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Variety Business Partner wins E&Y Young Entrepreneur award
Variety Business Partner and YV committee member Nick Heywood-Smith was recently awarded the Ernst & Young 2010 Central Region Young Entrepreneur of the Year for his company Wellness & Lifestyles Australia (W&L).
The 10th annual Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the year awards for SA and NT took place at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre in July. Nick will now go on to compete in the national awards, with the winners to be announced on 24 November.
Nick has been involved in Variety since 2007 as a YVariety (Young Variety) committee member and more recently as a Business Partner since 2009.
Nick, a trained and registered physiotherapist, and his wife Nikki established W&L in 2003. The company has grown from a home office to employing over 100 therapists and 12 full-time office staff with the full scope of allied health services including physiotherapy, podiatry, speech pathology, occupational therapy and more.
Mark Butcher, Ernst and Young’s SA Managing Partner said ‘both the nominees and winners in the 2010 awards showcased the success being achieved by entrepreneurs. I congratulate all our winners – successful entrepreneurs are more than simply high achievers, they seek out opportunities, turn vision into reality and create flow-on success for those around them.’
“It has been an exciting couple of years for W&L,” Nick says. “In 2009 we were named as one of BRW’s Top 100 fast companies and received recognition at Telstra Business Awards in both 2008 and 2009. We have also recently launched an exciting new aspect of our business via the W&L Education website www.wleducation.com.au provides educational resources and training to those involved in all aspects of allied health and the aged care industry”.
The Variety SA team offers their huge congratulations to Nick on taking out this fantastic accolade. For more information on Wellness and Lifestyles Australia please visit their website at www.wellnesslifestyles.com.au
Chairman's Winter Message
It has been a busy time since my last message and the business of Variety has been flat out. I have had the pleasure of attending the International Convention in LA where we were awarded the Mort Sunshine Award for the best newsletter and whilst this was great to receive, it was even better to see how highly regarded the work done in SA is among all of the Tents worldwide. It was very clear to me that the Variety world holds Tent 75 and Variety Australia in the highest regard.
It was also a great pleasure to be able to host the Variety Australia Board, CEO meetings and strategic planning day here in late June. My thanks go to the Team at the office for organising the event and to Alec Gilbert and the Adelaide Convention Centre, Doug Lehmann and Peter Lehmann Wines and Ron Barton at Yellow Corporation for their assistance with the essentials of life.
We were very privileged to be the beneficiary of the Les Burdett retirement roast on 2 July, this was a fantastic function and a fitting send off for Les from his 40 years at Adelaide Oval. Les was, as always, a Variety man first and made sure that the proceeds of the evening were donated to Variety via Car Kaos. My congratulations to Rob Kerin and the organising committee on a great event. Best news of all - Les has accepted our invitation to become an Ambassador for Tent 75 and will continue an even closer relationship with our work going forward.
As many of you are eagerly anticipating, the Bash is drawing ever closer with just a few weeks to go before the start line at Murray Bridge. I have heard nothing but great things from the route surveys and my sources tell me that there are some pretty good fundraising efforts, so stay focused and we will have a great result. I am really looking forward to catching up with as many of you as possible en route and my very best wishes to Bash Chairman Wayne Richards and his committee for sunny skies, great tracks and safe travels.
As always thanks to all of you who work so hard for the children of South Australia, I know that your efforts are greatly appreciated by all of those we are able to help.
Peter de Cure
Fresh Outlook - Winter
As the weather has cooled down, the activity in the office has ramped up. We have had a very busy last three months with a number of events and activities.
In May, the Variety International Conference was held in Los Angeles, and Tent 75 was bestowed with the Mort Sunshine Award for the best newsletter in the world. A truly outstanding result given the level of competition. Congratulations to all those involved with the newsletter preparation in 2009.
In June South Australia hosted CEOs and Chief Barkers from across Australia and New Zealand for a national meeting and strategic planning day. It was heartening to see the camaraderie and unity as ideas were discussed and problems tackled as a team. The strategic planning day was stimulating and rewarding as we developed strategies for Variety Australia to grow and prosper into the future. Thank you to everyone in the office and our generous supporters for making the meetings seamless and memorable.
Over the last 6 months I have had many humbling and rewarding experiences, not the least being the opportunity to attend the Special Olympic Games in Adelaide in April. I was honoured to represent Variety the Children’s Charity at the equestrian medal presentation, and accept an award of appreciation for our support of the Special Olympics which now hangs proudly in the reception area.
Excitement is growing every day as preparation for the 2010 Variety Bash continues. Good luck to all our Bashers in the final days of fundraising. I look forward with anticipation to seeing you all at the Start Line in Murray Bridge!
Sylvia Andersons
2010 Chairman's Dinner
The fourth annual Chairman’s Dinner was held at the Stamford Plaza on Wednesday 23 June. The fifty invited guests enjoyed an intimate evening with ‘round table’ networking at this event that is purely designed to give something back to those who give so much to Variety.
The evening was made possible through the generosity of The Stamford Group. Guests were treated to a specially designed three course gourmet dinner beautifully complimented by a selection of wines thanks to the generosity of Tim Adams Wines and Wicks Estate.
During the course of the evening guests were addressed by Chairman Peter de Cure on the Variety SA’s achievements over the past 12 months. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of an appeal to little Jasmin Fullgrabe. Five year old Jasmin was born with a left transradial congenital limb deficiency and
Variety was delighted to grant just under $20,000 for the purchase of a new Myoelectric prosthesis which provides improved function and comfort for her left arm. Jasmin certainly won some hearts when she thanked Variety for her new “lefty”.
The Chairman’s Dinner will continue as a regular feature in the Variety calendar and we look forward to continuing to honour our many of our generous sponsors and business partners in the future.
Kmart - helping Variety help children in need
Over the months of March and April this year, Kmart raised over $60,000 for Variety nationally, through a coin donation initiative.
The funds raised will support children like 10 year old Sam Henderson whose dream is to become a V8 racing car driver. “It is great that our customers can help children like Sam achieve their potential and realise their dreams,” said Kmart Firle Manager, Brian McPhee.
Sam practices up to 10 hours a week to improve his go-kart lap times, despite the challenges he faces living with Aspergers Syndrome. It is this determination which led to Sam being awarded a 2010 Variety Show of Hearts Scholarship Program and allows him to foster his go-kart talents.
Helping local kids to achieve their full potential is what inspired Kmart to launch a new fund raising initiative with Variety. Through donations made at coin collection boxes at local Kmart store registers during March and April, customers have been helping provide the gift of education and achievement for children with special needs through scholarships like the Variety Show of Hearts scholarship program.
“On behalf of our families I would like to thank Kmart’s customers for their generosity,” said Sylvia Andersons, Variety’s South Australian CEO. “This money will go a long way towards helping families like the Hendersons.”
Variety is the first charity to benefit from Kmart’s new coin collection initiative. Throughout the year, coins collected at Kmart South Australian stores will go to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Cancer Council and TLC for Kids.
2009 Variety Children's Christmas Party
The 2009 annual children’s Christmas Party was the biggest party yet! 1404 sick and disadvantaged children from across the state along with 616 carers and 250 volunteer helpers attended this amazing event which bought smiles and fun to children in need.
The party was held in the Goyder Pavilion, Adelaide Event and Exhibition Centre. Two liberty swings on site gave children in wheelchairs their first opportunity to feel the freedom of swinging through the air. Hans emceed the day with bands Cosmic Capers and Flaming Sambuccas performing live which ensured the dance floor was filled with children dancing the day away. The room was a sea of children’s delights with clowns, characters, face painters, the Santa Magic Cave Bus and special guest, Santa Claus bringing a gift for every child.
Steered by a group of dedicated, professional women from the Ladies Of Variety (LOV) committee the annual children’s Christmas party has grown significantly over the years.
Some special highlights on the day we have to share with you:
A young boy expressed to one of the volunteers “I don’t really want anything for Christmas what I would really like is all children to be happy so it would be good if you could do that”
For the first time a child who rarely speaks suddenly started to sing jingle bells and the carer was overjoyed!
Many thank you emails have been received to express thanks such as the following:
“I would just like to thank you and everyone involved for allowing us to be part of such a special event. Brandon has been ill a lot this year and we have been house bound. Yesterday’s event was a big goal for us to attend and it was so worth while. Brandon loved the music and was very impressed with the fire engine; watching his face light up as we entered the room made everything else fade away.”
We thank the Adelaide Event and Exhibition Centre, the Presenting Partner of the Variety Children’s Christmas Party for eleven years. For the second year they were able to provide the new Goyder Pavilion ensuring we could invite more children to have an unforgettable Christmas party experience. Also to our Major Partners, Central Audio/Visual and Michael O’Brien Catering Pty Ltd and supporting Partners Vili’s, Australia Post, Corporate Express, Advance Robes, Golden North, Kytons Bakery, BOC and Peter Cochrane Transport we thank you for your generosity towards the Children’s Christmas Party.
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Inaugural Variety Santa Fun Run
The inaugural SA Variety Santa Fun Run was a huge success with over 1100 entrants dressed in their red Santa Suits running or walking 4km around the Torrens on Friday 27 November.
Despite the rain and thunderstorms, the sunshine arrived just in time for the Santa warm up hosted by world aerobics instructors from Goodlife Health Clubs. Then the ‘real’ Santa from the North Pole arrived Variety style on the back of a Bash ute to send all Santa’s helpers off on their merry way around the Torrens. The children were entertained by the very talented Theatre Bugs and fantastic young rock band Under New Management. Bands Wasabi and The Last Broadcast performed live on the Adelaide Convention Centre balcony after the event for the grownups.
We are extremely pleased to announce that the event raised in excess of $40,000net
Variety is known for putting the fun into fundraising and Variety’s newest event with a Christmas twist certainly has a different fun factor which we anticipate will continue to grow in the future to be an iconic South Australian Christmas event.
A huge thank you also to our major event sponsor Discount City Carpet Superstores, event partner Adelaide Convention Centre and our media sponsors Channel 7 and Nova and to all of you for your involvement. Click Here to view photo gallery
KI Charity Trek - A Huge Success
In its third year, Variety Kickin4Kids has enjoyed its most successful campaign with a record-breaking fundraising year.
The foundation of Kickin4Kids in 2009 was the Kangaroo Island trek which took place on 26 – 31 October. 12 intrepid adventurers, each raising a significant amount of money to take their place on the trip, left Yellow Corporation on a chilly October morning at 6am.
Over the course of the six day adventure led by Channel Nine sports presenter and charity documentary-maker, Troy Gray, the group partook in a range of exciting activities including diving with seals, hiking, fishing, caving and quad bike riding just to name a few. In true Variety style, accommodation was limited with most nights spent sleeping in swags and tents under the stars in the magnificently lit KI sky.
Saturday night, the final night of the trek, produced a mixture of euphoria and emotion from all involved. Variety appeal sibling recipients, Nicholas and Alyce Day joined their parents, Stephen and Jackie, for a sponsored flight to the island on a Pilatus PC-12 where they joined the group on the last day of the trek. The family participated in the final part of filming for the television documentary where Nicholas and Alyce, both vision impaired, were the centre of the show. Nicholas read out a thank you letter he had created on his BrailleNote Notetaker machine, given to him by Variety, a moment that had everyone in tears. It was a truly wonderful occasion which reinforced the huge achievement of the participants this year and confirmed in their eyes why they chose to support the cause and the children that Variety assists in the community.
Taking place during the trek, the BankSA Golf Day, from which 50% of proceeds were pledged to Kickin4Kids this year, was another outstanding success contributing approximately $50,000 to Kickin4Kids in 2009.
Another major contributor to Kickin4Kids 2009 was the Macquarie Group Foundation which, through bank employee, 2008 trekker and Kickin4Kids committee member, Jed Richards, has matched a percentage of funds raised.
With funds still coming in, Kickin4Kids will set a new fundraising record of approximately $200,000 net, a result made even more outstanding due to one of the toughest economic years in recent history.
Kennards announced as the Platinum Bash Sponsor for 2010
It is with enormous pleasure that Variety, the children's charity SA welcomes new platinum sponsor of the SA Variety Bash, Kennards Hire.
Variety has enjoyed wonderful support from the fabulous team at Kennards Hire over a number of years and we are tremendously excited about embarking on this new and exciting partnership.
SA General Manager, Gareth Vines said, “Kennards Hire is committed to making a difference to the lives of children and is extremely proud to increase it’s involvement with Variety in SA, as the major event sponsor of the 2010 SA Variety Bash”
"It's fantastic to have Kennards Hire onboard for Variety's flagship event," said Variety SA Chairman Peter Curtis.
"On behalf of the dedicated Bash community, we warmly welcome General Manager Gareth Vines, Business Development Manager Tim Sharrad and the team at Kennards Hire and look forward to working closely with them, to maximise the benefits for children in need."
The 2010 Bash kicks off from Murray Bridge on Saturday 14 August finishing in Clare on the 21 August.
V Inspiring
Avid amateur cyclist, Javier San Juan Costillas, has recently nominated Variety SA as his charity of choice for a forthcoming fundraising bike ride.
This is no ordinary bike ride… Javier will set off on October 12, travelling an astounding 12,000kms throughout the Australian Outback. His grueling journey that will take three months, will see him travel from Adelaide via Ayres Rock to Darwin, on to Broome, down to Perth and back to Adelaide.
Javier’s fundraising goal is $2 per kilometer; an approximate total of $24,000. To support Javier and his extraordinary journey log on to his fundraising page http://www.everydayhero.com.au/cyclingforfutures You can also view Javier's route on his GPS tracker at www.tinyurl.com/cycling-for-futures-tracking
Javier has prepared for his journey by traveling the route by car. His motivation for doing this stems from suffering a workplace injury which has affected his shorter term employment prospects – in the interim he simply wants to do something special for children in need & provide himself with a personal challenge in doing so.
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From The Heart Cocktail Party
Variety sponsors, business partners and members celebrated in style at an exclusive Cocktail Party held on Friday 18 September at the National Wine Centre. The cocktail party was held as a thankyou to our sponsors and business partners for their ongoing support, and featured superb food and wines with entertainment by the Les Millar Jazz Trio.
The evening opened with Rachel Bartholomew, a talented young lady with a voice like an angel. Her first performance at 8 years of age was for Can do 4 Kids, an organisation for hearing and visually impaired children that Variety has supported over the years. She is now, at the grand age of 15, an extremely accomplished performer. Following Rachel’s performance, Variety made a presentation to the Down Syndrome Society’s Club Slick Program and were thanked with a delightful rock and roll exhibition from eight of the children.
Variety SA Bash raises $1.904 million net!
Congratulations! The twenty first birthday of the SA Variety Bash, supported by Jarvis Toyota, was an occasion to remember. Variety SA raised $1.904 million net; the highest fundraising state in Australia. A total of $7.9 million was raised nationally.
A perfect August morning saw our Bash cars depart from Victoria Square in front of a great crowd. Eight days and 2,582 km later, traveling through Arkaroola, Murnpeowie Station, William Creek, Painted Desert, Kulgera, Kings Creek Station, Glen Helen and some truly amazing private properties, entrants arrived at the finish line in Alice Springs. Entrants enjoyed great weather along the way as they headed north with temperatures reaching the mid 30’s. Jane Reilly from Network Ten celebrated her tenth year on the Bash reporting the weather from the track.
The fifth National Variety Bash saw Alice Springs full of life as SA joined 2000 other State Bashers to celebrate their commitment to children in need with some true legends of Australian music including John Williamson, John Paul Young, Cotton, Keys & Morris, Adam Brand and the Screaming Jets at the final night party.
The SA Variety Bash over the past 21 years has raised over $23 million net, an incredible achievement and nationally over the past 25 years $107 million net has been raised. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the 2009 SA Variety Bash. For more information about the Bash and official 2009 results click here Click here to view the photo gallery
Variety announces $600,000 grant to the RFDS
Variety SA has announced a $600,000 grant to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) as a golden day for the children of South Australia. The news coincides with the presentation of Gold Door Panels to the ‘Top 15’ Bash Cars in the 2009 Variety Bash for their exceptional fundraising. The contribution will be used by the RFDS to purchase essential medical equipment and complete the medical fit-out required to convert a new aircraft into a flying intensive care unit next year.
“Variety has always assisted children in rural and remote areas, and what better way to do this than to partner again with the Royal Flying Doctor Service,” said Variety SA Chairman, Peter Curtis, at the announcement of the grant. “More than 2000 children throughout South Australia and the Northern Territory rely on the RFDS every year,” Mr Curtis said. “Children living in the city also benefit from the RFDS – not just when families travel to the bush, but at least once a fortnight the RFDS will fly a baby or young child from Adelaide to Melbourne for life-saving cardiac surgery.”
RFDS Central Operations CEO John Lynch described Variety’s outstanding contribution as a ‘golden day’ for the children of South Australia. “We applaud Variety’s generosity to the RFDS, and its on-going support of families living in rural and remote communities,” Mr Lynch said. Variety previously funded a medical; fit-out to an aircraft in 2002. “These grants acknowledge the important role that property owners and rural communities play in the success of the annual SA Variety Bash throughout South Australia and the Northern Territory,”
The 2009 SA Variety Bash will commence this Saturday (15 August) from Adelaide’s Victoria Square when 125 cars embark on their 2650 kilometre journey to Alice Springs. Joining the Bash for the first time will be Adelaide resident Will Chapman. Will and wife Edwina were on Kangaroo Island when Edwina experienced complications with her first pregnancy. Edwina and her unborn child were evacuated to back to Adelaide for emergency treatment by a RFDS crew and aircraft. “Our 17-month-old daughter, Adelaide Grace, is happy and healthy today due to the fantastic fundraising efforts of Variety SA and the vital work of Royal Flying Doctor Service,” Mr Chapman said.
Inspired by Variety’s support of organisations like the RFDS and children in need, the Chapman family decided to give back to the community and help raise much needed funds to support Variety’s charitable purposes.
Chairman's Winter Message
Last year I addressed you, extremely proud to announce on the foundation of an all time record fundraising year in 2007 we were awarded the International Gold Heart Award. I am happy and proud again to announce that in May in London Variety SA was again in the top three with the Bronze Heart Award for the 2008. Whilst it is nice to have this recognition it is not the motivation behind what we do. We have the chance through our collective efforts to change the lives not only of children in need but families and communities. I do believe that when you help a child you help a family; when you help a family you help a community.
Our signature event the Jarvis Toyota SA Bash leaves from Adelaide for the National Bash finale in Alice Springs shortly (15 to 22 August); on behalf of the board of Variety SA we wish Wayne Richards and his organising committee all the best for a successful event and I invite you to join us on Saturday 15 August in Victoria Square to see them off.
Peter Curtis
Chief Barker
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Variety function breaks records raising $189k
Variety SA broke all time records at their Broadway function on Friday 19th June. The Adelaide Convention Centre hosted a record crowd of 1425 guests dressed for Broadway and raised an incredible $189,000 net to support children in need.
In a climate not conducive to breaking records, Variety on Broadway was a stand out success. The event officially became the largest annual private black tie event of its kind to be held in Adelaide. The red carpet social event was themed with larger than life scenes from Phantom, Chicago and Priscilla. The evening was opened by renowned vocal artists Brian Gilbertson and Diane Dixon as they sang the theme song from Phantom of the Opera.
During the night the Convention Centre Chief Executive, Alec Gilbert was presented with a Variety International Corporate Award for their eight years of support of the event. Only seven corporations around the world get nominated for this prestigious International award for outstanding support to Variety South Australia.
Variety On Broadway marked the eighth annual Variety themed dinner held at the Centre in which time in excess of $1.1 million net has been raised for children in need. Chairman of Variety SA and Event Chair, Peter Curtis said he & the committee were thrilled by the events success and couldn’t have achieved this result with out the outstanding support of The Adelaide Convention Centre.
Variety SA Shines at International Convention
Variety SA, Tent 75 was on May 3 awarded the Bronze Heart Award at the Variety International Convention in London behind Buffalo and Iowa both in the USA. In a competitive field this award is testimony to all our efforts and consistent performance that we were the only finalist from last year to receive an award.
Gauging from the comments we received post awards, if like the Logies and there were a peoples choice award, there is no doubt that in the minds of the global Variety family Tent 75 are considered to be leading the world and are among the best in the world.
On another positive note, Variety SA was awarded the Sunshine Coach award for the Tent with the biggest growth. Congratulations should go to Peter Cochrane, Leon Morrish and Shane Ion who have driven this over the last 18 months.
