Mon. March 15, 2004
Los Angeles -
Reality stars of hit television shows such as “The Amazing Race,” “Big Brother,” “Boy Meets Boy,” “Real World,” and “Road Rules” have come together to form “The Reality Cares Foundation” (www.realitycares.org) to raise money for people affected by life-threatening diseases such as Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. Dr. Will Kirby, the winner of “Big Brother 2,” serves as the Foundation’s Chief Medical Advisor. Other reality star advisors and supporters include Brad Holcman of “Average Joe,” Reichen Lehmkuhl of “The Amazing Race,” James Getzlaff and Andra Stasko of “Boy Meets Boy,” Tonya Cooley of “Real World,” Adam Larson of “Road Rules,” and Joanne Newborn of “Who Wants to Marry My Dad?”
“Our Foundation provides reality show stars with a unique opportunity to use their sudden fame to make a real difference in their communities and to help those in need,” states Todd Michael Krim, founder of The Reality Cares Foundation. “I hope our Foundation not only helps those most in need, but inspires a new spirit of philanthropy among a younger group of television stars and viewers.”
“We are proud to be sponsoring The Reality Cares Foundation and using our management expertise to help ensure its long-term success,” states Marc Pollick, President of The Giving Back Fund. “With the continued growth in popularity of reality shows such as ‘The Apprentice’ and ‘The Simple Life,’ we see tremendous potential for The Reality Cares Foundation and are delighted to be working with this enthusiastic group of young stars.”
The Reality Cares Foundation kicks-off its first national event on April 22, 2004 with “The Real Deal” Chicago hosted by Tamron Hall of Fox News Chicago. The event will raise money for HIV/AIDS care, prevention and treatment by bringing together some of today’s most popular lesbian and gay reality show stars for an evening of reality show clips, celebrity host interviews and a live audience Q&A. “The Real Deal” Chicago is presented by The Advocate, with funds raised to be distributed by the National AIDS Fund, one of the largest philanthropic AIDS organizations in the country. Information and tickets for “The Real Deal” Chicago can be found online at www.realitycares.org/realdealchicago.
“With the HIV/AIDS epidemic increasingly impacting young people under 35, especially in communities of color, it is essential that messages of HIV/AIDS prevention, education and care get out to this group,” states Kandy Ferree, President and CEO of the National AIDS Fund. “This is the same demographic that is targeted by reality TV and we are thrilled to partner with The Reality Cares Foundation and The Giving Back Fund on a truly innovative series of events.”
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About The Reality Cares Foundation
The Reality Cares Foundation is a sponsored-project of The Giving Back Fund and was formed to make a real difference in the lives of people with life-threatening diseases. The mission of The Reality Cares Foundation is to inspire a new spirit of philanthropy among a younger group of television stars and viewers by being a leader in the fight against Alzheimer’s, breast cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS. This mission will be accomplished through a combination of education, outreach, fundraising and special events. www.realitycares.org
About The Giving Back Fund
The Giving Back Fund is a national non-profit organization that offers philanthropic consulting and advisory services with an expertise on leveraging celebrity to benefit needy causes. Giving Back Fund Advisors include CNN television host Larry King; actor, activist and philanthropist Christopher Reeve; and NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton. www.givingback.org
About The National AIDS Fund
The National AIDS Fund is one of America’s largest philanthropic organizations dedicated to eliminating HIV/AIDS as a major health and social problem. Through a network of 29 Community Partners, the Fund provides grants and other support to nearly 500 grassroots organizations annually, principally for prevention efforts. Together with its Community Partners, the Fund has raised and allocated over $110 million since 1988 for the fight against HIV/AIDS in America. www.aidsfund.org
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