A black tie isn’t optional–it’s provided at Young Variety Des Moines‘ first Bow Tie Ball Oct. 4, 7-10 p.m., at Glen Oaks Country Club. Attendees will receive a limited-edition 2013 Variety bow tie. Tickets are $75 per person, $125 per couple or $150 for a VIP couple, which includes two ties. Find details and purchase a ticket online. Mr. B is offering a crash course in tying a bow tie at a Bow Tie Pickup Party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1 at the store, 1995 N.W. 86th St. in Clive.
In other Variety news: Variety – The Children’s Charity of Iowa is developing the Ashley Okland Star Playground at Ewing Park to memorialize Okland, a past board member who was killed in April 2011. Variety is seeking both financial contributions as well as in-kind gifts to complete the project. The Downtown Kiwanis Club and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield have already confirmed their support for the all-inclusive playground, which will cater to special–needs children by featuring adapted equipment. Anyone interested in contributing can visit varietyiowa.com, email ashleyoklandstarplayground@gmail.com or call Variety – The Children’s Charity at 243-4660.
