About Us
Learn about the origins of Variety - the Children's Charity and the work we do.
Who we are
Variety – the Children’s Charity has a network of 40 offices in 14 countries. Thanks to the generosity of our community and supporters, millions of individual children around the world are able to live a more fulfilling life.
What we do
We support children who are living with illness, disability or experiencing disadvantage through the provision of grants, scholarships, programs and events. Our vision is for all children to attain their full potential, regardless of ability or background.
Why we do it
We believe all children deserve equal opportunities. Our work helps children to gain mobility and freedom, access their community, communicate, achieve independence and increase self-esteem.
Our History
It all started in 1927, in a theatre in Pittsburgh, USA. One fateful night a group of show businessmen, known as the Variety Club, gathered for their regular catch up with like-minded friends at the Sheridan Theatre. It was during that meeting that something incredible happened. A young baby was found abandoned in the empty rows of seats. Pinned to her was a note:
“Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her. I have eight others. My husband is out of work. She was born on Thanksgiving Day. I have always heard of the goodness of show business people and pray to God that you will look after her. Signed, a heartbroken mother.”
Moved by this extraordinary event, these eleven warm-hearted men immediately took Catherine into their lives, naming her Catherine Variety Sheridan. Informally adopting her, they raised her alongside of their own families and got to work raising funds to support her upbringing and education. Being from the entertainment world they did what they knew best, put on a rip-roaring event! The men transformed the William Penn Ballroom into a massive circus tent, the legacy of which lives on today, with Variety offices called tents and staff and board being named after circus terms such as the Chief Barker (or Chairman).
The event was so successful and raised so much money that the group decided to help other local children in orphanages or living in poverty.
By now, the story of Catherine was famous, hitting front page news across the world. Giving is contagious, and soon enough entertainers from across the country, and eventually the world, formed their own Variety Clubs, devising their own fundraising events and helping local children in need. This tradition continued and in 1975, the first Variety tent opened in Australia with Paul Hogan at its helm.
Today, Variety – the Children’s Charity has a network of 40 offices in 14 countries, and supports millions of children, like Catherine, from around the world to live a better life because of the generosity of Variety’s donors, sponsors and supporters.
And Catherine? Variety’s founding fathers determined to shelter Catherine from the publicity and enable her to live a normal life. When Catherine turned five, she was adopted by Gladys and Norman Riker, they changed her name to Joan Riker to allow Catherine to grow up away from Pittsburgh and preserve her anonymity. Her show business family stayed in touch, secretly visiting her throughout her childhood. Maturing into a strong young woman, Joan married in 1957 and raised her own family, sons Michael, twins Richard and Robert and daughter, Lisa. Graduating as a nurse from Cornell University in 1951, Joan spent a good part of her time proudly working with children.
In a very special moment in Variety’s History, the Chief Barker of Variety International tracked Joan down and – to the delight and overwhelming emotion of staff, volunteers and supporters from across the world – introduced her in 1992 at a Variety convention.
Catherine/Joan passed away on September 9, 1994 at age 65. Her inspiration and motivation to help children in need continues to burns brightly today through Variety – the Children’s Charity.
From left to right: Cary Grant, Barbara Sinatra, Frank Sinatra (receiving Variety award), Princess Grace (Kelly) of Monaco, Gregory Peck, Catherine Variety Sheridan
Our People
Meet the dedicated team behind Variety - the Children's Charity of Victoria. Our key representatives are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children in need. Click below to learn more about the team who drive our mission forward.
Support Us
Help us make a positive impact on the lives of kids in need.
Get Help
Apply for grants and scholarships, or join our kids events and programs.
