Agnes Varis - Humanitarian Causes

Humanitarian Causes

In 2004 Dr. Varis became involved with the Jazz Foundation of America. Her work with the Jazz Foundation included providing funding and creating employment opportunities for America's elderly jazz and blues musicians.

Through her work in response to Hurricane Katrina, in 2006 the Jazz Foundation of America established the Agnes Varis/Musicians in the Schools Program, first reaching out to displaced New Orleans musicians and subsequently employing more than 1,000 musicians in eight states, including some 120 elderly jazz and blues musicians performing free concerts in New York City public schools, hospitals and nursing homes. In 2009, then Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana Mitch Landrieu presented Varis with the coveted "Saint of the Century" Award at the Jazz Foundation of America's annual benefit concert, A Great Night in Harlem, at the Apollo Theater.

As managing director for the New York Metropolitan Opera's Board of Directors, Varis implemented the Rush Ticket Program funded by a $2 million contribution from her and her husband. The program enabled operagoers, senior citizens in particular, to purchase tickets at an 80 percent discount two hours prior to the show.

She was a resident of New York City and active in Democratic political campaigns. In 2004, she was the 24th largest individual contributor to 527 groups, donating more than USD $2,000,000 to pro-Democrat groups. In 2009, she started the Zeus Varis Fund through Frankie's Friends. The Zeus Varis Fund established by Dr. Varis helps NYC’s cats and dogs that are diagnosed with cancer receive treatment to help them remain comfortable and at home.

Dr. Varis made numerous contributions to Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, sponsoring graduate research fellowships as well as facilities throughout the school, among them the Agnes Varis Lecture Hall, the Agnes Varis Campus Center and Auditorium, and the Varis Cat Ward in the Foster Hospital for Small Animals. She also donated the Agnes Varis University Chair in Science and Society, dedicated to exploring scientific discovery and its impact on humankind. Varis maintained that one of her main reasons for making her name visible was to inspire other women, showing them that they, too, could achieve great success in their endeavors. In 2003, Tufts president Larry Bacow awarded her an honorary Doctorate of Public Service for her commitment to active citizenship. Varis later served as a member of the veterinary school's Board of Overseers and the university's Board of Trustees from 2004 until 2009.

Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Capitals NHL franchise and Washington Wizards NBA franchise was her cousin.