Variety the Children's Charity of North Texas
For the Kids eNews 
June 2008
In This Issue
* Another Great Year for Bikes for Kids
* A New Sense of Self
* An Afternoon of Live Theatre
* Kung Fu Panda
* Executive Director Honored
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Another Great Year for Bikes For Kids
Bikes for Kids  Over the past 11 years, Variety has had the distinct pleasure of providing more than 1,000 local children with a bicycle of their very own.   
  This year was no different. On May 31, Variety presented over 75 local underprivileged children with a bicylce, helmet, lock, chain and t-shirt of their very own. All while enjoying a family friendly film with their entire family.
   Variety would like to thank Johnson Abbotts International for presenting the program for the second year in row. Additional support was provided this year by The Texas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities, On Board Xpress, The Medtronic Foundation, Rehab Specialties and many more.
   In addition, Walt Disney Studio Motion Pictures provided each recipient with a backpack, BaiBrook McDonald's ensured each child (and their family members) had a hearty breakfast, DLP Cinema presented the children with special gifts as well as a chance to see a NASCAR in person and, all, at Cinemark 17 in Dallas.
A New Sense of Self
New to the Bikes for Kids event this year was the expansion of the program to children with minor disabilities. Here's one families story:  
   Kimberly is the mother of two son's, 10 and 7, who are both on the autism spectrum. Due to their conditions, they are, as she puts it, "behind kids their age in their bike riding skills." 
   Shortly after receiving their new bikes, Kimberely informed Variety, "They had a blast...The youngest had never ridden without training wheels and after this afternoon, he now knows how! Our oldest has never ridden a big bike with gears and hand brakes, and he was successful too! They had so much fun..., and we thank you for making them feel special, and giving them confidence to aspire to new heights."
An Afternoon of Live Theatre
Cats  May 31 was a busy day in more ways than one for Variety. In addition to hosting the 12th Annual Bikes for Kids, Variety also hosted a group of area children at the matinee performance of the Broadway musical Cats.
  The event was made possible by a donation of tickets from the Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM). This marks the second time in the past six months that Variety and DSM have worked together to bring deserving children together with live theatre. In December, our respective organizations hosted more than 60 area children at Cirque Eloize: Rain.
Kung Fu Panda
Kung Fu Panda  A special screening of Kung Fu Panda will take place Saturday, June 7th for families raising children with special needs. As with all the films in our Special Needs Screening Series, special needs children and their siblings are free-of-charge. Adults pay the standard ticket price.
  And don't forget, the series now takes place at four area Studio Movie Grill locations (Arlington, Dallas, Lewisville and Plano). In addition, Variety will be hosting a screening at the Studio Movie Grill in Houston.
  Click here for details about the Kung Fu Panda screening.
Executive Director Honored
While Variety in North Texas just missed out on being named one of the three Heart Award Honorees at Variety's International Convention last month (we finished in the top ten for the first time in over 20 years), Variety's own Lance Hood was honored just before he left for the Convention as the WOMPI (Women of Motion Picture Industry) Supporter of the Year. He was presented with the award at the groups 55th Annual Hot Dog Luncheon for his support of the organization during the past year.
Variety has been promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children all across North Texas for more than 70 years.