Variety of Iowa newsletter PT 2

1. 2007 TELETHON CAST
Megan Bobo Michael Dore Samantha Murphy Emma Samms
Her performing career started here in His rich baritone voice has enamored Talented singer, songwriter. Grew up in the Returning to Iowa for her 21st Telethon.
Des Moines. Her love of singing came at an audiences around the world, in a career music industry. She sang with the family She is the spokesperson for “Cash for Kids.”
early age. She went on to be a member of which has taken him from the Royal Albert band, “The Murphys”. Born in Hawaii to Talented and caring actress who starred
the Old Gold Singers at the University of and Festival Halls in London and Carnegie Australian parents, she has wowed audi- in General Hospital, Dynasty, The Colby’s
Iowa, featured soloist with Up With People, Hall in New York to the stages of the Royal ences all over the world. She has her own and many, many movies. A truly beautiful
finalist on American Idol, and is now living Shakespeare Company. Michael is one of Podcast SMtv. New hit CD “Somewhere person inside and out and a vital part of
in Los Angeles. She is an outstanding young Britain’s most successful concert and Between Starving & Stardom” just released. our Telethon and the Variety family. She is
lady with stage presence, passion, soul, recording artists and his dramatic and She will be taping part of the show live. very proud that she founded the Starlight
and talent. stylistic vocal flair make him one of the Welcome Samantha, to your first Telethon. Foundation which has helped thousands
most sought after performers in Europe of children.
Jason Cook and the Far East. He can be heard on many Kim Olson
Starred as Shawn-Douglas Brady or Shawn major film soundtracks, including “Lord of Singer, nightclub entertainer, composer, Denise Shipler
D. on “Days of our Lives”. This handsome the Rings”, “Star Wars” and “Pirates of the recording artist and a master of the 12-string Appearing on her 20th Telethon. This
young man is a talented actor, musician Caribbean”. His recent “Musicals” concert guitar, banjo and harmonica. Kim is an talented and beautiful young lady will
and writer. He is one of the hottest young in Johannesburg was for the benefit of the entertainer at Disneyland and appears capture your heart. Iowa native from Burt.
actors in Hollywood. Returning for his fifth Variety Club Child Rescue Centre. Welcome on Showtime TV. Returning for his 25th Appeared on many Variety Telethons
Telethon. Special thanks to Maureen and Bill Michael, to your Telethon. Not only a great singer, but throughout North America. National spokes-
Civitella for the continued support of our first Telethon that Kim can sure whistle. person for children and Very Special Arts
kids. Currently working on a new movie. – Iowa. She thrills the audience wherever
she goes. Performed at Ragbrai 05 and at
Hacksaw Jim Duggan Darrin Otto
Dakota Crosswhite – A proud American, Hacksaw is now This handsome exciting singer is originally Rock the Roof at Lake Okobodji. This
Miss Iowa Teen USA 2007 working for World Wrestling Entertainment. from Iowa, now lives in Nashville. Seen in dynamic and versatile vocalist sings
Is a 17 year-old Senior at Washington High He loves the telethon and working with ads for Sprint PCS, O’Charleys, and Sonic everything from Country and Blues to R
School in Cedar Rapids. She plans to attend children. He and his wife Debra, are proud Restuarants. Has been the opening act for & B and Rock N Roll. Recently performed
Coe College in the fall. She will represent to be coming back for his sixth Telethon He Sawyer Brown and the legendary Roger with Nashville’s “Shotgun Red” Band and
Iowa in the National Miss Teen USA pageant can really fire up a phone panel. Miller. He is a spokesmodel for Menaji appeared on stage with the legendary Ralph
in August which will be on NBC. She is Skin Care for Men, and the host of the Emery. Be sure to see her show at the Iowa
beautiful inside and outside, a good Spa2Go infomercial. Appeared in Revlon State Fair. We are fortunate she is part of our
Blake Emmons
combination. She cares about children. We are very proud of Blake. He was commercial with Sheryl Crow and named Telethon family.
Welcome, Dakota. presented with The Order of Canada in one of Nashville’s Hottest Singles by the
recognition of his humanitarian efforts on prestigious Nashville Lifestyles Magazine. Alyssa Simmons
Michael Danso behalf of disabled children in Canada and Returning for his 18th Telethon. This amazingly talented 16 year old returns
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, and now around the world. A talented and caring for her fourth Iowa Variety telethon. Alyssa
living in Toronto, Canada. He is a dynamic, man – one of Iowa’s favorites. He and his has opened for many major recording artists
Ed Podolak
energetic, stylish entertainer. Whether wife Diane live in Nashville. He truly is an Sportscaster, former Hawkeye football star and has appeared at the Apollo theatre in
starring in Riverdance on Broadway, singing Honorary Iowan. He was here for the first and All-Pro running back for the Kansas New York City. She now performs around
with a symphony orchestra in London, or on Telethon in 1975 and nearly every one since. City Chiefs. Still popular with Iowans as the Michigan with her incredible band and has
the Variety Telethon in Iowa, his rich voice Voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes. Returning for just finished recording 4 new original songs.
thrills the audience. Recently starred in a his 23rd year. A vital part of our telethon Alyssa is very excited and honored to be a
Steve Haberman
new musical in Edinburgh named “Rob Roy.” A terrific musician, a talented songwriter, a and a very caring human being, the proud part of the telethon family.
Michael, as the Bard sang ‘He’s a magician’ mainstay on Variety Telethons. He conducts son of Dorothy and Joe of Atlantic, Iowa.
in a slick cabaret style. One of everyone’s the Telethon orchestra and you’ll want to We love it when the children bring tears Scott Smith & Beth Smith
favorite Telethon stars. Charles Cozens, his watch for his late night rendition of Tuti- to your eyes. Currently splitting his time Scott is a talented singer, pianist and
pianist and musical conductor, joins him. Fruiti. Has a recurring role on the Young and between real estate ventures in Costa Rica bandleader. He has spent many years
The Restless. Thanks Steve, for all you do for and Aspen. entertaining in the Des Moines area, as well
Ben Davidson the kids of Iowa. as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. He was a
A Telethon regular. Former All-Pro Defensive member of the original cast on Telethon
Dani Reeves – Miss Iowa USA
Lineman with the Oakland Raiders. A A beautiful, caring and talented woman One. You can always count on Scott for
Greg Hanna
Miller Lite All-Star. He also comes back to Handsome and fun-loving, a great combina- who will represent our state very well in the surprises and great music. Currently
Iowa from his home in San Deigo to go on tion. Couple that with an excellent voice National Miss USA Contest. She is the pride performing at Fratello’s. He and his wife
RAGBRAI. But, we all know him as a caring and style and you have a one-man entertain- of Hamburg, Iowa. Currently living in Sioux Beth are a talented couple. His daughter
man who comes to Iowa to help our kids. ment machine. Played to rave reviews at the City where she is finishing her degree in had triplets prematurely, and they know
Welcome back Ben! Iowa State Fair. Now living in Nashville with Radiology. Welcome Dani, to your first-hand why the Variety Neo-Natal
his beautiful wife Sheree. first Telethon. Intensive Care Nursery is so important!
Dondino
Dondino Melchiorre was born in Italy David Anthony Higgins Brandon Routh Wicker Van Orsdel
and came to the USA when he was 12. Has recurring role on Fox’s “Malcolm in the Grew up in Norwalk, attended the Univer- A beautiful, energetic and talented lady.
We are glad he did. A talented singer Middle.” Starred as Joe Farrell, Master sity of Iowa before heading to Hollywood. Wicker has appeared at the Crystal Palace in
who has starred in the Dondino Show in Coffee Brewer on the ABC hit series Ellen. Had roles in Odd Man Out, Gilmore Girls, Aspen and many nightclubs across the U.S.
Las Vegas and Branson. He contributes his Best known as part of the sketch comedy and Undressed before landing Clark Kent/ She has the music in her and is a lot of fun
musical talents and time to many charities. trio, The Higgins Boys and Gruber. In ad- Superman role in Superman Returns a to be around. We are delighted she is a vital
Additionally he has created a fun way dition to TV, he is a frequent guest star at Warner Bros film released in May. His and important part of our Telethon family.
to learn to read, dream, and ignite comedy clubs all over the United States. He brother is a real life Superman – a police She is a lady with energy to burn. The “Gong
imaginations through his contributions shot a pilot called Misconceptions for the officer in Des Moines. Can play piano and Show” in Okabodji is her creation.
to his partnership with Story Store WB. Des Moines’ native returning to Iowa for trumpet, enjoys soccer, basketball, biking
Collection of bilingual and illustrated his 11th Telethon. and swimming. Proud parents are Katie and
children’s picture books. There is much Ron who live in Norwalk. Returning for his
more to this man than his excellent second Telethon.
Tatana Kucharova
voice. Also welcome Debbie Richards, Is the first Miss World from the Czech
his pianist and musical conductor. Republic.Currently living in Prague. She Sara Routh
is a wonderful credit to the Miss World or- Talented singer/songwriter originally from
ganization. Beautiful, sentimental and caring. Norwalk, graduated from Simpson College.
We are delighted to have Tatana with us. Went to study acting and perform in New
We are very grateful to the super Miss World York; now living in Los Angeles. Performs
organization.Say a special “thank you” to in many L.A. nightclubs. Nominated for
Julia Morley, President and Stephen Morley, Best Folk Artist for Southern California. New
Executive Vice President who will be with album is on the way. Daughter of Katie and
us for the miracle weekend. Ron, joins her brother Brandon for their
second Telethon. Welcome back Sara!
FEBRUARY, 2007 HEART OF VARIETY 9

2. Danny & The Dreamers
BE SURE TO JOIN US
FOR THE
VARIETY TELETHON,
MARCH 3 & 4
Wicker VanOrsdel & Eileen Gannon Renee Wulf
AT THE
ADVENTURELAND
PALACE THEATRE!
If you are one of the Variety supporters that
comes to Telethon year after year or if you are
a Telethon newbie….you will see these familiar
faces on air. It takes a lot of people to make
a telethon run smoothly so having people that
know what they are doing really helps!
Gary Lowe Scott & Beth Smith
Tropical Steel
Telethon Orchestra
10 HEART OF VARIETY FEBRUARY, 2007

3. VARIETY – THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY
2006 Grant Recipients
Rock in Prevention
Handicare Inc.
Throughout the year, Variety volunteers work tirelessly to raise Des Moines
Coralville
Reinforcement Tapes & T-Shirts for Drug
Communication and Safety Equipment
money. The reward comes in September when Variety empties its
Prevention Program
Heart Connection Children’s
pockets, this year it was in tune to $3 million dollars.
Ruth Harbor
Cancer Program
Des Moines
Des Moines
Chrysalis Foundation
Amanda the Panda Educational Materials for Pregnant Young
Camp Scholarships for Children with Cancer
Des Moines
Des Moines Women
Hills and Dales Child
Scholarships & After School Programs for
Camp Amanda
Science Center
Development Center
At-Risk Girls
American Lung Association of Iowa Des Moines
Dubuque
Clearview Recovery, Inc.
Des Moines Accessibility Fund for Underprivileged
Rifton Gate Trainers and Rifton Tricycle
Prairie City
Send Disadvantaged Children to attend Children
Hispanic Educational Resources Inc.
Sunshine Coach
Asthma Camp
Scott County Family Y
Des Moines
Community Action Agency of Siouxland
American Red Cross Davenport
After School Youth Program
Head Start
Des Moines Sunshine Bus
House of Mercy
Sioux City
Swim Lesson Scholarships for
Shalom Zone Ministries
Des Moines
Flooring & BRIGANCE Development Screen
Underprivileged Youth
Des Moines
Programming and Services for Children
for Head Start Classrooms
Arc of East Central Iowa Backpacks Filled with School Supplies and
lowa Council, Boy Scouts of America
Compassion fund
Cedar Rapids Health Kits
Davenport
Des Moines
Equipment that improves Mobility,
Special Olympics of IA
Handicapped Sidewalk Extension for Scout
Special Fund for Families with Critically Ill
Skills & Idependence
Grimes
Camp
Children
Arc of Johnson County Awards, Equipment and T-Shirts for Under 8
Institute for Character Development
Covenant Foundation
Iowa City “Stars of the Future” Athletes
Des Moines
Waterloo
Sunshine Wheelchair Lift
St. Luke’s Healthcare Fnd.
“Character Counts” Training in At-Risk Schools
Remodeling of Pediatric Unit
Area Substance Abuse Council Cedar Rapids
and Organizations
Day Care for Exceptional Children
Cedar Rapids Neonatal Intensive Care Equipment
Iowa Chapter American Academy
Des Moines
Fencing for Heart of Iowa Mother &
State University of Iowa Foundation
of Pediatrics
Renovations to Daycare Center
Child Recovery Ctr.
Iowa City
Johnston
Des Moines Art Center/Edmundson Art
ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding Program Vantage Plus Communication Device for
Books for Reach Out and Read Clinic Sites
Foundation
Waterloo Children
Iowa Homeless Youth Centers
Des Moines
Items for Therapeutic Riding Program for
Systems Unlimited
Des Moines
At-Risk Children’s Educational Art Programs
Disabled Kids
Iowa City
Bus Passes for Homeless Youth, Carpet &
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center
Bidwell Riverside Child Play Therapy Tools
Dishwasher for Lighthouse Host Home
West Des Moines
Development Center
Tanager Place
Iowa Juvenile Home Foundation
Testing Materials & Therapeutic Games/ Toys
Des Moines
Cedar Rapids
Toledo
Playground Equipment for Early ACCESS Des Moines Public Schools Sunshine Minivan
Instruments for Music Therapy Program
Underprivileged Children Des Moines
Timber Creek Charities
Iowa Kidstrong, Inc.
Toys & Books for the Variety Toybrary
Bikes for Kids
Guthrie Center
Des Moines
Statewide Easter Seals Iowa Therapy and Camperships for Children with
Program Incentives
Bikes for Underprivileged Children Des Moines Autism
Kirkwood Kids
Modified Golf Cart for First Aid for Camp
Blank Children’s Hospital
VSA arts of Iowa
Cedar Rapids
Sunnyside
Des Moines
Des Moines
Equipment and Materials
Pediatric Surgery Center Families, Inc. Governor’s Very Special Arts Festival
Link Associates Foundation
West Branch
Blank Park Zoo Foundation
Wall Street Mission d/b/a
Des Moines
Literature and Books for At-Risk Children
Des Moines
Goodwill Industries
Front Entrance Remodel
Dreamnight at the Zoo Family Crisis Centers Sioux City
Lutheran Services in Iowa
Sioux Center
Boys & Girls Club Renovations at Camp for Underprivileged
Waterloo
Emergency Services for At-Risk Children
Des Moines and At-Risk Children
Sunshine Wheelchair Lift
One Kid at a Time – Teen & Logan Center Four Mounds Foundation Waypoint Services for Women,
Refurbishment Mentor Iowa
Dubuque Children & Families
Des Moines
Tools for expanding the Housing Education
Broadlawns Family Birthing Center Cedar Rapids
Mentor Assistance
and Rehabilitation Training Program (HEART)
Des Moines Remodel of Play Area at Waypoint’s Madge
Fetal Heart Monitors Mercy Foundation Phillips Center for the Homeless
Four Oaks
Des Moines
Cedar Rapids
Camp Fire USA Wildwood Hills Ranch
Variety ER Trauma & Pediatric ER Equipment
Renovations in Psychiatric Institute for Young
Des Moines St. Charles
Children
Building Improvements Mercy Medical Center Camperships for Underprivileged and At-Risk
Cedar Rapids Children
Francis Lauer Youth Services
Camp Hertko Hollow
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Equipment
Mason City
Des Moines Willkie House, Inc.
Sunshine Minivan
Diabetes Camp Scholarships for Mercy Medical Ctr Foundation/Child Des Moines
Underprivileged Children Advocacy Center Sunshine Coach
Freedom for Youth Ministries
Sioux City
Des Moines
Catholic Charities YMCA
Welch Allyn Video Colposcope with Image
Art Studio for Homeless and At-Risk Youth
Rock Island Cedar Rapids
Capture System
Sunshine Minivan Sunshine Minivan
Friendly House
Miracles in Motion
Davenport
Child Abuse Prevention Services YMCA
Cedar Rapids
Youth Program Supplies
Marshalltown Des Moines
Construction of Hay Barn
Developmental Toys, Safety Equipment, After School Program for At-Risk Youth
Galaxy Inc. Youth Center
Parent Education Materials Oakridge Neighborhood Services
Grinnell Youth Emergency Services & Shelter
Des Moines
Transportation
Children & Families of Iowa Des Moines
Renovations to Various Buildings
Des Moines Building Repairs and Improvements
Girl Scouts of the Mississippi Valley
Building Improvements to Lou Williams Orchard Place
Rock Island Youth Homes of Mid-America
Center Des Moines
Sunshine Coach Johnston
PACE Juvenile Justice Services to Youth
ChildServe Foundation Improvements to Land & Buildings at Ross
Girls Inc.
Johnston RAGBRAI Dream Team Campus Treatment Center
Sioux City
Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit Des Moines
Sunshine Coach YWCA of the Quad Cities
Bicycles and Safety Equipment for At-Risk &
Christ The King Free Clinic for Kids Rock Island
Grundy Family YMCA Underprivileged Youth
Des Moines Playground, Infant and Toddler Equipment
Grundy Center
Construction of Free Clinic for Sunshine Coach
Underprivileged Youth
FEBRUARY, 2007 HEART OF VARIETY 11

4. YOUNG VARIETY
Throughout this last year we’ve been energetically
HELP WANTED: Young Variety is actively searching for fun,
recruiting new members and spreading the Variety
passionate, young philanthropists ready to roll up their
message in the following ways:
sleeves and help make a difference in our community for
the kids in need!
• Pony Up for the Kids – Polo On The Green became a
weekend long affair at Britt Baker’s Powder River Ranch with
We work hard to raise money for the children of Iowa all year
mechanical bull rides, live music, a silent auction, food and
long through our fun events, the annual membership drive and
drinks the night before the classic Sunday brunch and live
our Telethon VIP Panel. We get to see everything come full
Polo match.
circle by providing the bricks and mortar equipment to chari-
• Firemen’s Auction – We turned up the heat and possibly
ties chosen by our vigilant grant committee. It’s a good feeling
sparked a few love interests this year by teaming up with the
to know your hard work is going to have a positive impact on so
Des Moines area firefighters and Aura Night Club to auction off
many children!
20 dinner-dates from many generous local area restaurants.
• Oktoberfest – This awesome event brought more than 15,000
This year, Young Variety donated more than $106,000
people during one weekend to the Hessen Haus in down-
to the following charities:
town Des Moines. With many YV volunteers pouring beer all
Willkie House –
weekend, a portion of the proceeds and all of the tips were
Purchased a Sunshine Coach
generously donated to Young Variety. Cheers!
Bidwell Riverside Child Development Center –
• November-Membership Drive – This was our 1st annual
Built a brand new playground
effort to raise money through our email base of more than
Link Associates Foundation –
500 Young Variety activists via our website and pay pal.
Helped remodel front entrance to building
We celebrated this great stride in the tackiest way at our Ugly
Des Moines Public Schools Early ACCESS program –
Holiday Sweater Party downtown at the new Equitable
Purchased items for the toybrary, literacy bags, and supplies
Building condominiums.
for parents meetings
• Valentine’s Soiree – Wear your heart on your sleeve for this
Iowa Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics –
swanky night of love, fun and relaxation hosted this year by
Purchased books that will support age and culturally
Wakonda Country Club and DM Juice and sponsored in part
appropriate reading for reach out clinic sites
by Iowa Diamond! Considered our signature event with live
music, silent auction, food, drinks and dancing on February 16!
• Young Variety at Work – This year Young Variety hosted the
most bike giveaways with approximately 200 bikes donated
by YV to deserving children throughout central Iowa.
Our goal is to raise over $130,000 this year for the children of
Iowa which is quite a step up from the $106,000 we raised last
year. Our Telethon VIP panel of more than 60 members will help
us to achieve this goal.
Young Variety is excited about this coming year and is
ready to help impact the lives
of Iowa’s children!
Brigid Paul
President 2006 – 2007
12 HEART OF VARIETY FEBRUARY, 2007

5. Polo on the Green
Polo…a game played by two teams of four players on
horseback. Each player is equipped with long-handled
mallets for driving a small wooden ball through the
opponent’s goal.
• Enjoyingthemarvelous champagne brunch
a
• down the field of hooves racing up and
Feeling thunder
• Feeling the excitement of the gametoofhelp thousands of
polo
• Knowing that in need will go
your support
Iowa children
This is what spectators tasted, saw and felt at Polo on the
Green, an annual polo game to benefit Variety.
The weekend started off on Saturday night, July 29 with a
casual but fun evening under the tents, dancing to local
favorite Jason Brown and his band. There was a silent
auction and a barbeque dinner catered by Kin Folk
Polo on the Green’s main event, held on Sunday,
July 30, provided an opportunity to enjoy
one of the oldest sporting events know to
man. The day began with a champagne
brunch and live auction followed by the
polo match. This unique event was held at
Britt Baker’s beautiful Powder River Ranch
near Cumming. Team sponsors for the day
were Holmes Murphy and Regency Land
Development. R&R Realty sponsored the
scoreboard. Even though it was one of the
hottest days of the year, more than 400 people
showed up for this wonderful event that raised
over $50,000.
Zoo Day 2006
Calling all Animal Lovers! On July 14,
2006, 533 children and adult
chaperons attended the
annual Variety Zoo Day
at Blank Park Zoo in Des
Moines. Rock In Prevention
gave a pre-event concert
for everyone and Blue
Bunny provided Bomb
Pops for everyone to
enjoy as they left the zoo.
Thank you to all of the
volunteers who helped to
make this day so much fun!
FEBRUARY, 2007 HEART OF VARIETY 13

6. 14 HEART OF VARIETY FEBRUARY, 2007

7. VARIETY/KJJY RADIOTHON
On December ety/KJJY Radiothon. The Compassion Fund to a special dinner or some thing they
19 and 20, The was created as a part of the 1999 Variety/ always wanted to do such as going to
KJJY/Variety KJJY Radiothon to help alleviate the the zoo or a museum or art gallery.
Radiothon was hardships that are created on a child 4) Providing money for parents to
held at the KJJY During this Radiothon, staffs of the local purchase groceries when they are
studio in hospitals described children who were required to travel to a distant city for a
Urbandale patients in their hospital as a result of life child’s specialized treatment.
and was on threatening illness. These children, 5) Providing phone money for an
air from because of their illnesses, were unable to out-of-town parent whom has a child
6am until enjoy many things enjoyed by healthy in the neonatal intensive care unit in
6pm both children. In order to lift their spirits or order to allow the parent to speak
days. Between to help alleviate hardships placed on with relatives.
the companies children in the hospital, the hospital staff
that sponsored would purchase an item out of a “coffee The radiothon has grown to become
hours, listeners can” fund for the children or their families. Variety’s second largest fundraiser.
calling in to pledge Some examples of gifts are: Thank you to everyone at KJJY and all of
and board members that raised dollars the people that volunteered their time or
in advance of the Radiothon, more than 1) Gas money for parents to get back pledged their money!
$86,000 was raised! and forth to the
hospital.
Donors had two ways to donate to the 2) Paying for childcare
Radiothon. For a donation of $200, a for a single mother
teddy bear went to a child that was in a who has one of
Des Moines area hospital. Over 400 her children in the
teddy bears were donated during hospital.
those two days. 3) Providing some
small final wish for
The other choice was to donate to the a child, such as
Compassion Fund. The Compassion Fund going to the prom
was created as a part of the 1999 Vari- or hosting parents
QUAD CITIES
MARTINI SHAKE-OFF
What a blast!! Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Quad Cities had their
annual Martini Shake-off November 9th at “THE LODGE”. What a great
success with all 250 guests who attended. There were 15
local vendors participating and five martini categories;
chocolate, cordial, traditional, gin and cosmopolitans.
The big winner of the evening was the restaurant
and bar Crave located in Davenport, Iowa. Other
winners included The Red Crow Grille, Biaggies and
The Lodge. We look forward to next year with more
categories and even more winners.
Many thanks to Mr. Ray Stoddard, Mr. Tom Heston,
Ms. Lisa Northup, Ms. April Daily, Michele and
Ken Croken and the Variety staff.
FEBRUARY, 2007 HEART OF VARIETY 15

8. Non-profit
Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Des Moines, Iowa
Permit No. 1105
505 5th Avenue, Suite 310
Des Moines, Iowa 50309