In Africa, nearly 2 million children are orphans due to the AIDS epidemic there. These childrens’ lives could have been drastically different had these parents had the proper health care and medicines to save their lives. In addition, alarmingly, an African child dies of Malaria every thirty seconds.
It takes so little to do so much for these children in need. Believe it or not, it takes just ten dollars to buy a mosquito net, which saves lives and can change those statistics dramatically. It is not just African who suffers, there are also many American children and families in great need as well. Take a look at Katrina-ravaged New Orleans, where thousands of families were left homeless, when their homes were left in total disrepair, after to succumbing to severe water damage. And how about the hundreds of thousands of families in this country that have no health care coverage and are in urgent need of medical attention? Or the families right here in our homeland, who live in alarming conditions in the Appalachian mountains? Many of these families are so impoverished, that to see their living conditions, you would think you were in a junkyard in a foreign country- not right here in our very own United States of America.
It is simply shocking that any human should have to live this way. The creator of the hit show American Idol agreed, and that is why he decided to take advantage of his 40 million plus viewers-i n a good way! Nigel Lythgoe felt that he owed a society, who has given him so much, so he decided that he was in a great position to give back; thus the name of his organization, “Idol Gives Back.” Whether you are a fan of American Idol or not, the efforts of the many people and dozens of celebrities who participated in the “Idol Gives Back” show last night, are simply inspiring. The goal is to raise $100 million to help those families in need in Africa, and in our very own United States. It is an amazing effort that harnesses the ability of the show to capture America’s hearts, and the power of entertainment to benefit some of the poorest most vulnerable people in the world.
Last year the organization raised nearly $76 million. This year’s event was much more ambitious. The star-studded show included such names as Robin Williams, Carrie Underwood, Brad Pitt, Bono, and Celine Dion. Donations were taken during the show, with many of the idols taking phone calls themselves, and many donations being taken online. The Gorilla was so inspired, he even made the call and donated himself. It is a great feeling to know how much help even a small amount of money can give to those who so desperately need it. As we celebrate the onset of the glorious spring season, let’s not forget about all of those who don’t have very much to celebrate in their own lives, and be grateful for what we have. If you would like to give to this wonderful foundation, you may do so at: www.americanidol.com/idolgivesb