Variety of Kansas

The phone is a lifeline to the family of a child with mobility issues.

When the phone rang at Variety, the call began like so many others. Catie needed prosthetics, but insurance had run out and her family’s finances were at their limit.

Her mother’s voice was a combination of a resolute fighter used to advocating for her child, and the quivering hopeful voice of a mother tired from the fight.

But this call was different. Variety’s mission is to assist children living with special needs, to change their lives for the better.

Catie was granted her prosthetics. Catie gained mobility, her family gained hope, and the Variety community celebrated right along with them.

And then the phone rang again at Variety Kansas City.

This time it was a child’s voice, brimming with confidence and enthusiasm. Catie wanted to help other kids like herself. She had a plan, she had a name, and she had a goal. Catie Cares was launched. A single child, giving back, armed with childlike ideas on how to raise awareness and funds. And it was contagious.

Phone calls were made.

Catie Cares caught the attention of a major philanthropic business in our area, Waddell and Reed. As a result, this year Waddell and Reed underwrote Variety Kansas City’s primary fundraiser with one of their executives chairing the event and appearing on stage with Catie.

They cared because Catie cared, and because at the end of the line of another desperate phone call, Variety cared.