Yesterday Fieldnotes reader Sheila asked if we could give advance notice when UNICEF is going to be featured on TV. We do our best, but sometimes we’re also taken by surprise!
Last night during American Idol there was a great clip of Simon Cowell in Kenya, featuring UNICEF’s school in a box education kit. UNICEF’s school in the box is an innovative way to ensure that kids receive an education no matter what circumstances they face. The kit is essentially a portable school that can teach 80 kids, for only $183. Simon Cowell, who has a reputation for being overly harsh, revealed a softer side while he was with those children in Kenya talking about education.
Simon and Ryan’s trip to Africa is part of the Idol Gives Back effort. On April 24 and 25, American Idol will help raise funds to avert poverty in the U.S. and Africa.
My favorite part last night’s show was after the clip. Ryan asked Simon if he would sing if Idol Gives Back raises $20 million – Simon said no, Ryan said, how about $22 million? Still a firm “no” from Simon. I agree with Simon, let’s set our sights higher. My challenge is, will Simon sing for $50 million? I think $50 million is totally achievable, and if we come together and make a difference.
Here’s how it works: for each vote sent on April 24th, a donation will be made to fight poverty, and on April 25th viewers can phone in their donations directly. American Idol has 35 million viewers, and to reach $50 million, that’s just $1.42 per viewer. That’s half the price of a gallon of gas these days!
Let’s come together to help children in need, and finally hear what Simon’s pipes are like! Actually, let’s take the heat off of Simon and ask the all of the judges sing together for $50 million, it can be their turn to be on stage. More importantly, this is our chance to do our part to see that children can have a brighter future, for just $1.42.
If you want to hear Simon, Randy and Paula sing for $50 million, please e-mail idolgivesback@fox.com. Post a comment here to let us know what you thought about last night's show.
Comments (4)
Might raise more if you asked people to donate to KEEP Simon from singing! :)
Posted by Teri | April 13, 2007 9:58 PM
Posted on April 13, 2007 21:58
I was delighted to see the actual contents of the UNICEF School-in-a-Box kits. We are definitely a visually-driven society. To extend beyond showing the kits could they also show the facilities where learning is taking place? We need to SEE the whole picture in order to FEEL the extreme NEED!!
I am anxious to see success for any fundraiser that focuses on improving the lives of children. Hopefully, the IDOL audience will be inspired to search beyond the show and discover the wonderful works of UNICEF going on throughout the world!!!
Posted by Denise Koch | April 14, 2007 12:25 AM
Posted on April 14, 2007 00:25
I hope UNICEF truly does benefit from "Idol gives Back". Children in Africa and all over the world need help and UNICEF programs are a great help toward this cause. I hope American Idol is sincere in their desire to raise money and that the money will be distributed wisely.
Posted by Pat | April 15, 2007 5:11 PM
Posted on April 15, 2007 17:11
I COULDN'T BELIVE IT AT FIRST, BUT SIMON REALLY CRIED!
Posted by HAHAHA! | June 14, 2007 8:11 PM
Posted on June 14, 2007 20:11