Fund Raiser Gala Slated for American Idol

Can it be that the number one reality TV show is more than a pretty face, or should we say, sound? "American Idol" the controversial Fox blockbuster, has announced that it will host a two night event to raise money for aiding poor children, not only in the United States, but in Africa and other parts of the world. The event is titled, "America Gives Back". The purpose of the gala is to, "Raise awareness of the effects of poverty on very young children in the United States and in Africa." It was announced by "American Idol's" host Ryan Seacrest several weeks ago, that the two night event would be held late in April. The "American Idol" fans were told that each vote cast over the two night period would generate money donated to benefit the charity. Sponsors and other large corporations have been encouraged to donate what it feels it can. Several large donations have already been compiled. Some of the companies that sponsor the hit talent show and the fundraiser are Coca Cola, Ford Motor Company and Cingular Wireless.

Tuesday night, April 24 and Wednesday night, April 25 are the dates slated for the star-studded, two location fund raiser. The first venue will be "The American Idol Hall" which is in the "Kodak Theater" in Los Angeles, California and the distinguished, "Disney Hall" also in Los Angeles. Some of the guests who have already made themselves available for the Gala are, Keira Knightly, Hugh Grant, Helen Botham Carter, Academy Award winner- Forest Whitaker, Rock-star-Pink, Southern California's own Gwen Stefani, Mr. Bean, Rowan Atkinson and Harry Potter star-Daniel Radcliffe. First season American Idol star, Kelly Clarkson has also expressed her desire to help.The performance list also includes some of the past 'American Idol' contestants and winners along with this years "top twelve" performers. There are more stars yet to be announced that are willing to help raise money and awareness in the critical poverty issue.

Sponsors will make donations available to "The Charity Projects Entertainment Fund." Tickets that were made available to the public for the night's festivities at "Disney Hall, were sold out in 1 minute. More tickets are expected to be made available this next week.

The mission statement for "C.PE.F." is as follows, "We want to use the power of entertainment to drive positive change and to achieve the vision of creativity for a just world free of poverty." Some of the charities that will benefit from the money raised will be the U.S. Fund For U.N.I.C.E.F., "The Global Fund to Fight AIDS and Tuberculosis", and "Malaria No More." More information about the planned events can be found at www.americanidol.com or at www.americanidolgivesback.com.

In past shows on 'Idol' viewers were shown clips of host Ryan Seacrest and sharp-tongued, judge Simon Cowell, in a completely different light. Cowell and Seacrest actually appeared to be friends and companions, unlike the barb-trading enemies who appear together each week. The two celebrities were shown in Africa visiting with poor children, while explaining what the donations would accomplish. Viewers were shown what was called a "School in a Box", where lessons could be learned using everything packed in one box. The price of the box was around $200 and contains, pencils, notebooks,rulers,inflatable world globes, workbooks and teaching materials for teachers. In parts of Africa some children have no buildings to attend school in and many classes must be held outside.

The United States also has many poverty stricken places, especially in the South-Eastern U.S. where two years ago, Hurricane Katrina literally destroyed much of New Orleans, Louisiana and other cities nearby, leaving many children homeless. In the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee there is also a great need for food, clothing, shelter and medical care for indigent children and their families.

This year you can do more when you cast your vote on "American Idol" than pick out a voice or another pretty face, you can change a life.