Variety Australia celebrated an incredible 50 years of operation at Government House, NSW on Wednesday 9 April. In a special event for 120 guests, studded with the charity’s original much-loved founders, patrons and fundraisers, Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales, presided over the special celebration.
Variety – the Children’s Charity International Chief Executive Officer, Caylan Santos said the 50th marked an important milestone for the children’s charity, made possible by the passion, generosity, and heart of the variety community:
“It was my pleasure to mark a second milestone at the 50th event: the introduction of a very special recognition – the International Heart of Variety Award. This award celebrates someone whose journey represents the very spirit of Variety – resilience, hope, and the power of possibility.
“Our very first recipient is someone many of you already know and love – Katie O’Donnell, Executive Manager, Variety Western Australia.
“Katie’s story began with challenges a child should never have to face. At just eight years old, she was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, but Katie did not let that diagnosis define her. As a teenager, she crossed paths with Variety – Western Australia, and that connection has grown into a lifelong relationship of impact and inspiration.
“From Variety grant recipient to choir member, and then as an employee, Katie’s service to Variety spans 22 years. Katie is a colleague, a friend, and a living reminder of the long-term difference Variety can make in a child’s life.
“So tonight, it’s my honour to invite Her Excellency to present Katie with the first-ever International Heart of Variety Award to a true icon of our movement! She said.”
Katie, was humbled by the award and thanked Variety for every opportunity she was given from an early age: “I’m genuinely speechless to receive such an honour from Variety International.
“I’m so grateful to have received the support and opportunities that I have and I feel blessed to be doing work that I love, alongside our wonderful community.” She said.
Variety WA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Chatterton said Variety WA is extraordinarily proud of Katie and the work that she does: “We are so thrilled that Katie has received such a prestigious recognition from Variety International, it is truly well deserved.
Katie has long been the heart of Variety in WA and we couldn’t be more excited for her.”
