Our History

Mission statement
Variety Tent 41 is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are disadvantaged or in need in Ireland.

History
Variety’s destiny began on the evening of December 24, 1928, when the manager of the Sheridan Square Theatre in Pittsburgh found an infant abandoned in the theatre with a note saying:

“Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her. I have eight others. My husband is out of work. She was born on Thanksgiving Day. I have always heard of the goodness of show business and I pray to God that you will look out for her.”

When all efforts by the police and local newspapers failed to locate the parents, the 11 club members decided to underwrite the infant's support and education.

The child was named Catherine Variety Sheridan. The 11 'godfathers' were proud that a distraught mother had entrusted her child to showpeople. The subsequent publicity surrounding Catherine and her benefactors attracted many other showbusiness people anxious to help. Before long Catherine had more clothes and toys than any child could possibly need.

As a result, by the time Catherine was adopted at the age of five, the club that she had effectively started was well on the way to becoming a recognised children's charity. It was not long before the Variety Club decided to raise funds for even more disadvantaged children.

The club's first fundraising event was held under a circus big top, which is why the circus vernacular is used within the club structure worldwide. The vernacular of the circus is employed in the Variety structure with the Chapters called “Tents” and the members “Barkers.”  The Board of Directors of Variety International, their Associations, and Tents, are called “Crews,” as they are relied on to “build” our Tents worldwide.  They are composed of the following elected officers:

President – “Chief Barker": 
Calls or attracts people to the Tents

Vice Presidents – “First and Second Assistant Chief Barker": 
Provide assistance in attracting members

Treasurer – “Dough Guy":
Literally the “dough” (slang) or “money” guy
  
Secretary – “Property Master":
 Is responsible for crew needs

Publicist – “Press Guy”: 
Handles all publicity and press releases

President Emeritus – “Big Boss”