Look To The Stars News: Malaria No More

British Celebrity Show Benefits Malaria No More

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Malaria No More has revealed that it will be the sole benefactor of the current season of “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here” screening on the UK’s ITV.

The show features a group of celebrities as they try to survive living in the Australian jungle, and the new season includes famous faces such as former model and singer Samantha Fox and Dynasty star George Hamilton. Ex-EastEnder Lucy Benjamin and snooker ace Jimmy White are also taking part in the show.

Malaria No More will benefit from every phone vote made by members of the public as they choose their favorite celebrities on the show. And it is an initiative that is backed by the show’s contestants.

“I’ve travelled a lot and seen malaria first hand, like when I was in Kenya,” said Sam Fox. “I’ve had friends who suffered really badly from malaria and it’s so important that Brits educate themselves before they go away on holiday. I always make sure I take my malaria pills and use a spray, but not everyone does. I hope and pray we can save lives by supporting Malaria No More UK.”

15p from every 50p phone vote on the show will go towards buying mosquito nets. It costs £5 to deliver a net to an African family and each net can last for up to five years.

“It’s tremendous news that ITV’s ’I’m a Celebrity…’ is joining the fight against malaria,” said Richard Curtis, co-founder of Comic Relief. “It’s a huge issue – 800, 000 people still dying every year because of the bite of a mosquito – but it’s an issue where every individual can really believe in the difference they are making – it costs just £5 to buy a net that can protect a whole family. The battle against malaria can be won, and the more money and publicity the cause gets, the sooner it will be won.”

“The series has always raised money for good causes but never for a single charity,” added Peter Fincham, ITV director of television. “This is a unique collaboration, and I hope that the funds raised will help Malaria No More UK towards their goal, which is to end malaria deaths by 2015.”

Idol Gives Back Is Back!

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

After a one year hiatus, Idol Gives Back is set to rock for charity once again.

The American Idol special will air April 21, 2010, and will benefit national and international charities including Malaria No More, Save the Children and the United Nations Foundation.

“I am very pleased to announce that we will be doing our third Idol Gives Back on April 21, 2010,” said Simon Fuller, Idol creator and CEO of 19 Entertainment. “This is our opportunity to reach out and support the people of America and around the world who need our compassion and generosity to improve or even save their lives. America will undoubtedly prove once again what a remarkable and generous nation it is. For American Idol to be able to facilitate this kind of initiative makes me very proud.”

“Idol Gives Back” has raised over $140 million since its inception in 2007. The event regularly attracts appearances by major stars such as Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon and many others – including 2009 Nobel Peace Prize winner Barack Obama. The show last aired in 2008.

Victoria Beckham Wears Charity On Her Finger

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Victoria Beckham was spotted flying into London on Monday, wearing her support for charity on her finger.

The former Spice Girl and wife of David Beckham was sporting a £15,000 jewelled ring created by designer Stephen Webster. The ring will be auctioned to raise money for Malaria No More, a charity she and her husband work closely with.

“It’s a fabulous statement piece and I’ve loved wearing it, it’s inspiring to see designers like Stephen working the power of fashion to save lives,” she said. "Malaria is such an important issue, killing more children under five in Africa than any other single disease.

“I’m crossing my fingers this collaboration will generate loads of buzz and funds for new charity Malaria No More UK.”

The ring – and 360 replicas – will go on sale at online retailer ASOS.com.

“I designed the mosquito ring for an important cause but also to be chic and cool to wear. Seeing Victoria sporting it makes me hope it’s succeeded on both counts,” said designer Webster.

P. Diddy And Ashton Kutcher To Host Party For Malaria No More

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Sean Combs has announced that he will host his famous White Party in Los Angeles on July 4th this year with the theme of “We are Family” to benefit Malaria No More.

Complete with white carpet entrance and all of the VIP treatment for which he has become famous, celebrities, friends, and dignitaries alike will join Combs to celebrate – White Party style – in a private home located in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods of Los Angeles, CA.

In addition to being one of the most anticipated events of the year, this White Party will also serve as a platform to raise awareness for a very important organization, Malaria No More. To promote the cause and bring needed attention and aid to those living in areas where malaria is prevalent, Combs is teaming up with longtime friend and fellow entrepreneur, Ashton Kutcher, who will co-host the party. In conjunction with the White Party, Combs’ Sean John fashion label will produce and sell a limited edition t-shirt that will retail for $40 on-line at www.seanjohn.com with the slogan “Celebrate Life End Malaria” with a portion of the proceeds going to the non-profit organization. Partygoers will learn how they to make additional contributions, purchase t-shirts, and sign up for volunteering during the event.

Sean “Diddy” Combs said, "This year’s White Party is going to be historical. We are pulling out all of the stops to create a celebration that will be like none other before, and I thought it was time to share the sexiness and glamour of the White Party with all of my friends and family in LA. I chose July 4th because I am feeling very patriotic these days and who doesn’t love a barbeque on our nation’s birthday.

“I am also proud to be partnering with a cause that my boy Ashton has been involved with for some time now: Malaria No More. They have been doing some amazing things to help families in Africa protect themselves from this preventable and treatable disease,” Combs added.

David Beckham Stars In New Malaria Commercial

Tue, 26 May 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

David Beckham is to front a new advert to highlight the urgent need for mosquito nets to help prevent the spread of malaria during the lead-up to this year’s Champions League final.

“It’s truly incredible to think we can stop this killer disease forever and it’s such a simple ask, for less than the cost of a football you can protect a family from dying,” said Beckham. “I urge the UK public to get behind the [”Malaria No More":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/516-malaria-no-more] UK campaign to buy a net, save a life and make malaria no more."

The ad – which shows the football legend kicking a penalty into a goal with no net – aims to raise awareness of the disease and encourage people to donate to the charity. Viewers of the final – to be held between Barcelona and Manchester United on May 27 – in the UK can push the red button on their Sky remote to learn more about the organization and donate to the cause.

English Stars Invade Hollywood For Britweek

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of British stars – and former British prime minister Tony Blair – invaded Hollywood last week for an event to raise awareness and money for Malaria No More.

Britweek 2009 kicked off on April 21 with a dinner attended by celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Nigel Lythgoe and Ryan Seacrest, who donated $100,000 to the charity.

The brainchild of Nigel Lythgoe, Britweek encompasses a large number of events designed to highlight the rich connections between Britain and Southern California. This year’s events feature LA Galaxy, UB40, Joss Stone, Michael Deeley, Jeff Beck, Tracey Ullman and many others.

To learn more about the events that are taking place, visit the official Britweek website.

David Beckham Kicks Malaria Out

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Malaria No More UK, the British extension of a US charity that aims to prevent millions of deaths worldwide, has attracted the support of David Beckham, Andy Murray and Denise Lewis, who have been named as members of the leadership council of the new campaign.

The trio met with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown this week to ensure the Government makes good on their promise to deliver 20 million life-saving malaria nets to Africa by next year. Since Brown’s pledge a year ago, the UK has delivered about 9.7 million nets to Africa, and a further 1.9 million are on order.

“It’s truly incredible to think we can stop this killer disease forever and it’s such a simple thing to do. For less than the cost of a football you can protect a family from dying,” said Beckham, “I urge the UK public to get behind the Malaria No More UK campaign to save a life and make malaria no more.”

According to the charity, despite the fact that malaria is a preventable and treatable disease, it threatens half the world’s population – killing one child every 30 seconds in Africa.

“When you think that malaria kills one child every 30 seconds and three times as many under-5s as HIV/Aids, there is a desperate need in increase our understanding and awareness of this disease,” said Sarah Kline, the charity’s executive director.

Britain’s No 1 tennis player, Andy Murray didn’t hesitate when asked to support Malaria No More UK: “This is the first global charity I’ve been involved with in this capacity and it was an easy decision. Malaria is completely preventable and stoppable but yet it still kills more children in Africa than any other single disease. We can radically change this, it is a huge opportunity and I’m urging the UK public to help save a life and get behind Malaria No More UK, a truly world-changing and life-saving initiative.”

Denise Lewis, who won an Olympic gold medal in 2000, added: “As a mother of three, finding out that pregnant women are four times more likely to contract malaria than other adults, well that really hits home. Here in the UK, malaria is not something an expecting mother needs to worry about. It shouldn’t be in Africa either, especially since malaria is a preventable disease. It’s so easy for us to make a massive difference. Buying a £5 bed net will protect a mother and her child for up to five years. The time has come for us to work together to make malaria no more.”

Kutcher Wins Twitter Crown

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Following last week’s Twitter Battle between Ashton Kutcher and CNN, other celebrities have promised donations to Malaria No More via the micro-blogging site.

Within hours of Kutcher becoming the first person to gain 1 million followers on Twitter, CNN matched his donation of 10,000 mosquito nets to the charity. Ryan Seacrest also made pleas to his fellow celebrity Twitter users to make donations – a challenge that was taken up by Oprah Winfrey as she joined the Twitter community with the announcement she would donate money for 20,000 nets.

Kutcher is also using Twitter to raise awareness of World Malaria Day on April 25.

“Let’s rally the troops on World Malaria Day,” he wrote in a series of Tweets earlier this month. “If we all rally we can make malaria a thing 4 history books (so) that we all say, ‘I can’t believe people use to die from that.’ Why focus on malaria? The cure exists. $10 saves a life I know we can do this.”

“Supporting World Malaria Day on Twitter is designed to be very simple. Our goal is to secure participation from the Twitter community, to Tweet the following message on Saturday, April 25, 2009: ‘Every 30 seconds a child dies from Malaria. Nets save lives. Support World Malaria Day’.

“By way of background, Malaria No More is determined to end malaria deaths in Africa. Malaria No More uses breakthrough communications, global advocacy and smart investments to advance the goals of providing universal access to malaria interventions by the end of 2010 and ending deaths by 2015. Every 30 seconds – the time it takes to send and receive a Tweet – a child dies from malaria, but a simple mosquito net can save lives.

“Please join us on April 25th in raising awareness of malaria prevention by Tweeting on Twitter in support of World Malaria Day.”

(On a related note, you can follow Look to the Stars on Twitter too!)

Ashton Kutcher Challenges CNN For Malaria Nets

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Earlier this month, Ashton Kutcher used Twitter to encourage his fans to support World Malaria Day on April 25. Now he has challenged CNN to a popularity race to get 1 million followers on the micro-blogging site. And he’ll make a charity donation if he wins.

“I found it astonishing that one person can actually have as big of a voice online as what an entire media company can on Twitter,” Kutcher says in a video. “So I just thought that was just kind of an amazing comment on the state of our media, and I said that, if I beat CNN to 1 million viewers, then I would ding-dong ditch [”Ted Turner":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/1300-ted-turner] — because I don’t think it’s gonna happen."

If Kutcher wins the challenge, he has agreed to donate 10,000 mosquito nets to Malaria No More, a charity he encourages his fans to support.

“Malaria No More is determined to end malaria deaths in Africa,” he said. “Malaria No More uses breakthrough communications, global advocacy and smart investments to advance the goals of providing universal access to malaria interventions by the end of 2010 and ending deaths by 2015. Every 30 seconds – the time it takes to send and receive a Tweet – a child dies from malaria, but a simple mosquito net can save lives.”

As of Wednesday, Kutcher had 896,947 followers, putting him in third place behind Britney Spears and CNN. No Twitter user has attracted 1 million followers before.

Ashton Kutcher Uses Twitter For World Malaria Day

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actor Ashton Kutcher yesterday used his official Twitter site to encourage people to support World Malaria Day on April 25.

“Let’s rally the troops on World Malaria Day,” he wrote in a series of Tweets throughout the day. “If we all rally we can make malaria a thing 4 history books (so) that we all say, ‘I can’t believe people use to die from that.’ Why focus on malaria? The cure exists. $10 saves a life I know we can do this.”

He also used his official MySpace blog to promote the cause: “On World Malaria Day, we plan to rally the Twitter community to Tweet in support of Malaria prevention and treatment, by asking our followers to go to the [”Malaria No More":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/516-malaria-no-more] Website to learn about how to help end malaria deaths in Africa.
 
“Supporting World Malaria Day on Twitter is designed to be very simple. Our goal is to secure participation from the Twitter community, to Tweet the following message on Saturday, April 25, 2009: ‘Every 30 seconds a child dies from Malaria. Nets save lives. Support World Malaria Day’. 

“Please join us on April 25th in raising awareness of malaria prevention by Tweeting on Twitter in support of World Malaria Day.”

World Malaria Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of the plight of the millions of people living in Malarial areas, their lives heavily impacted by this terrible but preventable disease.

American Idol Gives Back $67 Million

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

David Beckham, Bono, Annie Lennox and Carrie Underwood have all accepted cheques from April’s Idol Gives Back event on behalf of the charities they support.

The show raised over US$67 million for charities such as the Global Fund, Malaria No More, the Children’s Health Fund, Save the Children, and the Children’s Defense Fund.

“I saw first hand with my visit to Sierra Leone with [”UNICEF":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/1-unicef] last year how devastating malaria can be to a country," said Beckham, who was presented with US$12 million by Idol winner David Cook on behalf of Malaria No More. “This money will help buy millions of bed nets and also protect many people, particularly the young children who are most vulnerable.”

Annie Lennox was also delighted to receive $500,000 for the Treatment Action Campaign.

“This is just to express my gratitude to everyone on Idol Gives Back, for putting together a show with a difference, and for inviting me to be part of it,” she said in a statement. “Because of this event, and the generosity of the viewers, who donated so kindly, I have been able to hand over a cheque for the amazing sum of $500,000 to Treatment Action Campaign, in South Africa. I can assure everyone that every single dollar contributed will go to excellent use, in the work to educate, assist and support people living on the frontline of the HIV/Aids pandemic, many of whom are women and children. Thank you so much.”

Bono received US$10 million on behalf of the Global Fund For AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

“The Global Fund will keep thousands of people safe from HIV/AIDS because American Idol has donated $10 million,” said the U2 frontman. “That’s YOU people, who sent in your hard earned cash.”

The Idol Gives Back show featured appearances and performances by Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Miley Ray Cyrus, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, Sheila E., Fergie, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Peyton and Eli Manning, and Reese Witherspoon, and pre-taped messages from David and Victoria Beckham, Kiefer Sutherland, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama. Britney Spears, who couldn’t be at the event, donate $25,000 to the cause.

Legend, Doolittle Honor Sachs and Soros

Mon, 19 May 2008 10:56:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

The Millennium Promise and Malaria No More Annual Benefit took place last week at The Tent at Lincoln Center, raising over $2 million for the fight against extreme poverty and disease. The event honored the charities’ founders, Raymond G. Chambers, Peter Chernin, Professor Jeffrey Sachs and George Soros.

Grammy-winner John Legend presented an award to Jeffrey Sachs. Sachs’ book, The End Of Poverty was a catalyst in Legend’s forming of the Show Me Campaign. American Idol’s Melinda Doolittle presented an award to Peter Chernin, and performed “Amazing Grace” as part of the evening’s entertainment. Ann Veneman, the Executive Director of UNICEF, and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Managing Director of the World Bank, presented awards to Ray Chambers and George Soros, respectively.

Millennium Promise is on a mission to end extreme poverty by 2025. They have begun by taking steps to achieve the eight globally-endorsed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Africa by 2015.

Malaria No More is actively taking steps to end deaths due to malaria, by providing bed nets and raising awareness about this disease, which kills 3,000 children every day.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit the Millennium Promise and Malaria No More websites.

Malaria No More Fights A Forgotten Killer

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:55:26 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

When people think of health and welfare in Africa, they think of AIDS, famine, poverty, and hundreds of other killers that bring death and hardship to the continent. But they hardly ever think of malaria. “It’s not a problem anymore,” they say. “We’ve been treating it for over 100 years…”

And yet it is still a problem – a HUGE problem.

The disease, which is spread by mosquitoes, causes a drawn-out and painful death. It destroys red blood cells and clogs the tiny capillaries that carry blood to the brain and other organs – a horrible way to die in anyone’s books. And it is killing as you read this – an African child dies of the disease every 30 seconds. That’s 3,000 children a day… over 1 million a year. In addition to the devastating human toll, the African economy loses over $12 billion in productivity due to the disease annually.

Malaria No More is an organization with one simple mission: to stop all malaria deaths. Established in 2006 at the first-ever White House Summit on Malaria, the organization uses contributions from the public to fund the provision of bed nets, sprays, anti-malaria drugs, education, and also the development of a vaccine to achieve its aim. Founded by a group of organizations such as the American Red Cross, UNICEF, United Way, Millennium Promise, the Global Fund, the United Nations Foundation, and the Global Business Coalition, Malaria No More also supports the President’s Malaria Initiative, a $1.2 billion, 5 year campaign launched by President Bush in 2005 to cut malaria deaths in Africa by 50%.

Malaria No More recently benefited from Idol Gives Back, the special American Idol show that raised money for a variety of organizations both in America and overseas. It is still too early to know exactly how much Malaria No More will get of the $60 million raised by this year’s show, but the music extravaganza donated $9 million to the organization in 2007, and another $8 million to other malaria-related causes. Idol host Ryan Seacrest and Idol judge Simon Cowell, along with Idol performers, have visited Africa and seen the devastation of the disease, and last month 2007 Idol winner Jordin Sparks joined President Bush in Ghana to highlight malaria control efforts.

“I was shocked to learn of the devastation caused by malaria,” said Sparks. “It’s incredible what a difference a simple mosquito net can make in the life of a child.”

The organization, whose spokespeople include David Beckham and Ashley Judd, has also launched an exciting way for schools to join in the fight against malaria and empower students to be active in raising money and saving lives. Stayin’ Alive was created by a group of high school students in Florida, and encourages schools and students to hold fundraising dances. By dedicating a dance, or series of dances, to Malaria No More – and committing to a $1,000 donation from the proceeds – schools everywhere can play a significant role in eradicating malaria.

Malaria No More aims to partner with 10,000 Stayin’ Alive dances throughout America over the next three years. This will provide over $10 million in funds – enough to pay for $1 million bed nets to protect at least 2 million children.

To learn more about the initiative, visit the Stayin’ Alive website.

Idol Gives Back On Wednesday

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:11:53 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It will be raining philanthropic celebrities on Wednesday night when American Idol Gives Back airs on the Fox Network. The “star clouds” are set to burst with a gala of music, fun, appearances, and surprises – all in the name of charity.

Idol host Ryan Seacrest will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event, which was taped in front of a lively audience at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night, and producers expect this year’s event to raise over $100 million for charity.

“Tonight isn’t just about raising money,” said Brad Pitt, one of the many guests to attend the gala. “Sometimes, to help people, we’ve got to travel outside of our comfort zone to really understand another situation.”

Pitt’s Make It Right campaign, which he launched to rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, is one of many good causes to benefit from the event, which last year netted over $76 million for charity. Other organizations to benefit this year include the Global Fund, Malaria No More, the Children’s Health Fund, Save the Children, and the Children’s Defense Fund.

“It’s not about self-promoting,” said former Idol winner Carrie Underwood, who will perform on the show. “It’s not about singing your latest single. It’s not about trying to be the most downloaded whatever on iTunes. It’s all about getting people to call in and do something.”

Viewers of the show on Wednesday can expect performances by Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Miley Ray Cyrus, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, and Sheila E., as well as a surprise duet between Fergie and Heart. The show will also be sprinkled with appearances from Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Peyton and Eli Manning, and Reese Witherspoon, and pre-taped messages from David and Victoria Beckham, Kiefer Sutherland, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama will also be shown.

DeGeneres Returns to Idol Gives Back

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:11:19 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Ellen DeGeneres will once again be joining Ryan Seacrest to host the second edition of the wildly successful Idol Gives Back.

Also joining this year’s previously announced celebrity attendees such as Brad Pitt and Bono will be Maroon 5, Heart, Gloria Estefan, Boyz II Men and the Clark Brothers.

The hit fundraising show raised $76 million last year, benefitting charities such as UNICEF, Malaria No More and Second Harvest.

Idol Gives Back to Children

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:20:19 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

When American Idol announced last spring that for every vote cast after their April 24-25 special broadcast “Idol Gives Back,” sponsors would make donations to the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF), no one expected it to result in over $75 million.

CPEF is distributing the funds through organisations that benefit children in the US and Africa. In the States, Save the Children, America’s Second Harvest, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America and Children’s Health Fund will be the recipients for approved project proposals. In Africa, $6 million has already been donated to each of five organisations for projects that focus on health and education.

Save the Children, UNICEF, and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria, each with a very strong presence throughout Africa, are grateful to the Idol Gives Back campaign. While Save the Children will continue to address preventable deaths from things like diarrhea and pneumonia across the continent, UNICEF is using the money in Rwandan schools to provide free meals and ‘catch-up’ programs to get drop-outs out of the working fields and back into the classrooms. The Global Fund is supporting anti-AIDS performances in South Africa, where in some areas HIV infection rates in youth are actually on the decrease. The sharp and critical plays on drugs, sex and AIDS are more powerful than a classroom lecture.

The CPEF donation is welcome support where malaria claims a child every 30 seconds. “It makes a massive difference,” says Martin Edlund of Malaria No More, who, along with Nothing But Nets is distributing insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and also works on anti-measles, AIDS and tuberculosis initiatives. Intelligent projects like these are not hand outs, but efforts to help get people’s lives back into their own hands. And they ensure the most benefit directly to those they’re intended for. “You can’t put a bed net in a Swiss bank account.”

Clinton, Foxx Speak Against HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Sat, 30 Jun 2007 19:22:10 -0000

Written by Nadia Lias

One might not expect a politician and an award-winning entertainer to have much in common, but former US President Bill Clinton and actor/singer Jamie Foxx speak the same language when it comes to active involvement in fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis & malaria. The two shared the stage during the Annual Global Business Coalition Gala on June 13th at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

The award Gala is held annually to recognise companies and people who demonstrate action and commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Among the 700-plus guests were political leaders, celebrated entertainers, public heath experts and CEOs of member companies as well as NBA stars Dikembe Mutombo and Samuel Dalembert. Sir Richard Branson was one of the evening’s featured speakers, and discussed the commitment of his Virgin Unite to eradicating the HIV virus.

Jamie Foxx and HBO co-president Richard Plepler presented the premier of Test America, a Public Service Announcement campaign produced in conjunction with the National Basketball Association, GBC, and the Kaiser Family Foundation to educate millions of at-risk Americans about the need to get tested for HIV. Audiences were entertained when Foxx joined DJ Doug. E. Fresh in an impromptu rap, chanting “we’re here to fight H-I-V” with the spectators.

Bill Clinton was honoured with an award for his outstanding action and commitment towards the Global Business Coalition’s fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis & malaria. During his speech at the Gala, he commended Foxx, Doug E. Fresh, and members of the National Basketball Association for taking part in the inspiring Test America PSA campaign. He then thanked GBC for bringing a committed group of leading private-sector executives and NGOs to tackle three global epidemics. He later urged the executives to work together to do what is right: fight for equality for all people, and fight to end the three diseases.

The night left a clear message in mind that it is everybody’s responsibility to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis & malaria. To quote one of the evening’s speakers, Ophelia Haanyama Orum – HIV-positive author of the book “True to Myself”: – “Open your eyes, open your minds, and open your hearts. Walk with me, and continue your work to make a positive difference for people with HIV.”

Beckham Stars In TV Ad To Combat Malaria

Mon, 14 May 2007 07:45:05 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Soccer star David Beckham has added his support to the charity Malaria No More by starring in a 30-second TV advertisement calling for the public to help end the threat of malaria in developing countries.

Malaria No More was one of the many charities that benefited from the recent Idol Gives Back TV special, during which the advertisement was first shown.

The world has known how to beat malaria for more than a century, yet it remains the number one killer of children under five in sub-Saharan Africa, claiming more than 1 million lives a year. The disease was eradicated in the United States over 50 years ago, but 40% of the world’s population is still at risk.

Beckham’s clip can be seen on the Malaria No More site, where visitors can also make donations. For even a small $10 donation, the charity can provide a bed net that will protect a mother and infant for 3-5 years.

Idol Gives Back $60m

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 19:25:51 -0000

Written by Steve Purcell

Fox has announced that $60m has been raised so far by the two-night “Idol Gives Back” special, with donations continuing to flow in.

Viewers cast over 70 million votes following Tuesday night’s performances; Fox’s parent company News Corporation had pledged 10 cents for each of the first 50 million votes, and its donation was matched by AllState and ExxonMobil. Further corporate donations came from Ford, Coca-Cola, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ConAgra Foods and AT&T.

During a two-hour results show on Wednesday, viewers pledged money via a toll-free number and Idol’s website, while host Ellen DeGeneres gave $100,000 and judge Simon Cowell made a “significant six-figure donation”.

Celebrities pre-recorded appeals for donations, including Madonna, who was in Malawi, and Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, who was in Uganda where he filmed “The Last King of Scotland.”

U2’s Bono also sent a pre-recorded message, saying, “People say you can’t be the generation that ends brutal, stupid poverty, but we can and we will,”

The money raised will be administered by the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF), a new charity aiming to battle extreme poverty in America and Africa.

In Africa, the Fund will use the Idol money to support The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, Malaria No More, Nothing But Nets, Save the Children, and The U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

In America, CPEF will use the money to boost Save the Children, Second Harvest, Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of America, and Children’s Health Fund.

Mark Shriver, VP of U.S. programs for Save the Children, told Reuters, “They took a risk by using their show to raise issues of poverty and asking people to contribute, and that is a huge accomplishment. The American Idol format is hugely successful and they introduced starving, dying children in Africa and children struggling with poverty in the United States, and brought that to prime time television.”

Fans can still contribute directly via the Idol website, or visit the iTunes Store to buy for-charity recordings of the night’s performances by the contestants and celebrities including Céline Dion, Josh Groban, Annie Lennox, Earth Wind & Fire, and Il Divo.

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