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

We are a charitable organization committed to improving the lives of those in need. With your help, we can make a meaningful impact in our community and beyond. Explore our website to learn more about our mission and the ways you can get involved today!

Volunteer Now

OUR History

Empowering 20,000+ Children in Southern Nevada

Since 1950, Variety of Southern Nevada has nurtured over 20,000 children, raising $7M to support their well-being and growth through grants and specialized programs. Join us in making a difference.

Meet Our Board

President: Lee Craner

Vice President: Coming Soon!

Vice President: Coming Soon!

  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.

Vice President: Coming Soon!

Vice President: Coming Soon!

Vice President: Coming Soon!

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.

Treasurer: Don Pitchford

Vice President: Coming Soon!

Treasurer: Don Pitchford

Bio Coming Soon!

Secretary: Julia Melnar

Treasurer: Don Pitchford

  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.

Development Director: Coming Soon!

Chairman of the Board: Coming Soon!

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.

Chairman of the Board: Coming Soon!

Chairman of the Board: Coming Soon!

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.

Board Member: Anne McDonald

Board Member: Anne McDonald

  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.

Board Member: Judy Andrews

Board Member: Anne McDonald

  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.

Board Member:

Board Member:

Bio Coming Soon!

Board Member:

Board Member:

Board Member:

Bio Coming Soon!

Board and Advisors

Officers:

President - Lee Craner

Vice President - Coming Soon

Development Director - Coming Soon

Chairman of The Board - Coming Soon

Treasurer - Don Pitchford

Secretary - Julia Melnar


Board:

Lauri Thompson 

Jan Bellinghausen 

Chet Buchanan 

Anne McDonald

Judy Andrews


J. Chad Plaire, M.D. 

Toyya Glass

Ginger Land-Van Buren

Fielding West

Bernard Preston

Tommy Urbanski

Tanesa Whiting 

Son Le


Diana Prior

Ben Goffstein* 

Jacob Kozloff* 

Ernest W. Cragin*  

Fred Soly* 

Robert Cannon* 

Harry Farnow* 

Norman Keller* 

M. B. Dalitz* 

Joe Wells* 

Alvin Benedict 

Harley E. Harmon* 

Jack Doyle* 

Sammy Cohen* 

Dick Schofield* 

Bob Maheu* 

Jackie Gaughan 

Ed Nigro 

Bill Weinberger 

Gil Cohen 

Cecil Simmons* 

Marjorie Barrick* 

Ray Norvell 

Clair Haycock 

Allen Vogel 

Jim Corey* 

Sue Lowden 

Richard H. Taggart 

John Haycock 

Gary Rosenberg 

Susan K. Sullivan 

Donald D. Pitchford 

Lee Craner 

Lauri Thompson 

Kari Ayers 

Jan Bellinghausen 

Denna Atkinson 

Ginger Land-Van Burren

* Deceased 


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