Special women...special child...special moment

Variety’s past Women of the Year had the opportunity on Tuesday to meet a child whose life they have personally helped change. The women comprise the Dinner With the Stars Steering Committee, and today marked their annual luncheon, hosted by Dinner Chairman Marilyn Fox. After enjoying lunch and discussing gala details, the women went outside to meet McKenzie who received a van lift from Variety this year – a lift paid for by Steering Committee members.

McKenzie’s mom, Monteria, and grandma, Emily, were also on hand to thank the women. Monteria explained how the lift has changed their world – both for her 13-year-old daughter and for the rest of the family. “We used to have to leave her power wheelchair at school – we had no way to get it home,” Monteria said.

Now, McKenzie can take her power wheelchair everywhere, so during family outings to the mall or the park, the teen has the freedom to be independent – previously, she relied on someone else to push her in a manual wheelchair.

“It’s just amazing that there are people like you out there who will open your hearts to help people – and people you don’t even know,” Monteria, nearly in tears, told the women. “I don’t like to ask for help, but we are so blessed that you and Variety are here when we need you.”