Partnerships to Promote Paralympic Sport and Recreation

Partnerships to Promote Paralympic Sport and

RecreationLinda Mastandrea, President, Variety

of ILDan Ferreira, Chicago Park District

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Happy Birthday Monty!!!

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History of Variety • Catherine “Variety” Sheridan was left in

the Sheridan Square Theater in Pittsburgh, PA on Christmas Eve, 1928.

• 11 members of “Variety” social club agreed to underwrite her care.

• Thanks to nationwide press, donations of clothes, toys and money came from all over.

• Because there was more than she could use, the members of Variety social club began to donate to other children in need.

• Variety the Children’s Charity is born!

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Where Variety Tents Can Be Found • Today, Variety has chapters or

“tents” in 14 countries around the world

• United States --22 tents• Australia--7 tents• Canada--5 tents• Others include: Great Britain,

Ireland, Israel, Jersey, New Zealand, Barbados/Eastern Caribbean, Japan, and Hong Kong

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About Variety of Illinois• Variety—The Children's Charity of Illinois

was formed in 1944, by local theatre owners and businessmen. – Their mission was to do in Illinois what

the Variety chapters around the world were doing (www.varietychildrenscharity.org).

• Since its inception, Variety of Illinois has dedicated its efforts to improving the quality of life for children with physical and mental disabilities as well as those who are underprivileged, ill, or homeless. – Our signature programs include Kids on

the Go! and Live to Achieve.

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How Variety Raises Funds—Partnership with Movies and Theatres

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Kids on the Go! • Kids on the Go! has been

Variety’s signature program around the world.

• Our mission is to provide adapted sports equipment that families can’t afford.

• In Illinois, we provide about $60,000 worth of equipment each year.

• Worldwide Variety provides about $7.5 million in adapted equipment around the world annually.

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Live to Achieve • Live to Achieve was created to

support young athletes with Paralympic or World aspirations.

• Travel and training grants of up to $1,000 are awarded.

• Last year, Variety of IL gave $12,000 in Live to Achieve Grants.

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Partnerships are the Key to Our Success

• Variety of Illinois created an Advisory Committee

• Members include representatives of Chicago Park District, RIC, GLASA, dare2tri, special recreation associations. Chicago Public Schools, World Sport Chicago and others.

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International Paralympic Day

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Santa Hustle 2012

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Bulls Day for Kids

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Wheelchair Basketball Camps

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Jon

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Kyle

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Mary Kate

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CPD Adaptive Camps

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How to Work with Variety• Variety in your state

• US Variety

• Variety International

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“The generosity of Variety's donations covers expenses that many parents are unable to afford. Programs like Variety's Kids on the Go! help(s) (the kids) get the full benefits of life” - Trent Thenhaus, RIC Adapted Sports Coordinator

“I greatly appreciate the chair you have given me. I’m thankful for your generosity. This chair is the best I ever had!! Sincerely, Taylor”

What Happy Parents, Kids and Coaches Say about Variety

“...the inspiration of getting the bike through Variety has helped in more ways than I had originally thought it could! Thank you all so very much!-” Sherry S., recipient’s mother

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Contact Us for More InformationLinda Mastandrea, PresidentVariety of Illinois(312) 822-0660contactvariety@varietyofillinois.orgwww.varietyofillinois.org

Dan FerreiraAdaptive Sport Program & Event FacilitatorChicago Park District(312) 296-5973daniel.ferreira@chicagoparkdistrict.com

Thank You!