Every fall, Variety the Children's Charity hosts an Anniversary Gala to raise money to support Camp Variety for Kids and other programs and services for children with disabilities.  On Saturday evening, October 2, at the Omni William Penn Hotel, Variety celebrated its 83rd Anniversary Gala “Oktoberfest” – a fun-filled evening of cocktails, dance, German fare and great silent auction items.

Each year at its annual Anniversary Gala, Variety honors an individual for his or her dedication and commitment to creating awareness of people with disabilities and helping children in crisis through philanthropic work, social reform and personal efforts and activities.  At our 83rd Anniversary celebration “Oktoberfest” Variety presented its 9th Annual Catherine Variety Sheridan Humanitarian Award to Gretchen R. Haggerty, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at United States Steel Corporation, for her commitment and dedication to her community and those organizations and agencies supporting underserved children and children with disabilities.  Also, Variety presented its 9th Annual John H. Harris Award to the Pittsburgh CLO New Horizons, a performing musical theater group of children and adults with disabilities.

In addition, Variety honored the Dominion Foundation with a special Community Advocacy Award for their long-standing commitment to children with disabilities in our community.  This is the 10th consecutive year that the Dominion Foundation has supported Variety's annual Gold Heart Pin Campaign as the Presenting Sponsor with total sponsorship over ten years of $300,000.