Variety Telethon
Watch the Telethon Spotlight Special here.
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 - the Children's Charity of Iowa was built upon and is the highlight of each year. For 46 years, the Variety Telethon hosted a line-up 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.
![Telethon Founders](/documents/cms/pics/50th-Telethon---2024/Four-Founders-with-Names--1080-x-700-px-.png)
Since then, the Variety Telethon has evolved into a shorter, televised multi-million-dollar fundraiser 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 2023, Variety granted over $2 million to 77 nonprofits.
- Mobility – In 2023 Variety provided over 100 custom pieces of mobility equipment to children with special needs and awarded over 500 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 three 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
Donate Today
![50th Telethon](/documents/cms/pics/50th-Telethon---2024/50th-Telethon--3-.png)
For 50 years, Iowans have joined together to contribute their time, talent, and hearts to the Variety Telethon and have collectively raised over $140 million to impact Iowa’s children.
Help us honor our four founders and celebrate 50 years of miracles by donating to the Variety Telethon!