Above: Ernie Anastos with children at the 2009 Variety Holiday Party

On December 12, 2009 Variety of New York, Tent 35, hosted its annual Holiday Party at the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens. Children came from grantee organizations that Variety supports, as well as local hospitals and community centers serving underprivileged children.

The 2009 Holiday Party was sponsored by Whole Foods and Pax Wholesome Food who share our ethos on the importance of providing children with delicious and nutritional food. During the event the children took part in a host of fun activities. Arts and crafts, drama, music and dance were offered as well a feast of tasty healthy snacks. Activities and entertainment were sponsored by companies and organizations like The Motion Picture Club, SL Green, and On Location Tours, Inc. The children also got to experience a VIP cinema visit at a nearby movie theatre – where they enjoyed complimentary concessions and watched Planet 51.

Local news celebrity Ernie Anastos of Fox 5 WNYW attended and read from his new children's book.  The day was made possible with the help of over 70 volunteers who came from various corporations as well as the Variety of New York Board of Directors and young variety committee comprised of young New York City professionals.

At the culmination of the party each child received a new toy that had been collected during Variety's Annual Toy Drive. Variety the Children's Charity of New York holds the Annual Toy Drive in partnership with various management realty companies, corporate buildings, as well as individual residency buildings. The Annual Toy Drive and Holiday Party foster Variety's mission to improve the lives of children in the New York/Tri-State area.

Above: Children enjoying themselves at the 2009 Holiday Party