Donation Tops Off Entertainment Extravaganza

As one of the recipient charities of the New Zealand Variety Show on November 12th, Variety – The Children’s Charity would like to acknowledge an amazing bonus following what was the entertainment event of the year.

Kiwi businessman Owen Glenn topped off an evening of world-class entertainment with the announcement he was donating $200,000 to Variety to help it assist sick, disabled and disadvantaged Kiwi kids to reach their full potential.

“We were absolutely thrilled and humbled by Mr Glenn’s generous donation, which is one of the largest in our 21 year history – his support made the New Zealand Variety show possible and we are delighted that he has chosen to provide Variety with additional support,” said Lorraine Taylor, CEO of Variety – The Children’s Charity.

“Variety ‘fills the gaps’ that other organisations can’t or won’t fill and is often a last hope for child-related organisations, and Kiwi kids and their families – with this donation, even more New Zealand children will reach their full potential,” she continued.

Mr Glenn says he felt very proud to be a New Zealander on Friday night.

“It was such a great night with so many fantastic performers who all donated their time and talents for the two charities. Like Variety – The Children’s Charity, my family foundation also has a strong focus on children. It’s just amazing to hear what Variety is achieving and I know how important the funding is for them. I have the means and was just so thrilled to be able to make the additional donation on the night. It seemed a fitting end to a fantastic night.”

The star-studded show featured performances from international stars such as Bonnie Tyler (in her first New Zealand trip), Leo Sayer, John Paul Young (Love is in the Air), and Jay Weston.

Local artists who took part included Frankie Stevens, The Ladykillers, Shane Cortese, Tina Cross, Che Fu, Candy Lane and her Dancers, stars from Dancing with the Stars, Tim Beveridge, Elizabeth Marvelly, the All New Howard Morrison Trio, Jessie Gurunathan, 4DG Gray Bartlett, Mark Dennison and a 20 piece Orchestra with a host of TVNZ personalities also taking part.

The dream of The New Zealand Variety Show came from well known TV producer Nigel Godfrey, and a chance meeting with Owen Glenn in June saw this dream turn into reality.

Variety was one of two recipient charities for funds raised from the event - the other one being the Glenn Family Foundation which supports many charitable projects in both New Zealand and overseas.

ENDS

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