Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis - Teen Variety founder receives AFP Youth In Philanthropy Award 11/17/06

St. Louis, MO – November 17, 2006 – Catherine Kruse of Des Peres learned the value of philanthropy at a very early age. Today, she was recognized for her long list of volunteer activities by the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the Youth in Philanthropy Award.

At barely 18 years old, Kruse’s involvement in the volunteerism sector rivals middle-aged volunteers. She is a senior at Villa Duchesne High School in St. Louis and has spent her high school years – a time when many teenagers limit their concerns to building an educational and social foundation – developing a dedication to social service that will undoubtedly carry on throughout her life.

As a freshman in high school, Kruse volunteered at Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis’ telethon and met several children with physical and mental disabilities who are served by the organization. She was hooked, and her efforts did not stop with volunteering at events. Kruse decided to form a teen faction of Variety, gathering together other teenagers from different high schools throughout the community and spearheading events and fundraisers that have raised more than $6,000 over the past three years.

“It’s working with and for all of these strong individuals who have overcome so much adversity in their lives that I am inspired to volunteer,” Kruse said when she accepted her award at Friday’s AFP National Philanthropy Day luncheon. “I would like to thank Variety for this nomination and the amazing support they have given me since my freshman year.”

Kruse and her Teen Variety crew not only raise money for the organization, but they turn out in droves to volunteer at Variety events such as the annual Easter Parade and Egg Hunt at Forest Park, the Bucket Brigade change collection, Variety Adventure Camp and the Bikes for Kids bike build. They even donated themselves to a silent auction at the Galaxy of the Stars Movie Premiere by offering to prepare and serve dinner to the highest bidder.

Kruse has developed relationships with individual Variety children, as well, encouraging and inspiring these children and letting them know they are accepted.

Variety Executive Director Jan Albus said Kruse called her on the phone three years ago to tell her she had decided to develop this group. “I was so incredibly surprised and thrilled when she called me and told me she had organized a group of teenagers and named them Teen Variety,” Albus said.

Kruse believes the benefits she receives from her volunteer work far outweigh those she gives to others. Kruse said on Friday that as she left Variety Adventure Camp this summer, she thought to herself, “I could never give to these kids everything they have given to me.”

AFP President Amy Cole Buehler said Kruse’s nomination, completed by Variety staff members, definitely stood out. “Her capacity seems to be enormous,” Buehler said. “She obviously has an incredible future ahead of her, and that’s something we’re looking for, as well – somebody we believe will continue working for our community.”.

Kruse said it was a “huge honor” to be nominated for this award. “It means so much, because Variety has been such a huge part of my life since I was a freshman,” she said.

Formerly Variety Club, Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis serves children with physical and mental disabilities in the Greater St. Louis region, each time they need assistance, from infancy to the age of 21. Variety President Pat Mercurio is president of Bank of America Missouri, and Variety executive director is Jan Albus. Variety has received Charity Navigator’s highest four-star rating for two consecutive years, a rare feat in the nonprofit world.

Serving 1,300 families, Variety provides medical equipment, transportation, on-going development programs and a resource referral center to help children with disabilities live as independently as possible. Variety also provides financial support for 90 partner agencies whose programs benefit children with physical and mental disabilities. Serving a total of 200,000 local children, every dollar raised in St. Louis stays in the Greater St. Louis region.

Established in 1928, Variety has grown to international prominence, helping children through 52 Variety chapters in 14 countries around the world, including chapters in Canada, England, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, South and West Australia, and South Africa.

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