Young Variety of Southern California will be holding their November Mixer at Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank on Tuesday evening, November 15.
Young Variety Southern California (YV SoCal) is a branch of Variety, the children’s charity started in 1928 by show business people. It is a gateway charity that raises money for others. YV SoCal focuses its efforts on children in Southern California, helping those from low-income families, who have health problems, or come from unstable homes.
“Young Variety allows a new generation to better the community we live in,” said Nikki Kealalio, Vice President of YV SoCal, “We’re a group of young professionals that may not have money to donate, but we have time and talent and passion.”
This entire organization started from one homeless baby. On Christmas Eve in 1928, a baby girl was found on a seat at the Sheridan Square Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A note pinned to her dress read: “Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her. I have eight others. My husband is out of work. She was born on Thanksgiving Day. I have always heard of the goodness of show business people and pray to God that you will look out for her.” (signed) ‘A Heartbroken Mother
When all efforts by the police and local newspapers failed to locate her parents, a group of eleven gentlemen affiliated with the entertainment industry agreed to financially underwrite the child’s support and education. The child was then named Catherine Variety Sheridan, her middle name for the club and her last name for the theatre. When Catherine was five, her foster parents were selected from more than 300 applicants in a location away from Pittsburgh and her anonymity was preserved in her best interest. Her new family changed her name to Joan. She later served her country as an officer in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict and as a registered nurse in Vietnam. Joan raised a family of her own and spent much time working with children. She took great pride in the fact that she had “started it all”.
“Catherine’s mother did not surrender her baby in vain. Such a heartbreaking sacrifice turned into an incredible world-wide organization. Variety is helping children all over the globe,” noted YV SoCal board member Deborah Dodge, “Being a part of this charity will not only change the lives of the kids who need us, but the lives of those who become volunteers. There is nothing more healing to the spirit than giving of yourself to those who have no voice.”
The Mixer begins with a “happy hour” at 6 p.m. The comedy show is from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. Admission to the event is $12 per person, with a two drink and food minimum. The event is for those 18 and over. All the money raised at the mixer will go to help improve the lives of children in the San Fernando Valley. For further information go to www.YoungVarietySoCal.org.
Come on out! We are going to have a great time!
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