Variety - The Children's Charity's mission is to enhance the lives of children in need. We provide lifesaving and life-enriching assistance to children challenged by physical and mental disabilities, poverty, abuse and neglect. Funds are allocated to various children's agencies and camps to aid disabled, disadvantaged, abused and or neglected kids, as well as to children who need medical services and equipment.

Description:
Variety stands as one of the most effective philanthropic conduits serving the needs of 2 million children in over 14 countries. Championed by such luminaries as Princess Diana, Bette Midler, Sean Connery, Jim Carrey, U.S. President's Jimmy Carter and George Bush and with corporate sponsors such as Sony, Ford Motor Company, American Broadcast Corporation and United Airlines, Variety Children's Charity has gained the trust of donors of all stripes and sizes who truly care how their support is spent. Together all of this hard work and dedication enables Variety to collect over $1 billion worldwide to serve the needs of children, $65 million in 2004 alone.

Variety- The Children's Charity of Northern California has been working with special children throughout Northern California since 1947. And we have 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:
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.

Contact person: Ellen Goodman, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Main office number: (415) 781-3894
Office fax number: (415) 781-4226

Address:

582 Market Street # 907 san francisco, CA 94104 (See a map)

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

Directions:

Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Montgomery Street Bart,   Walk distance (in minutes): seconds   Nearest Bus Stop: Market Street Line

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	No others
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	teenager
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