Variety Champions of Hearts
Variety Champions of Hearts will be a magical and moving evening in support of Variety Core Programs serving children with unique and special needs, those who are under-resourced or living with illness or challenge.
Our special guest, the legendary Coach Tom Izzo, will join us for an incredible and inspiring evening as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Variety Myoelectric Center which provides state-of-the-art, life-like, electronic prosthetic limbs to children with upper limb differences.
Coach Tom Izzo is one of the most respected leaders in college basketball and a Hall of Fame head coach at Michigan State University. Since taking over the Spartans in 1995, he has led the program to a national championship, multiple Final Four appearances, and consistent Big Ten success, earning a reputation for excellence, integrity, and player development. Beyond the court, Coach Izzo is widely admired for his commitment to philanthropy, education, and community service, making him a powerful advocate and inspiring presence.
Special thank you to Presenting Sponsors Connie and Bob Skandalaris, Lincoln of Troy and Mission Ford, and the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group
Thursday, September 24, 2026
Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, 7096 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren, MI
6:00 pm - Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres & VIP Meet-and-Greet
7:00 pm – Dinner & Program
Special Guest: Tom Izzo, Michigan State University Men’s Basketball Coach
Emcee: Glenda Lewis, WXYZ News Broadcast Journalist, Anchor & Reporter
Event Chairs: Justin Near and Rosalie Vicari
Honorary Chairs: Connie and Bob Skandalaris
Attire: Cocktail
Heart of Variety Club Ticket - $500 per guest (includes ticket and recognition)
Friend Ticket - $350 per guest (Tables of 10)
Sponsorship opportunities include VIP/preferred seating and additional recognition. Reservations required.
For more information or to pledge your support, call 248-258-5511 or email Michelle@VarietyDetroit.com
Proceeds to benefit Variety Core Programs serving 20,000 children with unique and special needs across Southeastern Michigan.
Sponsorship Opportunities
As a Presenting Sponsor ($50,000), you will receive:
Logo and/or Name inclusion*:
• Presenting Sponsor recognition on event invitation
• Presenting Sponsor recognition via signage/screens and program
• Presenting Sponsor recognition during special presentation
• Presenting Sponsor recognition via website, social media, and press/print materials
• Up to twenty (20) tickets to the event (two tables of ten with VIP Placement)
• Exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity with Coach Tom Izzo
• Additional customized opportunities may be available upon request
As a Diamond Sponsor ($25,000), you will receive:
Logo and/or Name inclusion*:
• Diamond Sponsor recognition on event invitation
• Diamond Sponsor recognition via signage/screens and program
• Diamond Sponsor recognition during special presentation
• Diamond Sponsor recognition via website, social media, and press/print materials
• Up to twenty (20) tickets to the event (two tables of ten with VIP Placement)
As a Gold Sponsor ($10,000), you will receive:
Logo and/or Name inclusion*:
• Gold Sponsor recognition on event invitation
• Gold Sponsor recognition via signage/screens and program
• Gold Sponsor recognition via website, social media, and press/print materials
• Up to ten (10) tickets to the event (one table of ten with preferred placement)
As a Silver Sponsor ($5,000), you will receive:
Logo and/or Name inclusion*:
• Silver Sponsor recognition on event invitation
• Silver Sponsor recognition via signage/screens and program
• Silver Sponsor recognition via website, social media, and press/print materials
• Four (4) tickets to the event
As a Bronze Sponsor ($2,500), you will receive:
Logo and/or Name inclusion*:
• Bronze Sponsor recognition on event invitation
• Bronze Sponsor recognition via signage/screens and program
• Bronze Sponsor recognition via website, social media, and press/print materials
• Two (2) tickets to the event
As a Heart of Variety Club member ($1,000), you will receive:
• Name recognition on invitation and screens/signage at event*
• Two (2) tickets to the event
*in accordance with press deadlines
For questions, please contact Michelle Murphy, Executive Director:
248-258-5511