Though Leap Year comes but once every 4 years, Variety made the most of February 29, 2004, celebrating KC.'s l0th annual tie-in with "OSCAR NIGHT® AMERICA." The lights were bright, the food colossal and the mood was golden as the giant banner of OSCAR hovered over proceedings at the historic Midland Theatre. For the 650 guests who came to party, the occasion was not only one for "Puttin' on the Ritz," for Hollywood's most glamorous affair, but most importantly, it was a time to raise much-needed funds for Variety's kids.

The scene inside the theatre lobby was exhilarating. The gowns, the makeup, the hair-do's "et al" cast a dazzling glow. While partygoers lined the grand staircase, waiting to fill

their plates with delicacies from the Pamper'd Palate's bountiful buffet on the mezzanine, and others milled about in the lobby enjoying a beverage cooler, every moment of the television program was displayed on the giant Midland screen. Up close and larger-than-life, not a squeal, a sigh nor even a tear could be missed.

And then, as the OSCAR presentation gave way for commercials, the dean of TV anchormen - KMBC TV , Channel 9's Larry Moore, joined by his wife Ruth, emceed the Kansas City portion of our program. Along with Jonathan Monk and Dianna Kelly, they brought a taste of local highlights to our audience, showcasing the many sides of Variety, the Children's Charity.

With a sniile as big as all tomorrow, one of Variety's special children stepped into the spotlight. As a child, born without one hand, Matthew Ryan showed off his myoelectric prosthesis. Originally fitted at age 4, Matthew explained this was his 8th prosthesis - graduating from one size to the next as he grew in stature. "He was on stage," he explained, "to say thank you to Variety Tent 8 and the Variety Trust Fund, for making it possible to be a normal kid, one who plays soccer and intends to play on a baseball team in coming months.

In Larry Moore's own words, Matthew Ryan is just one of the many success stones that have occurred because Variety cares. "Thousands," he said, "of very special - 'special needs' children have benefited in the local area."

It could easily be said of "OSCAR NIGHT AMERICA, " that not all of the evening's "stars" were on stage in Hollywood. In addition to the very personable Matthew Ryan, we numbered two young "stars" of our own, currently receiving services at the Sunshine Center School in Independence. Appearing on the stage with their children, the parents expressed their appreciation for the funding assistance that makes it possible for special needs boys and girls to improve and thrive. As always, all good things must come to an end. Under the chairmanship of Cathy Clay who directed a team of hundreds of volunteers, the lights were finally dimmed on another successful OSCAR Night America. To all the volunteers and friends of Variety's kids who so willingly gave of their time, money , goods and services -and on behalf of all the many special needs children who receive the benefits of their show of love, Variety says it from the heart:

THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE!

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