Each year Variety looks forward to working with Regal Entertainment Group on what the Knoxville News Sentinel has described as “becoming Knoxville’s biggest annual star-studded charity event”.

On July 20, 2006 Will Ferrell revved up fans with a special appearance at Variety’s “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” benefit screening. As he stood on stage in the packed lobby of Regal’s Pinnacle Stadium 18, a fraternity of fans cheered on and chanted. Ferrell gladly played along joking he was going to only take half of the quarter million dollars raised that evening to benefit Variety.

From left, Seann William Scott, Johnny Knoxville, Jessica Simpson and Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam at the Dukes of Hazzard special event.

On July 29, 2005, Regal Entertainment Group and Variety of Eastern Tennessee hosted Dukes of Hazzard, with special appearances by Jessica Simpson, Seann William Scott and hometown boy, Johnny Knoxville. The red carpet hoedown drew over 1,000 ticket holders and hundreds more onlookers. By the time Johnny Knoxville made it to the microphone to speak to the hundreds of fans – including many family members and old friends – he was visibly moved. Local NBC anchor and Variety board member Ted Hall served as master of ceremonies. Mayor Bill Haslam welcomed Knoxville, Scott and Simpson to the city.

Variety has also raised funds with a “Radio” pre-release screening and a “Walking Tall” benefit with Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson making special appearances respectively.

Above, Pro and PGA Champion John Daly plays to the crowd.

As well as the annual movie benefit, Variety of Eastern Tennessee raises significant funds with golf tournaments and radiothons.  The Inaugural 2004 golf tournament at Gettysvue Country Club raised an overwhelming $80,000.00 net.  Each tournament offers a full round of golf, terrific prizes, lunch and dinner. Variety’s third annual tournament included a special treat: a gorgeous fall day with featured pro and PGA tour champion, John Daly, followed by a night with John Daly and Legendary Friends in concert at the Historic Tennessee Theatre.
 
Variety’s radiothon partnership with WIVK and WNOX has raised over $100,000.00 each year for the charity’s “Kids on the Go” program.

Recently, Variety of Eastern Tennessee introduced Young Variety, a group of 21 - 40 year old professionals who help raise funds for the charity, to the community.  Already this dynamic group has co-partnered with other non-profit and media agencies to produce a Haunted House, Bristol at Regal and Daytona at Regal, a digitally downloaded opportunity to see a NASCAR race on Regal Cinemas’ giant screen at the Pinnacle 18.   

In 2006 Variety donated over $300,000.00 to local children’s agencies. We continued to be the largest contributor to Knoxville’s Imagination Library, Second Harvest’s Food for Kids program, Tennessee School for the Deaf’s after school sports program and The News Sentinel’s Empty Stocking Fund. We again underwrote Katerpillar Kids, a weekend camp for children who have lost a significant loved one in the past year. In total twenty-two agencies were given grants, some twice during the year.

Since receiving our charter in 2002, Variety of Eastern Tennessee has donated over $1,000,000.00 to East Tennessee children’s charities. The continued success of our movie benefits and Variety at Work programs has established Variety as an integral part of our community. Our hope is to continue to award these gifts to the community and remain dedicated to enhancing the lives of children.

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