American Idol
Fundraiser Generates Buzz for "Mosquito
Nets for Malaria"
American Idol’s inaugural and star-studded fundraiser
termed, “Idol Gives Back” debuted in April 2007
and raised over $76 million dollars. The
special’s goal was to raise money for impoverished communities
throughout Africa and the United States, including those who
were affected by Hurricane Katrina. All ticket proceeds were
donated to the fund.
Viewers were encouraged to make donations via the internet
and toll-free telephone lines. Sponsors of the show, such
as AT&T and Coca-Cola, donated money to the Charity Projects
Entertainment Fund, which in turn distributed the monies to
various charities throughout Africa and the United States.
One of these charities was Malaria No More, an organization
that provides mosquito nets and other essential resources
to aid in the prevention of malaria.
Mosquito Nets for Malaria No More
The charitable organization, Malaria No More, was a recipient
of a portion of the funds raised by “Idol Gives Back.”
This particular charity’s goal is to promote awareness
of malaria in Africa, in both the public and private sectors,
and to help those communities obtain resources, such as mosquito
nets, to prevent the spread of mosquito-related illnesses.
Malaria is transmitted through a bite from an infected mosquito.
Africa is home to the most efficient species of mosquito that
propagates the illness. Although malaria is preventable and
treatable, it still continues to account for over 1 million
deaths a year in Africa, many of those being children. Malaria
is estimated to cost Africa more than $12 billion US annually.
It could be controlled for a fraction of that amount.
Due to the show’s success, over $9 million was raised
for Malaria No More and $8 million for other malaria-related
causes. Aside from the monetary gain, Malaria No More was
able to convey their important message to 60 million viewers
and educate them on the topic of malaria and what they can
do to help. With the precious donations, this organization
provided mosquito nets and other critical resources to over
a million mothers and children in Angola, Mali, Madagascar,
Uganda and Zambia.
Idol Gives Back Again
Malaria No More was a recipient once again for American Idol’s
second installment of “Idol Gives Back” held in
late April of 2008. The special, more ambitious than ever,
showed snippets of the trips to Africa taken by past Idol
finalists Elliot Yamin, Melinda Doolittle
and Idol’s 2008 winner, Jordin Sparks.
The former Idols were shocked to the point of incredulity
when they realized how something as simple as mosquito nets
could significantly aid in the country’s ongoing battle
against malaria.
Former Idol Continues the
Cause
Recently, former Idol contestant
Brooke White teamed
up with the Malaria No More people
to launch the “Save the World
Summer” campaign. The campaign
urges students to raise funds for
charity during their summer vacation.
Although they do not have to donate
their funds to Malaria No More and
may choose any charitable organization
they deem worthy, Malaria No More
provides an incentive - the person
who raises the most money for mosquito
nets will be rewarded with two tickets
to next season’s American
Idol finale.
Article written by Anna DeGaborik
Anna DeGaborik is the author
for the All Mosquito
Netting Info website. She studies insect diseases and
prevention, specializing in mosquitoes.
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