About The Charity

Through a network of nearly 100 “tents” (or chapters) across the globe, the mission of Variety – the Children’s Charity is to provide essential resources to children with serious illness, disability or disadvantage. Incorporated in 2015, our local tent, Variety of the National Capital Region (Variety DC) serves families in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia, with a special focus on children with mobility disabilities. By partnering with individual supporters, corporate donors and community foundations, Variety DC provides financial grants and life-changing adaptive equipment to meet the basic needs of these special families. (Click here to see if your family is eligible for assistance). Learn more about the history, leadership and world-wide impact of our organization here:

Variety US | Variety International

THE MISSION OF VARIETY DC

Raising a child with a serious illness or disability can cost a family four to five times the cost of a child not living with one or more of these conditions. Through Variety, your donation can forever change the life of a child and their family by helping fund key equipment and services to lessen the financial burden and provide every child with equality and a limitless future. Large or small, every donation combines to deliver a better future and life to a child in need. Read more about recent testimonials and events here.

The People of Variety DC

Originally formed in 1928 by a group of theater owners, Variety – the Children’s Charity has its roots in the entertainment industry, but its heart is for the community. Today, our leadership team is composed of people from all walks of life, both inside and outside the film industry. Meet the team that comprises our local tent and we invite you to consider how you might also get involved with Variety DC.

John Fithian | President Emeritus
President & CEO, National Association of Theatre Owners

Kathy Conroy | Chief Barker
Former COO and VP, National Association of Theatre Owners

Anthony R. Rakis | Treasurer
CBRE Health Care and Life Sciences Facilities

Melody Belotte | Director
Principal, Melody Belotte Media

Joseph Edwards | Director
Partner and CFO, Alamo Drafthouse

Maria Gagani | Director

Adam Gottlieb | Director
President, The Adalar Group

Belinda Judson | Director and Co-Chair, Grants & Giving Committee

Anthony Kelly | Director
SVP, Sales and Marketing, USA, Harkness Screens

Sharon Kerr | Director and Co-Chair, Grants & Giving Committee
Security Analyst, Federal Government

Paul Marcot | Director
Vice President of Sales, GDC Technology (USA) LLC

Thomas Pianta | Director
Chief Growth Officer, Inova Loudoun Hospital

Katelin Reilly Powell | Director and Webmaster

Jeff Scudillo | Director
Vice President, Special Markets, Promotion In Motion, Inc.

Jerry Van de Rydt | Director
Senior Vice President, FF&E Sales, Moving iMage Technologies, Inc.

Staff: Leigh Burke | Executive Director