Community
Imo's for Kids Day on Sept. 18
Imo’s Pizza partners with Variety the Children’s Charity of St. Louis in September to Help Local Kids with Special Needs.
Imo’s Pizza is proud to announce its continued partnership with Variety the Children’s Charity of Saint Louis, an organization dedicated to empowering local kids and teens with special needs.
This year’s Imo’s for Kids Day will take place on Wednesday, September 18, with more than 90 Imo’s Pizza locations participating. On this day, Imo’s will donate 10% of all in-store and online purchases to Variety St. Louis, supporting life-changing programs for more than 1,400 local families.
A Legacy of Support
“Variety St. Louis holds a special place in our hearts, and we are honored to support their mission of providing children with the tools they need to overcome challenges and embrace their full potential,” shares Imo’s Pizza Founder, Margie Imo. “We salute their 90 years of service to the children and families of the St. Louis region.” This enduring partnership between Variety St. Louis and the Imo’s family spans more than two decades and has resulted in more than $2 million in support.
“Variety St. Louis holds a special place in our hearts, and we are honored to support their mission of providing children with the tools they need to overcome challenges and embrace their full potential.”
Variety Lunch at Imo’s on Hampton, 1998.
Addressing Critical Needs
Families of children with special needs face enormous financial challenges as they strive to provide for their child’s basic needs and independence. Imo’s support is crucial, especially now as requests for Variety’s programs have surged, creating significant waitlists for essential tools such as medical equipment, communication devices, therapies, and recreational opportunities.
“Variety Families count on Imo’s and the community so their children with special needs can have continued access to Variety’s medical equipment, therapy, recreation, and performing arts programs,” explains Brian Roy, Executive Director of Variety the Children’s Charity.
Meet Sarah: A Variety Success Story
For 90 years, Variety St. Louis has been empowering kids with the tools to improve skills, confidence, and independence throughout childhood in preparation for a successful transition into adulthood. No one embodies that spirit more than Variety Alum Sarah Schwegel, an Occupational Therapist Doctorate candidate, fierce advocate of disability rights, and a testament to Variety’s extraordinary history.
Sarah was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy as a baby, but that did not stop her from fearlessly taking on challenges. Variety provided Sarah with numerous types of equipment to navigate daily life. Nearly thirty years later, Sarah lives independently in her own home, thanks in part to the equipment she received from Variety – notably, her power wheelchair.
“I knew if insurance denied a wheelchair, Variety could help me and make sure I could always get around 100% independently. I cannot fathom what my life would be like if I had to use a manual chair because I couldn’t afford a power wheelchair,” expresses Sarah.
Meet Jian Jian: Overcoming Barriers with Variety’s Support
Variety has removed barriers that prevent kids and teens from pursuing their passions and shaping their futures. Eighteen-year-old Jian Jian is a testament to the power of Variety when paired with unwavering determination. With Variety’s help, Jian Jian is now armed with the tools to be an athlete and a licensed driver.
Born with spina bifida, which affects lower body function, Jian Jian lives with a paralyzed foot and limited feeling in the other. From an early age, Jian Jian refused to rely on a wheelchair but required support to walk independently. Variety provided multiple ankle foot orthotics to improve his mobility, allowing him to play sports with friends. Additionally, Variety provided Jian Jian with a custom-fit sports wheelchair, enabling him to elevate his newfound commitment to wheelchair sports. “Variety has really impacted me by giving me the tools to do the things I always loved to do,” reflects Jian Jian.
“Variety has really impacted me by giving me the tools to do the things I always loved to do,” reflects Jian Jian.
“He had a lot of surgeries, and we had to remake his braces several times. We knew we needed help, and Variety was always there. It was life-changing for him,” shares his mom, Lisa. “Recently, Variety paid for driving lessons with hand controls, then paid for his car to be adapted! He’s totally independent! He works, drives himself to school, and that’s in big part because Variety was able to help us,” notes Lisa.
With Variety’s assistance and a drive to achieve independence, Jian Jian continues to defy expectations and inspire others to embrace life’s challenges with courage and optimism.
Making a Difference in the Community
Leveraging considerable reach and influence as a St. Louis institution, Imo’s Pizza continues to make a significant difference in the community, particularly for Variety Kids. This successful partnership is celebrated with great pride and gratitude by Variety families. Thanks to the generosity and support of Imo’s fans, children with special needs in the St. Louis region have access to vital equipment and therapy, transforming their lives forever.
Show Your Support
On September 18, make a purchase at any Imo’s Pizza location or online to support this wonderful cause. Your contribution will help provide essential resources to children with special needs, ensuring they have the opportunities and tools necessary to thrive.
Let’s come together to support Imo’s for Kids Day and make a lasting impact on the lives of these amazing children and their families.
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