Much like the first Variety Tent in Philadelphia, Variety of Eastern Tennessee was born out of the spirit of helping children. Two children, Francine and Ryan who happen to be the children of parents within the entertainment industry, inspired the Eastern Tennessee chapter. Both children were born with special needs, but they also possess inspiring spirit and determination to overcome their disabilities.

At left, Ryan. At right, Francine.

With the help of Regal Cinemas, led by Mike Campbell (Chairman/CEO) and Greg Dunn (President/COO), Francine and Ryan’s inspiration culminated in the founding of the Eastern Tennessee chapter (Chapter 81) of Variety in 2001. The Variety organization is a longstanding charity in the entertainment industry, whose mission is to help disadvantage or disabled children.

fate plays a hand

In 2002, a third-generation entertainment executive from Denver moved to Knoxville. His wife, Dena, had been instrumental at Variety's Denver chapter following the tragedy at Columbine High School. She had assumed the reins of a local radiothon and helped raise over $800,000 for the new high school library. As a result of that experience, Dena decided to devote herself to full-time charity and fundraising work. So when the new Eastern Tennessee chapter needed an Executive Director, we had the best of the best right here, already setting up house in the neighborhood.

Since that fateful year, Chapter 81 has raised over $1,000,000.00 in direct aid to Eastern Tennessee children who are either in crisis or otherwise cry out to us in special need. We have made donations to numerous groups including Children’s Hospital, Second Harvest, Boy Scouts of the Smokies, Imagination Library, American Heart Association and individuals in need. The charity has purchased or leased vehicles for groups such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding, Children’s Hospital and Peninsula Village.

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