Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa has raised more than $6.5 million through the 50th telethon. The Variety Telethon, which raises funds that support children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill or living with special needs, aired a one-hour spotlight program on March 2 on We Are Iowa – Local 5 ABC. The program highlighted 50 years of impact, recognized some of the key people who helped the organization along the way, and highlighted how Variety is at work in the community today. This year was the first time the charity raised more than $6 million. “This is an unprecedented fundraising total for Variety,” said Sheri McMichael, executive director of Variety – the Children’s Charity, in a prepared statement. “We wouldn’t be here without the thousands of people who have supported Variety over the years – from answering phones, providing transportation to the cast, calculating numbers, hosting the hospitality room and reaching out to their networks to solicit donations.”