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VARIETY INTERNATIONAL On Christmas Eve in 1927, an abandoned baby girl was found in the Sheridan Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A note pinned to her dress said that her name was Catherine, and her parents, unemployed, with eight other mouths to feed, could not take care of her. Signed, A Heartbroken Mother. The note concluded, "I have always heard of the goodness of show businesspeople and pray that you will take care of her." And the heart of show business did just that. Unable to locate the parents, The Variety Club, formed as a social club by eleven men in show business, decided to underwrite Catherine's support and education. They named the child Catherine Variety Sheridan, and she became the first of millions of children around the world who have been touched through the efforts of Variety. The first Variety event, a circus for children that took place under an enclosed tent, 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 around the world. Memphis became Tent 20 in 1938, eleven years later. Today, there are 54 Variety Tents in 15 countries around the world. In addition, the Presidents of each Tent are known affectionately as "Chief Barkers,“ an old theatre/circus term. All of the money raised by each Tent stays in the community and support the programs and facilities that benefit the children in and around that area.
MEMPHIS TENT-20 Variety Memphis Tent 20, was chartered on September 30, 1938 by a group of showmen led by M.A. Lightman, Sr., founder of the Malco Theaters. Mother's Milk Bank became the first charity & was credited with saving the lives of many babies whose mothers were unable to supply them with proper nourishment. An International Award was presented to Tent 20 in Memphis for this project. Since this time Variety in Memphis has grown to over 350 members and has raised millions of dollars in support of hundreds of Mid-South children’s charities. In the 1950’s, with the help of The University of Tennessee Medical Staff, Tent 20 raised money to establish a clinic known as the Variety Children's Heart Institute. Children all over the South could then be treated for inpatient services for the diagnosis and treatment of heart and associated problems. The building that was located at 45 N. Manassas, later on, housed The Variety Children's Services Center, caring for abused and neglected children. The Variety mission, "Never say no to a child in need," unites members, contributors and volunteers in a concerted effort to meet the needs of our children through fundraising events, activities and programs, which substantially strengthen the achievements of the Tent by generating awareness of the organization and the significance of our presence in the Mid-South area. We continue to cultivate new leaders within our organization and new relationships throughout the Memphis Metropolitan area. A critical element in achieving success is attributed to the generosity of our community, business support through fundraising, donations and participation in our events: We invite you to join us in this endeavor and thank you for your interest in helping children. OUR MISSION STATEMENT is to provide life-enriching assistance to children challenged by physical and/or mental disabilities, poverty, abuse and neglect. |
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The Children’s Charity Memphis Tent 20 1648 Sycamore View Road (38134-7310) P.O. Box 1523, Memphis, TN (38101-1523) PH (901) 373-5368 FX (901) 373-5370 Email: varietyclub@bellsouth.net Webmaster: debbie@reinachagency.com |
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Variety Memphis Tent 20, was chartered on September 30, 1938 by a group of showmen led by M.A. Lightman, Sr., founder of the Malco Theaters. Mother's Milk Bank became the first charity & was credited with saving the lives of many babies whose mothers were unable to supply them with proper nourishment. An International Award was presented to Tent 20 in Memphis for this project. Since this time Variety in Memphis has grown to over 350 members and has raised millions of dollars in support of hundreds of Mid-South children’s charities. |
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Variety The Children’s Charity, Memphis Since 1938 |
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OUR HISTORY |
