Join Variety Children's Charity of Southern Nevada in making a difference!

  Lee Craner began his involvement in Variety working the green room at Variety of Southern California’s annual telethon in the early 80’s. After relocating to Las Vegas in 2001 he has served as secretary, treasurer, and chairman of Variety of Southern Nevada and currently serves as the charity’s president.

Lee’s work with Variety coincides with his career in the movie theatre business, starting in 1983 at Mann Theatres in Los Angeles. After a brief stint at Universal Studios, he returned to movie exhibition at Brenden Theatres in Las Vegas, where he worked for twenty-eight years as its chief financial officer before retiring.

I am a Non-Denominational minister ordained in 1986. I was a church pastor in Las Vegas for 26 years until retiring in 2012, while also working full time for hospice throughout that period. I was the Director of Spiritual Care and Bereavement Services for Nathan Adelson Hospice for a number of years until I accepted the same position at Compassion Care Hospice with the addition of directing the Volunteer Department. In addition to officiating at countless funerals, I was also marrying couples in Steve Wynns Hotels and doing it in 6 languages.Join our team of dedicated volunteers and make a difference in your community. Whether it's serving meals, organizing events, or providing support, we need your help.

Don has been a dedicated supporter of Variety – the Children's Charity of Southern Nevada since approximately 1990. As Treasurer, he brings a wealth of financial knowledge and experience, having enjoyed a distinguished career as a Certified Public Accountant for nearly 50 years. Born in Denver, Colorado, Don moved to Las Vegas with his family in 1978 and has proudly called Southern Nevada home ever since.

Don has always considered himself fortunate in life, and when he was introduced to Variety more than three decades ago, he knew he had found the perfect opportunity to give back to the community he calls home. What began as an opportunity to make a difference has grown into a lifelong commitment to helping children with special needs live, laugh, and learn.

Now retired, Don enjoys spending time on the golf course, but his greatest pride and joy is his family. A devoted father of four and grandfather of seven, he treasures the time he spends with his children and grandchildren.

With more than 35 years of involvement, Don continues to bring his experience, dedication, and generous spirit to Variety, helping the organization make a meaningful difference in the lives of Southern Nevada's children.

  Julia Melnar is a dedicated professional with over 30 years of experience as a legal assistant, known for her attention to detail and deep understanding of legal processes. She brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to her work, combining expertise with a genuine passion for supporting clients and colleagues. Julia is recognized for her reliability, professionalism, and ability to build strong, lasting relationships. Outside of her professional life, she values community, personal growth, and staying engaged in meaningful pursuits.

  Anne Low McDonald is deeply honored to be joining the board and arrives with 18 Years of experience at the Clark County School District. Her various assignments as an educator here in Las Vegas included a semester at the Variety School campus. This proved to be a life-changing experience and for the rest of her time at CCSD, Anne worked exclusively in Special Education. With her expertise and a unique sensitivity towards the needs of the special children we serve, Anne looks forward to working with her fellow board members in providing the greatest impact possible.

Tom's bio is coming soon!

Chet Buchanan recently wrapped up a 25 year run as the host and creator of 98.5 KLUC Las Vegas’ long running and highly rated “Chet Buchanan Show.” Many know him from his work hosting and auctioneering innumerable charity, corporate, and civic events nationwide. The two-time Emmy Award winner is also highly regarded as the Public Address Announcer for the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, The Two Time WNBA World Champion Las Vegas Aces, USA Basketball, the NCAA Basketball “Sweet 16 and Elite 8,” The “Voice of NASCAR” for Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Events and Gameday Host for the Las Vegas Bowl, and for serving almost two decades as UNLV Basketball and Football Gameday Host. He may be best known for his annual Toy Drive where he lived and broadcast on radio, television and online on top of a 30-foot scaffold for 12 days straight every holiday season, for a total of 300 days of his life! The 2025 Toy Drive amassed astounding totals yet again as another record setting 40 53-foot semi-trailers were filled, 6792 bicycles were collected, along with an incredible $792,430 in cash and gift card donations, bringing the 27-year total of toys, bikes, and gift cards and cash collected to an estimated value of over 60 million dollars. The City of Las Vegas has twice declared a “Chet Buchanan Day.” He has also received numerous State of Nevada and Clark County commendations and recognitions, been named “Best of The City” by Vegas Seven, “Best of Las Vegas” by the Review-Journal, and received the Silver State Humanitarian Award.

 Jan's bio is coming soon!