MARIELLE CALON, SINCE 1977

As one of Tent 8’s most stalwart members, Marielle Calon joined Variety in 1977. After 25 years of service, her spirit has never flagged. However, according to the Tent’s ever faithful Board member, "Things are different now."

Marielle speaks of the time when membership in Variety was available only to men. This she attributes to the fact that the first Tent was the outgrowth of a group of men who "adopted" Variety’s namesake, Baby Catherine, in Pittsburgh, PA. In the late 1920’s there were few women in the fledgling film industry. "So," she explained, "we girls joined the Variety Auxiliary and set about raising funds for the children through special projects, fashion shows and luncheons."

As Membership Chairperson and President of the Women’s Auxiliary for two years, Marielle provided effective leadership. During the years of the all-day Telethons aired over KMBC-TV, Channel 9, she manned the information desk, assisted with crowd control, and on one memorable occasion, sold ice cream in a participating store to raise funds for the kids.

Perhaps a highlight of Marielle’s long tenure with Tent 8, that of her name on a Don Bosco Sunshine Coach in honor of her many years of service, ranks high. Marielle’s comments on that day, "I’ve always had a love of children. Knowing that I have contributed my small part to bettering the lives of youngsters in need of help, is satisfaction enough."

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