A Whole New World
A Campaign for a Reimagined Future
A Local Legacy of Enriching Lives
We’ve come a long way since we were founded in 1935 as The Variety Club of Philadelphia, initially operating solely as a children’s fundraising organization. In 1949, the Leo Posel family generously gifted their expansive 77-acre Worcester, Montgomery County estate, and transformed us from a charity administrator to a premier service provider for children with disabilities.
Today, we offer a full array – dare we say “variety?” – of programs for children of all abilities that include afterschool and extended school year sessions; day and overnight camps; and arts, athletic, socialization and vocational programs.
Through it all, we have remained committed to enriching the lives of children with disabilities and empowering them to navigate the world around them. Among those who know us, our progress and achievements over the years are celebrated and our future is bright. For those who are new to the Variety family, we hope to inspire partnership as we reimagine our future together.
Building A Whole New World of Possibilities
With the ever-changing needs of people with disabilities as our compass, we are embarking on our most ambitious facilities master plan and fundraising endeavor yet. Together, we will fully realize an exciting vision for tomorrow, beginning with the transformation of Variety’s campus.
After a careful assessment of our campus, aging infrastructure, and programming, Variety is ready to meet the unique demands for new and innovative offerings, with improved, modernized facilities and spaces that respond to the needs of those we serve. We must build new facilities, enhance our legacy structures, and creatively use our existing campus to set the foundation – literally and figuratively – for bringing Variety programs and services to full capacity and developing state-of-the-art spaces for children and young adults of all abilities. The following three projects will address our immediate and most urgent needs as the first phase of our facilities master plan.
For illustrative purposes, and subject to change
Multi-Purpose Cabins & Classrooms
Based on current and projected needs in our community, we expect enrollment in our camp and educational programming to grow. Constructed in the 1950s as some of the first buildings on campus, our cabins have served thousands over the years and must be replaced. Looking forward, we plan to reduce the total number of cabins, and associated maintenance, and to build larger, more versatile facilities that will double as classrooms.
Gym & Sports Center
When its renovation is complete, the 19,200-square-foot Gym & Sports Center will become the hub for essential indoor play for our summer campers in inclement weather. This unique “double gym” in the heart of Worcester may be leased by community groups and athletic organizations as a safe, indoor space that is accessible to people of all abilities and ages. Year-round availability will allow for a new, dependable revenue stream for the organization and increased investment in our mission.
VarietyWorks HQ
Our Master Plan envisions a new 8,500-square-foot building dedicated to year-round VarietyWorks programming. There will be office space for job coaching, administration and assessment needs. Large, open spaces will be flexible with classrooms and space for vocational training in simulated retail, warehousing and office environments.
Reimagining Our Campus Where Children and Young Adults Will Grow and Thrive
Our long-term goal is simple: Ensure the delivery of top-notch, creative programming on a campus that is modern, functional and safe.
It’s not all about the buildings; it’s all about what happens within them and across Variety’s 77-acre campus! Variety is making a difference for the children, young adults and families who we serve every day.
Creating a brighter future for special families in the Delaware Valley and beyond.
Together, We Can Build A Whole New World
While our history is rich, we believe our future is brighter with your support and meaningful investment. A Whole New World is a 5-year, $15 million campaign to fully realize the potential of our beautiful campus, transforming it to focus on the key aspects of our new, innovative programming and enhance the outcomes for Variety participants and their families.
Imagine
the
possibilities.
“Imagine a campus where children with all abilities are welcomed with open arms – and open hearts – encouraged to explore and learn and grow at their own pace, in an environment as unique and as special as they are.
Imagine young adults with disabilities flourishing through the wonderful gift of choice – in social activities, camps, school programs, job skills development, and even careers they may like to pursue.
Imagine an unwavering bond with – and acceptance among – family and school and community that strives to unlock each individual’s potential to be independent, self-confident and prepared for life.
Imagine a whole new world.”
Dominique Bernardo
Chief Executive Officer
Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley
To learn more about Variety’s plans and how you can be part of A Whole New World, contact Jaime Howard at jaime.howard@varietyphila.org.