2008 ANNUAL NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
NOVEMBER 2-4, 2008, LOS ANGELES
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U.S. Variety’s 2007 Annual National Leadership Conference was a great success thanks to the hard work and dedication of our host, Variety of Pittsburgh. Executive Director Celia Hindes planned three fantastic days and brought in extremely informative, motivating speakers who shared their expertise on topics like planned giving, creating diverse and successful boards and new trends in non-profit governance. The conference refocused Variety’s efforts on ways to better serve our children throughout the country.

Variety of Philadelphia received the 1st Place Fiscal Excellence award for the second year in a row. “We are extremely excited and absolutely honored by the award,” Philadelphia Executive Director Andrew Pack says. Philadelphia cuts costs by seeking sponsorships and focusing on direct programming. “We go out and get donated services,” explains Andrew. “We have a lot of in-kind gifts for programs, services and special events. I think because we are program-driven, that makes us a lot more attractive to corporate sponsors.”

Philadelphia also received a $5,000 check, Freedom Concepts adaptive bicycle and Focus Features DVD set. Freedom Concepts, which custom-builds mobility devices for individuals with disabilities, donated an adaptive bicycle to Philadelphia as part of its prize. President Ken Vanstraelen was on hand to award the bike, and by the end of Thursday, was so impressed by Variety’s work and dedication that he generously donated adaptive bikes for each of our telethons.

In addition to the educational aspect of the conference, attendees enjoyed dinner at the home of Pittsburgh board member Michele Atkins, an evening meal and show at the CLO Cabaret Theatre sponsored by Keith and Carol Louiselle, and the final night award dinner and entertainment at the distinguished Duquesne Club.