Credit: Lower Gwynedd Police Department.
The Lower Gwynedd Police Department is always willing to help its residents, especially when it goes to benefit a good cause.
Such was the case at Variety, the Children's Charity of the Delaware Valley, where it hosted the 2025 Community and First Responders Day.
Numerous emergency responders and surrounding township police department participated in the event to help disadvantaged children.
Named in honor of Malcolm Rosenberg’s daughter Rachael, a former Variety camper who passed away, this program was created by Malcolm in remembrance of his daughter who enjoyed Variety’s programs over the years.
“Adaptive equipment such as this trike help children and young adults with disabilities participate in a typical childhood experience of riding a bike, not to mention the health benefits,” stated CEO Dominique Bernardo. “We are grateful to Malcolm for his generosity and recognize the impact he and this program has had over the years on many children”.
Variety’s mission is to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through social, educational and vocational programs that nurture independence and self-confidence, and prepare them for life.
Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley, originally known as the Variety Club Camp, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1935 and based in Worcester Township. It serves children and young adults, typically ages 5 to 24, with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, developmental, sensory, and rare conditions. The organization’s mission is to enrich the lives of these individuals through social, educational, and vocational programs that promote independence, self-confidence, and life readiness. Its vision is that when young people with disabilities are given choices and personalized work experiences, they can grow in both confidence and independence.
Variety offers a variety of programs on its 77-acre campus and through partner locations in the Philadelphia region. These include an Extended School Year program for students with developmental disabilities, vocational and after-school programs that provide job readiness training, and a number of camp experiences. Their camp offerings range from day and overnight camps to year-round programs like Saturday sessions and weekend retreats, all designed to foster recreation, learning, and social connection.
The organization also runs VarietyWorks, a workforce development program for individuals ages 14 to 24, which includes training in areas like farm-to-table food production and mobile café service, as well as job assessments and community employment partnerships.
Throughout the year, Variety hosts special events such as the Black Hat Bash, a fundraising gala in Philadelphia that honors key supporters, and Holiday Lane, a festive holiday light experience featuring crafts, performances, and community vendors. In 2024, they expanded their facilities with the addition of a multi-sport turf field and modern gym to support inclusive athletic programs. The charity’s origins date back to 1927 and are tied to a heartfelt moment when entertainers raised funds for an abandoned baby found in a movie theater—an act that has come to symbolize their lasting dedication to helping children in need.
Located at 2950 Potshop Road in Worcester, Variety is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It welcomes donations and community involvement to continue its inclusive programming.
For more information or to get involved, individuals can contact the organization at 610‑584‑4366 or info@varietyphila.org.
