Joost Family Raises Thousands for Variety with 10 Years of Trivia

The Joost family of Belleville has shown their generous hearts in a big way over the past 10 years, raising $87,000 for Variety. The family, whose 11-year-old daughter receives assistance from Variety, has hosted 10 annual trivia nights to benefit the charity that has played a large role in their lives.

The 10th and final Joost Trivia Night was held this past Saturday, April 16, at the St. Clair County Alternate Ed Center in Belleville. The Joosts definitely ended their fundraiser with a bang, raising a whopping $16,020 for Variety! Money comes from ticket sales, a raffle and a large silent auction, but a large portion of the funds comes from donations made by community members and businesses. Before the Trivia Night even began on Saturday, the Joosts had raised $11,000 – an announcement that brought tears to eyes throughout the room.

The Joosts' gift is an incredible one – it's a gift that will help many more children like Emily receive the assistance they need to reach their full potential. Emily was born was Aicardi Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that only affects about 300-500 children worldwide. The effects of Aicardi vary greatly among children affected. Emily has a developmental delay and uses a wheelchair to get around – and she doesn't speak, but her smile can light up the room.

Emily has received two wheelchairs, a van lift and a gait trainer from Variety. Soon, she will need more equipment – she is about to outgrow her wheelchair, and her family hopes to get her a new wheelchair that also allows her to stand. Variety will be here to help Emily with that next piece of medical equipment, as well as any additional equipment she needs until she turns 21.

To see more photos of the Joost Trivia Night, visit our Flickr page!