Idol Gives Back Distributes over 64 million to charities, Producers May Take a Break Next Year

By On 11/12/2008 · 7 Comments · In Uncategorized

According to the Associated Press, American Idol has distributed more than 64 million dollars in grants to six US and international charities from contributions raised during last spring’s Idol Gives Back special.   Grants have been made to The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Malaria No More; Children’s Health Fund; U.S. programs of Save the Children; Children’s Defense Fund; and Make It Right, Pitt’s campaign to help New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina.

The first IGB, broadcast last year, raised over 75 million dollars.   Lots of money going to good charities.   Good work!

However, the producers may be taking a break next year:

“I would like to take a break, personally,” said FremantleMedia North America CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz in May. “In the U.K., they do ‘Comic Relief’ every two years. I think that’s the right amount of time. I don’t think you should go back to the country and ask them to donate every single year. I think it’s too much. Every two years to me feels right.”

The Frot-Coutaz quote is six months old. I wonder how she feels now? If they do mount the fundraiser again, they’d be lucky to raise 65 million dollars with the state of the economy these days.

Since all that do-gooding failed to translate into an Emmy win, maybe it is time to take a break…

ETA: David Cook, Carrie Underwood, David Beckham, Bono, and Annie Lennox, participated in officially handing and accepting checks on behalf of Idol Gives Back charities. David Cook handed out a $10 million check to David Beckham on behalf of Malaria No More, while Carrie Underwood presented a $10 million check to the Save the Children fund.

Watch the video after the JUMP…

 
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
Reddit Facebook Twitter Delicious Mixx StumbleUpon Digg
  • Trina

    http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b68398_idol_gives_back_donating_with_stars.html?sid=rss_topstories&utm_source=eonline&utm_medium=rssfeeds&utm_campaign=rss_topstories
    This belongs here..but OMG FANGIRL OVERLOAD!!
    Cookie with David Beckham! Is it possible to OD on pretty? Carrie is also in the video.

    An unadvertised benefit of superstars appearing on American Idol’s “Idol Gives Back” specials? Accepting the charitable windfall six months down the line.

    David Beckham, Bono, Annie Lennox, David Cook and Carrie Underwood are among the big-name participants in the altruistic extravaganza who recently both handed outà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ and accepted on behalf of their chosen charitiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬’ massive donations from the Fox fund-raiser.

    Back in April, when the second annual star-studded TV event took place, the Idol and event producers announced that funds would be spread around to six U.S. and international charities: the Children’s Defense Fund, the Children’s Health Fund, cofounded by Paul Simon, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, of which Bono is an active campaigner, Make It Right, Brad Pitt’s New Orleans rebuilding charity, Malaria No More and Save the Children.

    According to “Idol Gives Back,” more than $64 million has so far been allocated from the event. In its two years in existence, the special has raised more than $140 million.

    “The fact that American Idol has the ability to inspire millions, create hope and change lives is simply remarkable,” Idol creator and exec producer and “Idol Gives Back” mastermind Simon Fuller said.

    “We are extremely thankful to our viewers, sponsors and outstanding talent who continue to motivate each and every one of us to contribute to those who need it most.”

    “Thank you to the people of America,” Beckham said in accepting a $10 million check from reigning Idol Cook on behalf of Malaria No More.

    “I saw firsthand with my visit to Sierra Leone with UNICEF last year how devastating malaria can be to a countryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦On behalf of Malaria No More, I would like to thank those people who gave so generously to Idol Gives back. Your money will save lives and that is something to be very proud of.”

    Bono was also recently the beneficiary of a $10 million check for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Lennox graciously accepted $500,000 for her Treatment Action Campaign and Underwood handed off a $10 million check to Save the Children.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Thanks. I’m going to move that video up into the post.

  • t2

    Since all that do-gooding failed to translate into an Emmy win, maybe it is time to take a breakà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    Ummmm….yep, hit the nail on the head.

  • elisad

    Please take a break. Or take out a week for this specifically. Well, why do I care, I’m not gonna watch anyway…

  • Allison

    I think they are taking a break because the ratings tanked the second time around, pure and simple.

  • mandalay

    I just wish that all the money would go to American causes. Lord knows we have enough people in need and problems to solve right here.

  • marco5ny

    I think the producers of Idol have got something. Helping people is hard work! Time to kick back and keep those millions for yourself! We should all follow their lead. Those starving and sick people will have to hold out for a couple of years on their own. Of course the producers could just donate 5% of of advertising revenue or maybe sponsors could contribute a penny for every call that is made to vote for a contestant or otherwise passively contribute something without doing a big production for Emmy consideration. Nah!