Date: Friday, December 5, 2025
Location: Peaceable Kingdom by Variety
Hosted by: Variety of Texas
Address:
19051 FM 2484
Killeen, TX 76542
Overview:
Join us in celebrating 40 years of impact at Peaceable Kingdom by Variety! This community event honors four decades of partnership and impact with children with disabilities and complex medical needs in Texas. The event is appropriate for Texas children, families, and supporters with and without disabilities, and alcoholic beverages will be served after 6 pm. We will be open to the public from 11 am – 9 pm on Friday, December 5th, 2025.
Schedule:
Doors Open: 11:00 a.m.
Lunch at the Lodge: 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Dinner at the Lodge: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Campfire Celebration: 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Theater in the Woods (Looping Slideshow): 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Event Ends: 9:00 p.m.
Overnight Guests:
Eligibility: Former staff and special guests (by request and donation)
Current Staff: The Banowsky Bunkhouse is reserved for current staff plus 1 guest each
Capacity: Up to 90 guests
Suggested Donation: Pay-what-you-wish to cover cleaning fees
Requirements: Bring your own linens and pillows; sign an insurance waiver
Checkout: 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6 (breakfast on your own)
Cost:
Free and open to the community for daytime events
Suggested donation for overnight guests: $100 per person (pay what you wish)
Special Features:
A tree display with 900 ornaments representing the 3,000 Texas children and families currently seeking assistance from our Heart of Variety grant program.
A “One Last Zipline” tradition for former staff (by request, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.), also open to community members, based on availability and first-come, first-served for a donation.
Adaptive harnesses and staff assistance are available upon request. Suggested donation is $35 per person (pay what you wish; free for former staff members).
Volunteer Opportunities:
December 1–4: Lodge and tree decorating
December 5–6: Setup, food service, TABC Bartenders, campfire, theater, first aid, parking, and cleanup. Accessible and from-home volunteer opportunities are available.
From Home: Create ornaments using a provided template (drop off by December 4)
In-Kind Donations:
Seeking commitment by Thursday, November 20th: Lunch catering on Friday 12/5 from 12:30 – 2:30 pm (estimated ~50-100 people w/final #s to be confirmed by 12/1)
Seeking commitment by Thursday, November 20th: Dinner catering on Friday 12/5 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm (estimated ~75-150 people w/final #s to be confirmed by 12/1)
Seeking commitment by Thursday, November 20th: S’mores, apple cider, hot chocolate and vegetarian, gluten-free, and sugar-free campfire treat and beverage option donations for (estimated ~150-200 people for around the campfire from 7:00 - 10:00 pm)
Seeking commitment by Thursday, November 20th: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for ~300 people
Nice to haves: Holiday party favors, swag, treats, toy giveaways for attendees who arechildren (estimated ~75-125 with final numbers to be confirmed by 12/1)
Please RSVP by Monday, December 1st to celebrate four decades of Peaceable Kingdom’s legacy of joy, inclusion, and impact for children and families across Texas. Peaceable Kingdom by Variety is designed with accessibility in mind. Accessible parking is available at both the Lodge and the Theater in the Woods. Please note that there is a hill between the parking field and the Lodge, and from the Lodge to the Theater. If you would like any accommodations or assistance to participate comfortably, please let us know when you RSVP.
Alcohol will be served after 6 p.m. Guests who may need personal or mobility assistance are welcome to attend with a community attendant, family member, or support person.
About Variety – the Children’s Charity of Texas
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Texas is a 90-year-old nonprofit organization that partners with children with disabilities and their families to expand access, inclusion, and opportunities across the state. We support children with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities year-round by strengthening the resources and environments that help them thrive. Our mission is to provide equipment, services, and experiences that enhance autonomy, belonging, and joyful participation in all areas of life.
Since 1936, Variety of Texas has connected families with thousands of pieces of essential equipment— such as electric wheelchairs, adaptive bikes, communication devices, and mobility aids—that increase access and support each child’s preferred ways of moving, communicating, and engaging. Over the last 20 years, we have invested more than $3.5 million in medical and therapeutic resources for families who encounter gaps in traditional coverage. Our programs foster inclusive environments that honor each child’s strengths and support meaningful participation, confidence, and joy.
For more information, please visit www.varietytexas.org.