Variety the Children's Charity of Texas
For the Kids eNews 
March 2009
In This Issue
* A Laugh Worth Hearing
* Special Needs Screeners Special Announcement
* Variety Has Your Ticket to AFI Dallas
* Congratulations to A Company That Deserves a Rave(ing) Review
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A Laugh Worth Hearing
Ashleigh   Many people would agree that the sound of a child's laugh is priceless. 
   It can often take the listener back to a much simpler time. 
   That is exactly what happened in San Antonio earlier this month. Variety, with support from Rico's Products, Co. Inc., presented 8-year-old Ashleigh with a customized bicycle built to her specifics...and condition.
Ashleigh & Tony  Ashleigh has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, seizure disorder and developmental delays among other things.
   You might be asking yourself, "Can a child with all these conditions can ride a bicycle on her own?" Well...why not listen to her laughter as she rides it for yourself?
 
Additional Information:
  - YouTube Videos of Ashleigh and her bike - Video 1, Video 2 and Video 3
  - Photos of the presentation.
Special Needs Screeners Special Announcement
Monsters vs Aliens  Variety is pleased to announce the expansion of its ever popular Special Needs Screening Series. This Saturday, March 28 Variety will be screening Monsters vs Aliens at each of the traditional locations (Studio Movie Grill's in Arlington, Dallas, Houston, Lewisville and Plano), and three new theatres.
   We would like to thank Alamo Drafthouse (Alamo Lake Creek in Austin and Alamo Mason in Katy) and Movie Tavern (Hulen Movie Tavern in Fort Worth) for joining us as we allow families raising special needs children the opportunity to see first-run, family friendly films in an environment of their peers. As with our partnership with Studio Movie Grill, Variety will be covering the costs of special needs children and their siblings.
   For those in other markets, do not worry. Variety is actively looking for potential new partners to spread this program to other locations, and we hope to announce some new venues very soon.
Variety Has Your Ticket to AFI Dallas
AFI Dallas 2009   AFI Dallas is back. From March 26 - April 2, AFI Dallas 2009 will be giving North Texas a reason to celebrate as they celebrate the independent spirit of talented filmmakers, the undeniable pleasure it brings to watch their art unfold on screen and the support the citizens of Dallas have provided to bring this Festival to the masses.
   For the eight days that AFI Dallas 2009 takes place, it will inspire filmgoers to focus on the possibilities of life. It will continue to fuel a passion for film. And, it will provide a wonderful escape where filmmakers make everything possible.
   Variety is honored to once again have been selected as a Community Partner in bringing this wonderful experience to the residents of North Texas.
   And, we want to give you, our members and supporters, the opportunity to join in the celebration and experiences that seeing a film can bring. As such, Variety has procured a limited number of complimentary screening passes to the Festival.
   If you are interested in participating in this year's Festival, please contact Variety directly for passes.
   Not sure what is playing? Visit AFI Dallas 2009 for a complete listing, or download the flyer. We are sure that you will find something for everyone's taste.
Congratulations to A Company that Deserves a Rave(ing) Review
 
   Rave Motion Pictures has been selected as one of eight Corporate Award Winners from Variety International for their support of Variety the Children's Charity of Texas and other Variety programs around the country for our recently completed 2007-2008 Fiscal Year.
   Rave will be presented with their award at Variety's Annual International Convention in May. 
   Along with Rave, Variety Texas would like to congratulate the following companies and associated Variety programs:
      - Adelaide Convention Center - Variety South Australia
      - Canwest Communications - Variety British Columbia
      - Deluxe - Variety Southern California
      - DPD & Interlink - Variety Great Britain
      - Lamar - Variety Palm Springs
      - McDonalds - Variety New Zealand
Variety has been promoting and protecting the health and well-being of children all across Texas for more than 70 years.