I’m a fan of American Idol. I’m an especially big fan this week.
Wednesday marks the second year that the Fox reality show takes a break from their regular programming to do something virtually unheard of on television these days — focus on something other than making money.
Idol Gives Back is an effort to raise awareness and funds for children in need around the world. Last year the event raised $76 million. This year they’re shooting for $100 million.
Whether or not Fox brings in the millions this week that they normally make on the show, the event probably does enough for their public image to make the monetary sacrifice well worth it.
Whatever their motivation, though, it’s refreshing to see the spotlight shining on those who truly need it but rarely get it — children in poverty.
Among the recipients are organizations like the Global Fund, Malaria No More, Children’s Health Fund, Children’s Defense Fund and Make It Right, Brad Pitt’s campaign to help New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina.
There will be celebrities. There will be music. There will be tears. Millions of viewers will undoubtedly be moved to donate. Some will likely be profoundly impacted by the stories they hear and the images they see. Hopefully many hearts will be softened towards the plight of children in poverty and people will do more than just give once … they will begin to get involved.
I’m just excited that for a couple hours this week, children in poverty will have a real voice. That’s really what Compassion is all about.
What do you think? Do you agree? Will you be watching?
While Compassion might not be featured on the show, we are working just as hard to fight for children in poverty. Here are a couple specific things you might like to know about:
Malaria: A Plague of the Poor
In recognition of World Malaria Day on April 25, Compassion has produced a new radio special.
AIDS
Compassion’s AIDS Initiative is focused on Africa. Yet HIV and AIDS are also significant threats to children outside of Africa and for that reason Compassion is also conducting HIV/AIDS work in non-African countries.
5 Comments |Add a comment
Oooh I hope you’re right, Ian!
I’ll be watching!
And here’s a thought…
Studies have shown that locally owned coffee shops have actually benefited when Starbucks rolls into the same neighborhood. Starbucks has an educational influence on people and those same people, now armed with an enjoyment of coffee, tend to frequent coffee shops in general more often. I believe that we’ll see similar effects on the Compassion Sundays being hosted nationwide a mere four days after the AI event.
Knowumsayin’?
For the kids!!!
I totally agree, Amy.
I think it’s cool that they use their platform for something besides themselves.
(*ok – I confess, I watch AI, but don’t tell anyone)
I think IGB is a good cause with a good message that will surely give folks a lot to think about.
I know that I used last year’s IGB event is a leaping-off point for a deeper discussion on child poverty and how Compassion is better geared to solving the problem through it’s holistic approach to child development. Praise be to God!!