I was just watching American Idol a couple of hours ago and I must say I am ecstatic and proud at the same time, as this week, the show has teamed up with Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF) venturing on an historic television event – IDOL GIVES BACK, a two-night special raising awareness and funds for organizations that provide relief programs to help children and young people in extreme poverty in Africa and America itself. In between breaks during the show, public snippets flashed of the Idol judges and Ryan Seacrest visiting the poverty ravished young children in Africa where the latters gathered for their "sponsored" meals of the day and Ryan mentioned the kids themselves actually made sure everyone else (their siblings and friends) got their share before they start feeding on their own famished tummies. You could tell how much simple meals like that meant to them, and these are all that matters. Footage of areas hit by the Hurricane Katrina were shown and fact is thousands were left homeless and I believe Simon mentioned that about 9 million children in America are suffering from hunger. I should say the images were rather moving. I'm as amazed as how Simon was about the existence of Food Banks in America and they showed him visiting one of them somewhere near his residence area in California. In it, there's really ALOT of food packages. It looked somewhat like the IKEA we've here, while ours are filled with DIY furniture, the Food Bank has elevated stalls of boxes of burgers, meat, canned food, fruits, fresh vegetables and sorts more. And you've got no idea how much food could be exchanged for with just $1 from the charity fund.

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“Having witnessed some of the appalling conditions in Africa firsthand, I’m especially proud that our show is offering Americans the chance to help those most in need. Ensuring that American charities will equally benefit from these efforts was one of my priorities, and I’d like to thank our sponsors for their support and generosity in making this possible.” - Simon Cowell

This "gives back" campaign could just be a plug for good will, and the donations being made may just be a "drop in the bucket" in the context of the amount of profit the show ultimately generates, but it is nevertheless a good deed that is worthy of recognition. American Idol has become a phenomenon that translates into big business and millions of dollars in profits. I think people should appreciate the fact that American Idol is using the show as a platform to raise

awareness about, and money for, hunger. Moreover, given the fact that the show involves audience participation. Given that the many young people who watch American Idol, last night's show sent a positive message that giving back is an important part of being a success in business or otherwise. Hence, regardless of what one may think of the motives, I applaud the show's efforts to use even a portion of its success to try and impact issues of social and economic significance. On a personal note, I believe there's greatness in each and everyone of us. Let's just say even in Singapore, I believe they're homeless individuals who often scavenge the streets for leftovers and pray that a better life would come their way. If possible, reach out and help in whichever way you can. Somehow, a little gesture would mean alot to that receiving individual.

"We'll see worlds collide when Africa appears on America's most-watched TV show. This is a big deal, a little bit of pop history ... I wouldn't underestimate the reach of this show or the impact its audience can have." - Bono (U2)