Variety's 52nd Telethon
For more than 50 years, Variety - the Children’s Charity of Iowa has been helping children across our state experience hope, opportunity, and joy. On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, we invite you to be part of that legacy during Variety’s 52nd Telethon on KCCI, a day dedicated to powerful stories, life changing programs, and the generosity that makes it all possible. Please consider making a donation below to help us reach our fundraising goal and provide life changing support to even more children in need throughout Iowa.
Meet Kinsley!
After Kinsley discovered she could not access the Iowa State Fair playground, her family spoke up, helping inspire the creation of the Variety Star Inclusive Playground where children of all abilities can play together. Kinsley later returned to that same playground to receive a custom Rifton bike through Variety’s mobility program, giving her greater freedom and confidence. Read more about Kinsley's journey here.
Meet Kholson!
Kholson received his very own custom adaptive bike from Variety's mobility program, giving him the joy of riding alongside his siblings for the first time. The bike helps him build strength, coordination, and confidence on his journey toward walking. Read the full story to see how your support makes moments like this possible.
Variety's Telethon History
In 1975, four businessmen came up with a plan to raise dollars to help Iowa's children. Stanley J. Reynolds, Steve Blank, Ray Johnson, and Mike Reilly created a locally produced Telethon to rally support around children’s needs in the community. The first annual Telethon aired that year and raised $151,000 to provide medical equipment to a local hospital.
The Telethon is the foundation Variety was built upon and is the highlight of each year. Since the inception of the Telethon in 1975, Variety has raised more than $144 million for Iowa’s children. For the first 46 years, the Variety Telethon lasted 16–24 hours and hosted a lineup of local and international celebrities who appeared on air, along with thousands of corporate volunteers and donors who pledged their ongoing time and support to Iowa’s children.
Since then, the Variety Telethon has evolved into a televised multimillion-dollar fundraising campaign that still highlights the many ways Variety helps Iowa’s children. Variety VIPs (Very Interested Persons) and corporate supporters continue to raise funds that will support Variety's five programs:
- Grant Program – Variety awards funding to children’s nonprofits annually. In 2025, 102 nonprofits helping children in Iowa received Variety grants.
- Mobility – In 2025 Variety provided over 150 custom pieces of mobility equipment to children with special needs and awarded over 600 traditional bikes to underprivileged children.
- Variety Vans – Over the last 40 years, more than 400 Variety Vans have been granted to children’s nonprofits in Iowa.
- Variety Star Playgrounds – To date, Variety has built five inclusive playgrounds and supported many others so children of all abilities can experience the joy of a playground.
- The Compassion Fund – Countless children and families experiencing long hospital stays have received financial assistance from the Variety Compassion Fund.
For 52 years, Iowans have joined together to contribute their time, talent, and hearts to the Variety Telethon and have collectively raised over $144 million to impact Iowa’s children.
