UNICEF thanks Idol Gives Back

On Wednesday night, American Idol devoted two hours of primetime programming, corporate sponsorship, celebrity support and the largest audience in television to raise funds for children affected by poverty in the U.S. and Africa. On behalf UNICEF, we offer our gratitude for the privilege of being one of nine esteemed organizations to benefit from the Idol Gives Back event. As a result of this generosity, UNICEF will be able to purchase vaccines, provide clean water, distribute antimalarial bednets, and administer medicines to continue saving the lives of children in Africa. In addition to the much needed financial support generated by Idol Gives Back, there is another very important outcome of the broadcast. At a time when nearly 30,000 children die each day from preventable causes, Idol Gives Back succeeded in bringing the needs of the some of the world's least visible children to the center stage of America. For 120 minutes, viewers were able to learn about issues that threaten to destroy childhood for hundreds of millions in the United States, and worldwide. Idol Gives Back brought Americans closer to each other, and the world that night, as we watched children share their life stories with Simon, Ryan, Paula and Randy. Whether the child was struggling to survive on the streets of L.A. or trying to overcome the agony of AIDS in Kenya, it was understood that children are the same no matter where they live. Music, images, and the words of children proved to be a powerful truth that motivated people to contribute more than $30 million dollars in two hours. At UNICEF, our truth is that children deserve protection, education, health and dignity regardless of geography, race, religion or politics. On behalf of the world's children, we'd like to give a standing ovation to Idol Gives Back, CPEF, FOX, News Corporation, the corporate sponsors, performers, contestants, and viewers who made the evening a resounding success. Your participation is a sign that America is willing to stand with us and make sure that all children survive and thrive.