Skip to content
65 Sweet Years of Helping Kids
The 2027 Variety Kids Telethon
For 65 remarkable years, generous friends like you have helped Variety, the Children’s Charity of Buffalo & Western New York, bring hope, support, and life-changing opportunities to children and families throughout our community.
Join us as we celebrate “65 Sweet Years of Helping Kids” at the 65th Annual Variety Kids Telethon!
Watch live:
- Saturday, March 6, 2027: 6pm–11pm on WGRZ, Channel 2
- Sunday, March 7, 2027: 10am–8pm on WBBZ, Channel 5
- The Telethon will also stream online.
Thanks to your generosity, Variety has raised more than $45 million to support the Variety Tent #7 Robert Warner, M.D. Rehabilitation Center at Golisano Children’s Hospital and many other deserving children’s organizations across Western New York.
Every dollar raised stays right here in Buffalo and Western New York, supporting local children and the programs and services they depend on. This important work would not be possible without you.
For The 65th Annual Variety Kids Telethon, we are proud to have:
- Autumn Kisiel, as the Celebrity Child
- Paula Huber, as Celebrity Chair
- Susan Grelick, as Telethon Chair
- Denise Abbott, as Telethon Co-Chair
Celebrity Child: Autumn Kisiel
A bright smile, a joyful spirit, and a love for life’s simple pleasures—meet Autumn Kisiel, the 2027 Variety Kids Telethon Celebrity Child!
As we celebrate “65 Sweet Years of Helping Kids,” we are honored to introduce this adorable little girl and share her family’s journey.
During Rachel’s pregnancy, the Kisiel family was living in Japan, where Autumn’s father, Tom, a Senior Chief in the United States Navy, was stationed. At 20 weeks pregnant, Autumn’s mother, Rachel, began experiencing complications, and Autumn was trying to make an early debut into the world.
The military doctors and Japanese doctors agreed it would be best for Rachel to return to the States so she and Autumn could receive the appropriate medical care and support.
Autumn Jane Kisiel was born at 34 weeks on June 11, 2021, despite earlier predictions that she would arrive by 24 weeks. She was born at Mercy Hospital, weighing 6 pounds, 1 ounce.
In October 2021, Autumn stayed overnight in the hospital to be monitored for possible seizures and was subsequently diagnosed with GERD. That December, Autumn began experiencing digestive issues. A pediatric gastroenterologist determined that she had a milk allergy and would need a specific prescription formula.
In early summer 2022, the family noticed that Autumn wasn’t responding when her name was called or reacting to loud noises as other children did. A hearing test with a pediatric ENT indicated hearing loss. After the family moved to California later that summer, another ENT evaluation produced different results. The family was then referred to a child psychologist to explore the possibility of autism.
Autumn was officially diagnosed with autism and a speech delay that fall. Although she is nonverbal, Autumn expresses herself in so many other ways.
Autumn is currently in kindergarten and lives with her mom, Rachel; dad, Tom; brother, Travis; and sister, Lucy. She loves Play-Doh, swimming, riding her quad, and orange popsicles. She also enjoys playing Roblox and jumping on the trampoline with her big sister, Lucy. Autumn is the biggest sweetheart, and her joy radiates to those around her.
Variety is honored to welcome Autumn and her loving family to the 65th Annual Variety Kids Telethon!
The 2027 Telethon will air Saturday, March 6, from 6–11 p.m. on WGRZ, Channel 2, and Sunday, March 7, from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. on WBBZ, Channel 5, with online streaming also available.
We hope you’ll tune in and join us in helping kids right here in Buffalo and Western New York!
Honorary Chair: Paula Huber
Paula Huber is the founder and CEO of Paula’s Donuts, a beloved, family-owned Western New York business that has been bringing people together over fresh-made donuts since 1996. What began as one small shop has grown into four locations, becoming a Buffalo staple known for its generous portions, creative flavors, and commitment to quality.
Paula’s journey as an entrepreneur is a testament to hard work, determination, and believing in yourself. As a woman building a business in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she faced challenges along the way but remained committed to doing things her way. Today, she continues to lead a family-run business alongside her daughters, with a strong emphasis on treating employees with respect and making customers feel like part of the Paula’s Donuts family.
Beyond the business, Paula is deeply committed to giving back to the community that has supported her success. Through creative fundraising initiatives, charitable partnerships, and support for local organizations, Paula’s Donuts has helped raise significant funds for causes close to home. One notable effort raised more than $60,000 for Hospice Buffalo through the sale of its cannoli-filled donuts. Her commitment to community involvement has continued throughout the years, supporting organizations that serve children, families, and individuals facing difficult circumstances.
Paula has been recognized by Buffalo Business First as one of Western New York’s influential women through its annual Power 200 Women list, reflecting her accomplishments as a business leader and her impact on the local community.
For Paula, success has never been just about building a business. It is about family, hard work, and using what she has built to make a difference in the community she calls home. She is honored to support Variety Club of Buffalo & Western New York and its mission to improve the lives of children throughout our region.
Telethon Chair: Susan Grelick
Susan Grelick is honored to serve as Chair of the 2027 Variety Club Telethon, celebrating “65 Sweet Years of Helping Kids.” A member of Variety Club Women since 1992 and Telethon Co-Chair in 2026, Susan brings heartfelt enthusiasm and a longstanding commitment to improving the lives of children and families across Western New York.
A trailblazer in public service, Susan made history as the first woman elected Amherst Town Clerk (1992–1996) and the first woman elected Town of Amherst Supervisor (1997–2005). An attorney with an MBA, she also served as Counsel and Legislative Director to New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and taught at the University at Buffalo School of Law.
Her tenure as Supervisor was marked by lasting investments in community life, including the creation of Amherst’s first state park, construction of the Northtown Center ice complex and Amherst Senior Center, and establishment of Memorial Hill Grove to honor the victims of September 11. Under her leadership, Amherst earned national recognition as one of America’s safest and best places to live.
Susan’s dedication to service continues through her leadership in Western New York’s civic, cultural and philanthropic communities. She serves as President of the Board of MusicalFare Theatre, Vice-Chair of the Chautauqua Women’s Club and Immediate Past President of the Twentieth Century Club of Buffalo. She is also Trustee Emeritus of Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, where a gallery and legacy society bear her name. In recognition of her generosity and leadership, Susan received the 2025 Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies Leadership Endowment Award and the 2024 Theodore Roosevelt Exemplary Citizen Award. These honors reflect a lifetime devoted to preserving community treasures, expanding opportunities and inspiring others to give back.
As Chair of the Telethon’s milestone 65th anniversary, Susan is proud to help carry forward a cherished Western New York tradition. Together with volunteers, donors, sponsors and community partners, she looks forward to honoring Variety’s extraordinary legacy while building a brighter future for the children who remain at the heart of its mission.
Telethon Co- Chair: Denise Abbott
Denise Abbott is the first female President of the WNY Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, representing 145,000 union members across six counties of Western New York.
She also serves as Health and Safety Director for Communications Workers of America, Local 1168, and has worked as an emergency department registered nurse at DeGraff Medical Park, Kaleida Health, for more than 20 years.
Denise is President of the Western New York CWA Council and serves on the boards of several organizations, including the ECIDA, the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and the United Way of Greater Niagara.
She also serves on several labor committees, including Workers Compensation Reform and the AFL-CIO Women’s Committee.
Here is a little history about the Telethon:
The Variety Kids Telethon, now in its 65th year, is the nation’s longest-running, locally-produced telethon – and its home is right here in WNY! It all started back in 1962 when Dr. Robert Warner asked Variety to help him fulfill his dream of a rehabilitation center for children with special needs. The first Annual Variety Kids Telethon raised over $80,000, and the Robert Warner Rehabilitation Center for Children with Special Needs became a reality at Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.
Since then, the Telethon has been a WNY treasure, all thanks to the tens of thousands of Western New Yorkers who tune in and pledge their support every year. The Telethon funds dozens of local children’s nonprofits, in addition to the Hospital, and every penny stays right here in WNY. It’s because of this we say “Variety is WNY.” We couldn’t do it without you. Thank you, WNY!
