News from Variety Children's Charity of Northern California

January 2009

Welcome to Variety Children's Charity of
Northern California

Dear Friends:

In our first issue of 2009, we look back at our work of 2008 and share some highlights. Although the economy may look bleak at the moment, your social investment through Variety promises to pay rich returns. Clearly many of our donors and members have that same perspective. As the year ended, Variety was blessed with a generous response to our year-end appeal. Thank you!

We remain focused on our mission of enhancing the physical and social health and mobility of children who are ill, disabled, at risk or underserved. Variety's Executive Committee is working on a strategic plan to further expand our impact and enable us to serve even more families in the future.

I look forward to seeing you at one of our events soon.

Ellen

2008 Program Highlights

Although corporate and individual giving was down, the year-end appeal produced over 150% more in donation dollars than 2007.
Variety gave 140 children new bicycles
Two special adaptive bikes were donated to an adaptive physical education program and a family. The bikes will be used by at least 12 children.
One van dedication was held
600 toys were distributed to children in the Bay Area for the holidays
500 children participated in Variety life enrichment programs such as read-aloud, our Summer children's film series, baseball games and other events.
A set of therapeutic mats and parallel bars were given to families
Variety's Compassion Fund provided $30,000 to families in need for transportation costs, diapers, baby food, utility bills, groceries, rent, medical and funeral expense and equipment such as car seats, cribs and strollers

Information is based on pre-audit data.

2008 Bike Build a Big Success!
BB Party