able to provide for many children with special needs in Southern Nevada.
Additionally, Variety’s history makes clear the noticeable importance of contribution – past and future – on the part of so many. With supporters at every level, Variety has been able to build schools, provide suitable transportation, provide medical treatment and prosthetics, and has been able to underwrite graduation ceremonies for students whose parents doubted the very possibility of such right-of-passage events.
The occasion also inspires me to personally invite you to accept the challenge of entering into renewed efforts to mobilize the resources needed to fulfill Variety’s mandate – there are still many children who need help in receiving basic adaptive equipment which would truly change their quality of life.
On behalf of the current Board, staff and volunteers of Variety, I take this wonderful anniversary date to pay tribute to all former Variety Crews who worked diligently for the cause, and who and gave much time, talent and enthusiasm to every event.
And lastly, we applaud all individual donors, entertainers, companies, corporations and foundations that supported and keep supporting Variety’s endeavors, thus reinforcing the belief that meeting the needs of children with special circumstances was and continues to be a priority in our life.
Lauri S. Thompson
President/Chief Barker
Fall 2009
