SHE WAS A CHRISTMAS GIFT TO THE WORLD

Perhaps you already know the story about a small foundling abandoned in the Sheridan Square Theatre in Pittsburgh, PA. The year was 1928 and Christmas Eve when the manager’s eye fell upon a carefully bundled infant with a note attached. The note read, "Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her. I have 8 others. I have always heard of the goodness of show business and I pray to God that you will look out for her." The note was signed, "A Heart-Broken Mother."

On the Eve of remembrance, a Mother’s plea was answered. The first Variety Tent was formed shortly thereafter and Catherine Variety Sheridan became its first ward. The heart of show business had been tested. The heart of show business was found to be true. And, as word spread far and wide, more and more Variety Tents were chartered – each with a single goal: TO HELP CHILDREN IN NEED OF HELP.

Yes, that’s how Variety Tents came to be. But, my, how they have grown. In three-quarters of a century, global fund raising has topped 750 million dollars. K.C.’s Tent 8 was revived after a dormant period during World War II, when in 1974, a group of film leaders put the Tent back on the map. And then, the magic began to happen. As the Variety story became known, the heart of the Heart of America responded.

Today, we’re proud to say, Variety’s work on behalf of kids, though founded in show business, now encompasses good people from every walk of life. There’s something special about helping kids in our community. There’s something absolutely wonderful about working together with neighbors and friends. One small child cried out in Pittsburgh. And, thousands upon thousands answered.

"the Eleven Founding Fathers" with Baby Catherine

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