Megan BoboHer performing career started here in Des Moines. Her love of singing came at an early age. She went on to be a member of the Old Gold Singers at the University of Iowa, featured soloist with Up With People, fi nalist on American Idol, and is now living in Los Angeles. She is an outstanding young lady with stage presence, passion, soul, and talent.

Jason CookStarred as Shawn-Douglas Brady or Shawn D. on “Days of our Lives”. This handsome young man is a talented actor, musician and writer. He is one of the hottest young actors in Hollywood. Returning for his fi fth Telethon. Special thanks to Maureen and Bill Civitella for the continued support of our kids. Currently working on a new movie.

Dakota Crosswhite – Miss Iowa Teen USA 2007Is a 17 year-old Senior at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids. She plans to attend Coe College in the fall. She will represent Iowa in the National Miss Teen USA pageant in August which will be on NBC. She is beautiful inside and outside, a good combination. She cares about children. Welcome, Dakota.

Michael DansoBorn in Glasgow, Scotland, and now living in Toronto, Canada. He is a dynamic, energetic, stylish entertainer. Whether starring in Riverdance on Broadway, singing with a symphony orchestra in London, or on the Variety Telethon in Iowa, his rich voice thrills the audience. Recently starred in a new musical in Edinburgh named “Rob Roy.” Michael, as the Bard sang ‘He’s a magician’ in a slick cabaret style. One of everyone’s favorite Telethon stars. Charles Cozens, his pianist and musical conductor, joins him.

Ben Davidson A Telethon regular. Former All-Pro Defensive Lineman with the Oakland Raiders. A Miller Lite All-Star. He also comes back to Iowa from his home in San Deigo to go on RAGBRAI. But, we all know him as a caring man who comes to Iowa to help our kids. Welcome back Ben!

DondinoDondino Melchiorre was born in Italy and came to the USA when he was 12. We are glad he did. A talented singer who has starred in the Dondino Show in Las Vegas and Branson. He contributes his musical talents and time to many charities. Additionally he has created a fun way to learn to read, dream, and ignite imaginations through his contributions to his partnership with Story Store Collection of bilingual and illustrated children’s picture books. There is much more to this man than his excellent voice. Also welcome Debbie Richards, his pianist and musical conductor.

Michael DoreHis rich baritone voice has enamored audiences around the world, in a career which has taken him from the Royal Albert and Festival Halls in London and Carnegie Hall in New York to the stages of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Michael is one of Britain’s most successful concert and recording artists and his dramatic and stylistic vocal fl air make him one of the most sought after performers in Europe and the Far East. He can be heard on many major fi lm soundtracks, including “Lord of the Rings”, “Star Wars” and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. His recent “Musicals” concert in Johannesburg was for the benefi t of the Variety Club Child Rescue Centre. Welcome Michael, to your fi rst Telethon

Hacksaw Jim Duggan A proud American, Hacksaw is now working for World Wrestling Entertainment. He loves the telethon and working with children. He and his wife Debra, are proud to be coming back for his sixth Telethon He can really fi re up a phone panel.

Blake Emmons We are very proud of Blake. He was presented with The Order of Canada in recognition of his humanitarian efforts on behalf of disabled children in Canada and around the world. A talented and caring man – one of Iowa’s favorites. He and his wife Diane live in Nashville. He truly is an Honorary Iowan. He was here for the fi rst Telethon in 1975 and nearly every one since.

Steve Haberman A terrifi c musician, a talented songwriter, a mainstay on Variety Telethons. He conducts the Telethon orchestra and you’ll want to watch for his late night rendition of Tuti-Fruiti. Has a recurring role on the Young and The Restless. Thanks Steve, for all you do for the kids of Iowa.

Greg Hanna Handsome and fun-loving, a great combina-tion. Couple that with an excellent voice and style and you have a one-man entertain-ment machine. Played to rave reviews at the Iowa State Fair. Now living in Nashville with his beautiful wife Sheree.

David Anthony HigginsHas recurring role on Fox’s “Malcolm in the Middle.” Starred as Joe Farrell, Master Coffee Brewer on the ABC hit series Ellen. Best known as part of the sketch comedy trio, The Higgins Boys and Gruber. In ad-dition to TV, he is a frequent guest star at comedy clubs all over the United States. He shot a pilot called Misconceptions for the WB. Des Moines’ native returning to Iowa for his 11th Telethon.

Tatana KucharovaIs the fi rst Miss World from the Czech Republic.Currently living in Prague. She is a wonderful credit to the Miss World or-ganization. Beautiful, sentimental and caring. We are delighted to have Tatana with us. We are very grateful to the super Miss World organization.Say a special “thank you” to Julia Morley, President and Stephen Morley, Executive Vice President who will be with us for the miracle weekend.

Samantha MurphyTalented singer, songwriter. Grew up in the music industry. She sang with the family band, “The Murphys”. Born in Hawaii to Australian parents, she has wowed audi-ences all over the world. She has her own Podcast SMtv. New hit CD “Somewhere Between Starving & Stardom” just released. She will be taping part of the show live. Welcome Samantha, to your fi rst Telethon.

Kim OlsonSinger, nightclub entertainer, composer, recording artist and a master of the 12-string guitar, banjo and harmonica. Kim is an entertainer at Disneyland and appears on Showtime TV. Returning for his 25th Telethon. Not only a great singer, but that Kim can sure whistle.

Darrin OttoThis handsome exciting singer is originally from Iowa, now lives in Nashville. Seen in ads for Sprint PCS, O’Charleys, and Sonic Restuarants. Has been the opening act for Sawyer Brown and the legendary Roger Miller. He is a spokesmodel for Menaji Skin Care for Men, and the host of the Spa2Go infomercial. Appeared in Revlon commercial with Sheryl Crow and named one of Nashville’s Hottest Singles by the prestigious Nashville Lifestyles Magazine. Returning for his 18th Telethon.

Ed PodolakSportscaster, former Hawkeye football star and All-Pro running back for the Kansas City Chiefs. Still popular with Iowans as the Voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes. Returning for his 23rd year. A vital part of our telethon and a very caring human being, the proud son of Dorothy and Joe of Atlantic, Iowa. We love it when the children bring tears to your eyes. Currently splitting his time between real estate ventures in Costa Rica and Aspen.

Dani Reeves – Miss Iowa USA A beautiful, caring and talented woman who will represent our state very well in the National Miss USA Contest. She is the pride of Hamburg, Iowa. Currently living in Sioux City where she is fi nishing her degree in Radiology. Welcome Dani, to your fi rst Telethon. Brandon Routh Grew up in Norwalk, attended the Univer-sity of Iowa before heading to Hollywood. Had roles in Odd Man Out, Gilmore Girls, and Undressed before landing Clark Kent/Superman role in Superman Returns a Warner Bros fi lm released in May. His brother is a real life Superman – a police offi cer in Des Moines. Can play piano and trumpet, enjoys soccer, basketball, biking and swimming. Proud parents are Katie and Ron who live in Norwalk. Returning for his second Telethon.

Sara RouthTalented singer/songwriter originally from Norwalk, graduated from Simpson College. Went to study acting and perform in New York; now living in Los Angeles. Performs in many L.A. nightclubs. Nominated for Best Folk Artist for Southern California. New album is on the way. Daughter of Katie and Ron, joins her brother Brandon for their second Telethon. Welcome back Sara!

Emma SammsReturning to Iowa for her 21st Telethon. She is the spokesperson for “Cash for Kids.” Talented and caring actress who starred in General Hospital, Dynasty, The Colby’s and many, many movies. A truly beautiful person inside and out and a vital part of our Telethon and the Variety family. She is very proud that she founded the Starlight Foundation which has helped thousands of children.

Denise ShiplerAppearing on her 20th Telethon. This talented and beautiful young lady will capture your heart. Iowa native from Burt. Appeared on many Variety Telethons throughout North America. National spokes-person for children and Very Special Arts – Iowa. She thrills the audience wherever she goes. Performed at Ragbrai 05 and at Rock the Roof at Lake Okobodji. This dynamic and versatile vocalist sings everything from Country and Blues to R & B and Rock N Roll. Recently performed with Nashville’s “Shotgun Red” Band and appeared on stage with the legendary Ralph Emery. Be sure to see her show at the Iowa State Fair. We are fortunate she is part of our Telethon family.

Alyssa SimmonsThis amazingly talented 16 year old returns for her fourth Iowa Variety telethon. Alyssa has opened for many major recording artists and has appeared at the Apollo theatre in New York City. She now performs around Michigan with her incredible band and has just fi nished recording 4 new original songs. Alyssa is very excited and honored to be a part of the telethon family.

Scott Smith & Beth Smith Scott is a talented singer, pianist and bandleader. He has spent many years entertaining in the Des Moines area, as well as Las Vegas and Atlantic City. He was a member of the original cast on Telethon One. You can always count on Scott for surprises and great music. Currently performing at Fratello’s. He and his wife Beth are a talented couple. His daughter had triplets prematurely, and they know fi rst-hand why the Variety Neo-Natal Intensive Care Nursery is so important!

Wicker Van OrsdelA beautiful, energetic and talented lady. Wicker has appeared at the Crystal Palace in Aspen and many nightclubs across the U.S. She has the music in her and is a lot of fun to be around. We are delighted she is a vital and important part of our Telethon family. She is a lady with energy to burn. The “Gong Show” in Okabodji is her creation.

2007 TELETHON CAST

FEBRUARY, 2007 HEART OF VARIETY 9

BE SURE TO JOIN US FOR THE

VARIETY TELETHON, MARCH 3 & 4

AT THE ADVENTURELAND PALACE THEATRE!

If you are one of the Variety supporters that comes to Telethon year after year or if you are a Telethon newbie….you will see these familiar faces on air. It takes a lot of people to make a telethon run smoothly so having people that know what they are doing really helps!

10 HEART OF VARIETY FEBRUARY, 2007

Danny & The Dreamers

Tropical Steel

Wicker VanOrsdel & Eileen Gannon

Gary Lowe

Renee Wulf

Scott & Beth Smith

Telethon Orchestra

VARIETY – THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY2006 Grant Recipients

Amanda the PandaDes MoinesCamp Amanda

American Lung Association of IowaDes MoinesSend Disadvantaged Children to attend Asthma Camp

American Red CrossDes MoinesSwim Lesson Scholarships for Underprivileged Youth

Arc of East Central IowaCedar RapidsEquipment that improves Mobility, Skills & Idependence

Arc of Johnson CountyIowa CitySunshine Wheelchair Lift

Area Substance Abuse CouncilCedar RapidsFencing for Heart of Iowa Mother & Child Recovery Ctr.

ASPIRE Therapeutic Riding ProgramWaterlooItems for Therapeutic Riding Program for Disabled Kids

Bidwell Riverside Child Development CenterDes MoinesPlayground Equipment for Underprivileged Children

Bikes for KidsStatewideBikes for Underprivileged Children

Blank Children’s HospitalDes MoinesPediatric Surgery Center

Blank Park Zoo FoundationDes MoinesDreamnight at the Zoo

Boys & Girls ClubDes MoinesOne Kid at a Time – Teen & Logan Center Refurbishment

Broadlawns Family Birthing CenterDes MoinesFetal Heart Monitors

Camp Fire USADes MoinesBuilding Improvements

Camp Hertko HollowDes MoinesDiabetes Camp Scholarships for Underprivileged Children

Catholic CharitiesRock IslandSunshine Minivan

Child Abuse Prevention ServicesMarshalltownDevelopmental Toys, Safety Equipment, Parent Education Materials

Children & Families of IowaDes MoinesBuilding Improvements to Lou Williams Center

ChildServe FoundationJohnstonPediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

Christ The King Free Clinic for KidsDes MoinesConstruction of Free Clinic for Underprivileged Youth

Chrysalis FoundationDes MoinesScholarships & After School Programs for At-Risk Girls

Clearview Recovery, Inc.Prairie CitySunshine Coach

Community Action Agency of Siouxland Head StartSioux CityFlooring & BRIGANCE Development Screen for Head Start Classrooms

Compassion fundDes MoinesSpecial Fund for Families with Critically Ill Children

Covenant FoundationWaterlooRemodeling of Pediatric Unit

Day Care for Exceptional ChildrenDes MoinesRenovations to Daycare Center

Des Moines Art Center/Edmundson Art FoundationDes MoinesAt-Risk Children’s Educational Art Programs

Des Moines Pastoral Counseling CenterWest Des MoinesTesting Materials & Therapeutic Games/ Toys

Early ACCESS Des Moines Public SchoolsDes MoinesToys & Books for the Variety Toybrary

Easter Seals IowaDes MoinesModifi ed Golf Cart for First Aid for Camp Sunnyside

Families, Inc.West BranchLiterature and Books for At-Risk Children

Family Crisis Centers Sioux CenterEmergency Services for At-Risk Children

Four Mounds FoundationDubuqueTools for expanding the Housing Education and Rehabilitation Training Program (HEART)

Four OaksCedar RapidsRenovations in Psychiatric Institute for Young Children

Francis Lauer Youth ServicesMason CitySunshine Minivan

Freedom for Youth MinistriesDes MoinesArt Studio for Homeless and At-Risk Youth

Friendly HouseDavenportYouth Program Supplies

Galaxy Inc. Youth CenterGrinnellTransportation

Girl Scouts of the Mississippi ValleyRock IslandSunshine Coach

Girls Inc. Sioux CitySunshine Coach

Grundy Family YMCAGrundy CenterSunshine Coach

Handicare Inc.CoralvilleCommunication and Safety Equipment

Heart Connection Children’s Cancer ProgramDes MoinesCamp Scholarships for Children with Cancer

Hills and Dales Child Development CenterDubuqueRifton Gate Trainers and Rifton Tricycle

Hispanic Educational Resources Inc.Des MoinesAfter School Youth Program

House of MercyDes MoinesProgramming and Services for Children

lowa Council, Boy Scouts of AmericaDavenportHandicapped Sidewalk Extension for Scout Camp

Institute for Character DevelopmentDes Moines“Character Counts” Training in At-Risk Schools and Organizations

Iowa Chapter American Academy of PediatricsJohnstonBooks for Reach Out and Read Clinic Sites

Iowa Homeless Youth CentersDes MoinesBus Passes for Homeless Youth, Carpet & Dishwasher for Lighthouse Host Home

Iowa Juvenile Home FoundationToledoInstruments for Music Therapy Program

Iowa Kidstrong, Inc.Des MoinesProgram Incentives

Kirkwood KidsCedar RapidsEquipment and Materials

Link Associates FoundationDes MoinesFront Entrance Remodel

Lutheran Services in IowaWaterlooSunshine Wheelchair Lift

Mentor IowaDes MoinesMentor Assistance

Mercy FoundationDes MoinesVariety ER Trauma & Pediatric ER Equipment

Mercy Medical CenterCedar RapidsNeonatal Intensive Care Unit Equipment

Mercy Medical Ctr Foundation/Child Advocacy CenterSioux CityWelch Allyn Video Colposcope with Image Capture System

Miracles in MotionCedar RapidsConstruction of Hay Barn

Oakridge Neighborhood ServicesDes MoinesRenovations to Various Buildings

Orchard PlaceDes MoinesPACE Juvenile Justice Services to Youth

RAGBRAI Dream TeamDes MoinesBicycles and Safety Equipment for At-Risk & Underprivileged Youth

Rock in PreventionDes MoinesReinforcement Tapes & T-Shirts for Drug Prevention Program

Ruth HarborDes MoinesEducational Materials for Pregnant Young Women

Science Center Des MoinesAccessibility Fund for Underprivileged Children

Scott County Family YDavenportSunshine Bus

Shalom Zone MinistriesDes MoinesBackpacks Filled with School Supplies and Health Kits

Special Olympics of IA GrimesAwards, Equipment and T-Shirts for Under 8 “Stars of the Future” Athletes

St. Luke’s Healthcare Fnd.Cedar RapidsNeonatal Intensive Care Equipment

State University of Iowa FoundationIowa CityVantage Plus Communication Device for Children

Systems UnlimitedIowa CityPlay Therapy Tools

Tanager PlaceCedar RapidsSunshine Minivan

Timber Creek CharitiesGuthrie CenterTherapy and Camperships for Children with Autism

VSA arts of IowaDes MoinesGovernor’s Very Special Arts Festival

Wall Street Mission d/b/a Goodwill IndustriesSioux CityRenovations at Camp for Underprivileged and At-Risk Children

Waypoint Services for Women, Children & FamiliesCedar RapidsRemodel of Play Area at Waypoint’s Madge Phillips Center for the Homeless

Wildwood Hills RanchSt. CharlesCamperships for Underprivileged and At-Risk Children

Willkie House, Inc.Des MoinesSunshine Coach

YMCA Cedar RapidsSunshine Minivan

YMCA Des MoinesAfter School Program for At-Risk Youth

Youth Emergency Services & Shelter Des MoinesBuilding Repairs and Improvements

Youth Homes of Mid-AmericaJohnstonImprovements to Land & Buildings at Ross Campus Treatment Center

YWCA of the Quad CitiesRock IslandPlayground, Infant and Toddler Equipment

Throughout the year, Variety volunteers work tirelessly to raise

money. The reward comes in September when Variety empties its

pockets, this year it was in tune to $3 million dollars.

FEBRUARY, 2007 HEART OF VARIETY 11

YOUNG VARIETYHELP WANTED: Young Variety is actively searching for fun, passionate, young philanthropists ready to roll up their sleeves and help make a difference in our community for the kids in need!

We work hard to raise money for the children of Iowa all year long through our fun events, the annual membership drive and our Telethon VIP Panel. We get to see everything come full circle by providing the bricks and mortar equipment to chari-ties chosen by our vigilant grant committee. It’s a good feeling to know your hard work is going to have a positive impact on so many children!

This year, Young Variety donated more than $106,000 to the following charities: Willkie House –

Purchased a Sunshine CoachBidwell Riverside Child Development Center –

Built a brand new playgroundLink Associates Foundation –

Helped remodel front entrance to buildingDes Moines Public Schools Early ACCESS program –

Purchased items for the toybrary, literacy bags, and supplies for parents meetings

Iowa Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics – Purchased books that will support age and culturally appropriate reading for reach out clinic sites

Throughout this last year we’ve been energetically recruiting new members and spreading the Variety message in the following ways:

• Pony Up for the Kids – Polo On The Green became a weekend long affair at Britt Baker’s Powder River Ranch with mechanical bull rides, live music, a silent auction, food and drinks the night before the classic Sunday brunch and live Polo match.

• Firemen’s Auction – We turned up the heat and possibly sparked a few love interests this year by teaming up with the Des Moines area fi refi ghters and Aura Night Club to auction off 20 dinner-dates from many generous local area restaurants.

• Oktoberfest – This awesome event brought more than 15,000 people during one weekend to the Hessen Haus in down-town Des Moines. With many YV volunteers pouring beer all weekend, a portion of the proceeds and all of the tips were generously donated to Young Variety. Cheers!

• November-Membership Drive – This was our 1st annual effort to raise money through our email base of more than 500 Young Variety activists via our website and pay pal. We celebrated this great stride in the tackiest way at our Ugly Holiday Sweater Party downtown at the new Equitable Building condominiums.

• Valentine’s Soiree – Wear your heart on your sleeve for this swanky night of love, fun and relaxation hosted this year by Wakonda Country Club and DM Juice and sponsored in part by Iowa Diamond! Considered our signature event with live music, silent auction, food, drinks and dancing on February 16!

• Young Variety at Work – This year Young Variety hosted the most bike giveaways with approximately 200 bikes donated by YV to deserving children throughout central Iowa.

Our goal is to raise over $130,000 this year for the children of Iowa which is quite a step up from the $106,000 we raised last year. Our Telethon VIP panel of more than 60 members will help us to achieve this goal.

Young Variety is excited about this coming year and is ready to help impact the lives of Iowa’s children!

Brigid PaulPresident 2006 – 2007

12 HEART OF VARIETY FEBRUARY, 2007

Polo on the Green

Polo…a game played by two teams of four players on horseback. Each player is equipped with long-handled mallets for driving a small wooden ball through the opponent’s goal.

• Enjoying a marvelous champagne brunch • Feeling the thunder of hooves racing up and

down the fi eld• Feeling the excitement of the game of polo • Knowing that your support will go to help thousands of

Iowa children in need

This is what spectators tasted, saw and felt at Polo on the Green, an annual polo game to benefi t Variety.

The weekend started off on Saturday night, July 29 with a casual but fun evening under the tents, dancing to local favorite Jason Brown and his band. There was a silent auction and a barbeque dinner catered by Kin Folk

Polo on the Green’s main event, held on Sunday, July 30, provided an opportunity to enjoy one of the oldest sporting events know to man. The day began with a champagne brunch and live auction followed by the polo match. This unique event was held at Britt Baker’s beautiful Powder River Ranch near Cumming. Team sponsors for the day were Holmes Murphy and Regency Land Development. R&R Realty sponsored the scoreboard. Even though it was one of the hottest days of the year, more than 400 people showed up for this wonderful event that raised over $50,000.

Zoo Day 2006Calling all Animal Lovers! On July 14,

2006, 533 children and adult chaperons attended the

annual Variety Zoo Day at Blank Park Zoo in Des

Moines. Rock In Prevention gave a pre-event concert for everyone and Blue Bunny provided Bomb Pops for everyone to enjoy as they left the zoo.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped to

make this day so much fun!

FEBRUARY, 2007 HEART OF VARIETY 13

14 HEART OF VARIETY FEBRUARY, 2007

VARIETY/KJJY RADIOTHONety/KJJY Radiothon. The Compassion Fund was created as a part of the 1999 Variety/KJJY Radiothon to help alleviate the hardships that are created on a child During this Radiothon, staffs of the local hospitals described children who were patients in their hospital as a result of life threatening illness. These children, because of their illnesses, were unable to enjoy many things enjoyed by healthy children. In order to lift their spirits or to help alleviate hardships placed on children in the hospital, the hospital staff would purchase an item out of a “coffee can” fund for the children or their families. Some examples of gifts are:

1) Gas money for parents to get back and forth to the hospital.

2) Paying for childcare for a single mother who has one of her children in the hospital.

3) Providing some small fi nal wish for a child, such as going to the prom or hosting parents

FEBRUARY, 2007 HEART OF VARIETY 15

to a special dinner or some thing they always wanted to do such as going to the zoo or a museum or art gallery.

4) Providing money for parents to purchase groceries when they are required to travel to a distant city for a child’s specialized treatment.

5) Providing phone money for an out-of-town parent whom has a child in the neonatal intensive care unit in order to allow the parent to speak with relatives.

The radiothon has grown to become Variety’s second largest fundraiser. Thank you to everyone at KJJY and all of the people that volunteered their time or pledged their money!

On December 19 and 20, The KJJY/Variety Radiothon was

held at the KJJY studio in

Urbandale and was on air from 6am until 6pm both

days. Between the companies that sponsored

hours, listeners calling in to pledge

and board members that raised dollars in advance of the Radiothon, more than $86,000 was raised!

Donors had two ways to donate to the Radiothon. For a donation of $200, a teddy bear went to a child that was in a Des Moines area hospital. Over 400 teddy bears were donated during those two days.

The other choice was to donate to the Compassion Fund. The Compassion Fund was created as a part of the 1999 Vari-

QUAD CITIES MARTINI SHAKE-OFFWhat a blast!! Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Quad Cities had their annual Martini Shake-off November 9th at “THE LODGE”. What a great

success with all 250 guests who attended. There were 15 local vendors participating and five martini categories;

chocolate, cordial, traditional, gin and cosmopolitans. The big winner of the evening was the restaurant

and bar Crave located in Davenport, Iowa. Other winners included The Red Crow Grille, Biaggies and The Lodge. We look forward to next year with more categories and even more winners.

Many thanks to Mr. Ray Stoddard, Mr. Tom Heston, Ms. Lisa Northup, Ms. April Daily, Michele and

Ken Croken and the Variety staff.

505 5th Avenue, Suite 310Des Moines, Iowa 50309

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Des Moines, IowaPermit No. 1105