Tent 8
Kansas City

Dear Friends,

On this website you will be introduced to a story that spans more than 7 decades. And while many stories are the result of imagination and good story telling, the story of the foundling Baby Catherine is true in every detail. The purpose of this particular story is not just to depict the life of one small child grown into womanhood, but to both touch your heart–and to make you a part of the scenario.

Variety – The Children's Charity is an international organization, founded in 1928, and dedicated to helping kids. Its reason for being has to do with an infant child abandoned on a theatre seat in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The miracle is in the aftermath. For out of this extraordinary happening, the world came to understand how one gift of the heart can stir the hearts of many.

Eileen Sherman is an author of books, a playwright, a lyricist, and a disciple of the possible. The Odd Potato is one of her most endearing works. When presented in a special engagement in New York, it attracted a cast of Broadway's most exciting voices. The message of The Odd Potato is one of beautiful customs, family celebrations, and above all, possibilities. Because of the play's ability to speak from the heart, it is often replicated on stages in large and small towns across the country. And whenever presented, there is inevitably a call for a CD to take home and play again and again.

How does the scenario include you?

The plan is this: With Variety – The Children's Charity as a beneficiary, you have the opportunity to sponsor the making and marketing of a timeless CD, Tony Award Winners Sing The Odd Potato. The CD will star Broadway voices who have earned their statues on the New York stage. Possibilities? Yes! Exciting? Yes! And through the playwright's generosity, a wonderful way to help special needs children.

The various pieces are falling into place. The stars are lining up. AMC theatres is a major supporter of Variety nationwide. The local Tent of Greater Kansas City has taken the lead with the hopes that all chapters of the vast organization (52 Tents worldwide) will someday benefit from the sale of the CD's and continue to invest in the health and welfare of special needs children.

We at Variety plan to promote this exciting and unique CD as an annual fundraiser every holiday season. Your one-time act of generosity will help Variety's kids in 2005–and for many years to come. The time to act is now! All donations are tax-deductible subject to limits prescribed by law.

We invite you to read further about the history of The Odd Potato as well as enjoy the true story of Baby Catherine, a child born into poverty whose real life experiences brought to the world the riches of hope! We believe in possibilities. We have a hunch, based on past and present performance, that you do too!

Please contact us if you would like to be involved or learn more about our mission!