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"Thank you, thank you, thank you for this wonderful bike. Phoenyx is so happy!!! We already went for a cruise around the block and she loved it. We cannot wait for many many more bike rides." -Emily, Phoenyx's mom
Did you know that Variety of Wisconsin also helps children with physical disabilities across the Midwest? Since there aren't Variety chapters in all the states, we happily work with US Variety to facilitate equipment requests that come in from families living in the Midwest.
It's
important to note that all funds raised in Wisconsin stay in Wisconsin. Funds raised in other states stay in those states to support children in those communities.
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Left to right: Nancy Jorgenson, Dells Theatre manager, Mel Hopland, Board of Director, Jeff Logan, owner Logan Luxury Theatres, Chad Pickard, Spoke-n-Sport, Phoenyx on bike, Emily, Phoenyx's mom
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So how do we help children across the Midwest? Take our adaptive bicycle program as an example. Our adaptive bicycle program is innovative and unique and is drawing attention from bike shops and professionals working with kids with disabilities across the Midwest. We are gladly sharing our expertise, training new bike shops -- the latest in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and educating professionals working with the kids with disabilities how biking can be a possibility for kids they serve. Our latest success in South Dakota includes 5-year-old Phoenyx who received a customized bike funded by donations from Logan Luxury Theatres in South Dakota. Logan Luxury Theatres raised the funds through their participation in Variety's Gold Heart Pin Campaign. The bike was built by Spoke-n-Sport Bike Shop in Sioux Falls, SD after the owner, Chad Pickard, learned of our adaptive bicycle program and came to Milwaukee to learn from Variety and Emerys Cycling, Triathlon & Fitness on how to create a perfectly customized bike. We are thrilled to be able to share our knowledge and expertise with others so that more kids be helped!
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| Left to right: Kim Lueck, Board Director, Laura Griswold, Caleb's mom, Bob Menefee, Development Director, Mel Hopland, Board Director, Maria Rodriguez, Board Director, Caleb, Variety Kid |
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We were honored to be a part of the NATO Geneva Convention again this year. Together, we raised $14,000 so that kids with physical disabilities like Caleb can experience all the joys that come with being a kid-including the experience of riding a bike.
We presented 16-year-old Caleb with his new adaptive bike at the opening luncheon! Caleb engaged all of the luncheon guests with his charismatic personality and thanked everyone for their support. He shared all about his volunteer contributions at his local dog park. He definitely owned that stage!
We thank the National Association of Theatre Owners for inviting us to be a part of the Geneva Convention and for their loyal support!
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Lunch for the Kids
12:00-1:00
The Pfister Hotel
Breakfast and Happy Hour for the Kids
Details coming soon!
You're invited to Variety's Day for the Kids! Join us for breakfast, lunch or Happy Hour. Learn more about Variety's mission, programs, and the impact we make on the lives of children with physical disabilities. Hear directly from Variety Kids and parents.
There is no cost to attend but guests will have the opportunity to make a donation to help create lasting change and improvement in the lives of children with physical disabilities.
RSVP by calling the Variety office at 262-777-2090 or email dua@varietywi.org.
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15-year-old Victoria, Marc's daughter, joined us too!
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We would like to express our deep appreciation to Zaeplex, Inc. and company CEO Marc Wehling for hosting a Future Program event at Miller Park. Because of their generosity, fourteen Variety families got the experience of a lifetime! They enjoyed a good ol' ballgame in a luxurious VIP Party Suite which was fully stocked with food, beverages, and snacks. As if the experience weren't enough, Marc even surprised each child with a gift bag filled with Brewers goodies!
Families not only enjoyed a game in style but also had the opportunity to connect and network with other Variety families. And that is priceless!
We thank Marc and Zaeplex for providing a truly unforgettable experience!
Learn more about Zaeplex at http://www.zaeplex.com/.
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"Thanks so much! The girls were literally outside in their pajamas first thing this morning practicing on their bikes. They are pretty excited! Despite the heat, we have spent much of today outside bike riding. Anna is cruising all over the place...Ivy has some work to do but we are going to take Ivy's bike to her physical therapy appointment at Children's Hospital so that she can work more with our therapist there. Thank you for making this happen for our girls. We are incredibly grateful."
-Jennifer, Anna & Ivy's mom
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Join us for the best adult-only Halloween party in Milwaukee! Celebrate in an awesome and historic venue, all while raising funds for Variety!
Admission includes costume contest, late night pizza and free beer (1st 4 kegs of beer). Cash bar will be available.
We thank former Variety Board Member Patrick Griffin, Donnie Grzanna, and Paul "Jonesy" Jones for organizing this wonderful event and for choosing Variety as the benefiting charity year after year.
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Don't forget to invite your Facebook friends to "Like" us too!
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