Our Partnership with Variety

Catherine Variety Sheridan,
the child who started it all

Variety was founded on Christmas Eve in 1928, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when eleven vaudeville performers agreed to financially underwrite the care of a baby girl found abandoned in one of the local theatres. For out of this extraordinary happening, the world came to understand how one gift of the heart can stir the hearts of many.

Today, Variety – The Children’s Charity, known as the “Heart of Show Business,” has grown into a multi-million dollar philanthropic organization that spans the globe with 52 chapters worldwide.

Starting with Catherine Variety Sheriden, a small baby left on the doorsteps of a movie theater in 1928, Variety has continued as a group of local business men and women, many of whom hail from the theater and movie business, reaching out to children in need. Today, through the efforts of our enthusiastic volunteers and generous corporate contributors, Variety remains true to their heritage by bringing children real, tangible help.

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 around the country and speaks to the values that Variety holds dear.

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 special CD recording of The Odd Potato and continue to invest in the health and welfare of special needs children for years to come.