Who we are

The inspiration for Variety was an abandoned infant girl left at the stage door of the Sheridan Theatre in Pittsburgh in 1928.  A note was pinned to the baby's shirt and pleaded with the theatre people to raise the child, which they did, naming her Catherine Variety Sheridan.

Today, Variety has 58 "tents" or chapters around the world and more than 18,000 members. Detroit's Tent 5 was established in 1932 and today has more than 1,500 volunteers and supporters who work to raise money to fund area charities benefiting children with special needs.

Whatever the fund-raising activity may be, the goal remains the same, to support Michigan's children's charities.

our mission

To provide vital medical and therapeutic services, recreational facilities and educational opportunities to children with special needs.