Variety the Children's Charity of Pittsburgh marked its beginning on a cold Christmas Eve in 1928 when a one-month old baby girl was discovered abandoned upon a seat in the Sheridan Theatre in Pittsburgh (East Liberty). Hearing of the big heart of those in show business, the infant's broken-hearted mother prayed someone would care for her child. With eight other little ones to provide for, her mother believed baby Catherine's best chance would depend on the kindness of others:

The manager of the Sheridan Theatre and ten other businessmen from Variety Club, named for the many areas of show business, "adopted" baby Catherine. These 11 "godfathers" then named her Catherine Variety Sheridan, her middle name for the club and her last name for the theatre. They continued their support long after a permanent home was found for Catherine. The little girl inspired the community as well, capturing the hearts of all of those hearing her story. Before long, more clothes, food, money and toys were collected than any one child would ever need. The Variety Club proposed to use the surplus to help other disadvantaged children. The idea caught on and soon people, including those from all across the entertainment community, wanted to help this worthwhile cause.

The ensuing publicity put the Variety Club of Pittsburgh on the front pages of newspapers across the nation. Other men in the business wanted to help - they asked if they could join and soon the clubroom was too small.

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 through the years in her best interests. Her name was changed to Joan

She grew up to have a happy family life. She served her country as an officer in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict and as a registered nurse in foreign (public health) service in Vietnam. She spent a good part of her time working with children taking great pride in the fact that she "started it all." In 1980 at Variety Clubs International's request, Joan went public and attended the Variety Club Convention in Los Angeles accompanied by her husband, three sons and daughter.

Upon learning of Joan's death in 1994, at age 65, International President John Ratcliff said, "Joan will always be remembered with great fondness for her ceaseless and outstanding devotion and willingness to help Variety Club's cause on behalf of children in need. She has always been our inspiration and will continue to be so in the years to come."

Nearly 81 years after it all began, the love inspired by one child - Catherine Variety Sheridan - continues to benefit children of all abilities. Variety's work is made possible by the commitment of thousands of volunteers, members and friends who give generously of their time, talent, energy and financial resources for the love and well-being of children. With its roots in the entertainment industry, Variety is often called "the heart of show business."

Today, Variety International the Children's Charity is a global philanthropic organization that has raised over $1.5 billion for children around the world. Variety spans the globe reaching out to children in the United States, Canada, Australia, Barbados, Channel Islands, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand and South Africa. www.varietychildrenscharity.org.