Agency Details:

Variety the Children's Charity of Northern California is dedicated to improving the lives of children in the Greater Bay Area and Northern California

We do this by providing programs of last resort which help families access medical care and related services that are not covered by insurance companies, hospitals, government agencies or community based organizations.

Description:
Variety Children's Charity of Northern California takes pains to reach out and provide crucial services to children and families in dire need of relief. We supply them with a needed infusion of appreciation money, material and equipment so that they live happier, healthier and productive lives. We have been working with children throughout Northern California since 1947. As a membership-based organization, Variety has always relied on the support of our membership, corporate relations and volunteers to make a difference in the lives of handicapped, critically ill and disadvantaged children.

History:
The Variety Story:

It all began on Christmas Eve 1927, when an infant was abandoned in the Sheridan Theater in Pittsburgh, PA. Pinned to the child was a note that read, "Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine, I can no longer take care of her. I have heard of the goodness of show people and I hope you will take care of her" signed "A Heartbroken Mother.

Unable to locate the parents, the group of showmen who found the baby formed a social club called Variety Children's Charity (after the entertainment tabloid, Variety Review) decided to underwrite the infant's support and education. When Catherine Variety Sheridan turned 5, they selected a foster family for her. And this was the beginning of what was to become a worldwide network of volunteers striving to help children in need.

The first Variety event, a circus for children, established the theme for the organization. Each local chapter became a "Tent," beginning with Pittsburgh as Variety Tent #1, and continuing as additional Tents have been established. Today, there are more than 50 Variety Tents around the world. From this effort has grown an international fundraising organization, which draws on the talents and generosity of the movie industry including studios, theater owners and movie-goers like you that support children in local communities who are dealing with poverty, neglect, violence, and physical disability.

Contact people:

Bill Boone, Board Member, (email) Nancy Foley, Board Member, (phone), (email) Rina Weisman, Board Member, (phone), (email)

Address:

The Hobart Bldg., 582 Market Street, 9th Floor San Francisco, CA 94104 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.varietync.org

Directions:

The Hobart Bldg. is located at 582 Market Street, at the intersection of 2nd and Montgomery. The entrance to the building is between Citibank & Quiznos. There is only street and/or garage parking, but we are conveniently located right at the BART/MUNI Montgomery Street station.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: BART/MUNI Montgomery St   Nearest Bus Stop: 10

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	No others
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	18
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes

Last updated on February 10, 2010