Idol Gives Back

I cried my eyes out while watching American Idol tonight. No, not because my favorite contestant went home - in fact, no one went home tonight! Tonight was a special fund-raising event called Idol Gives Back, where they raised money for impoverished children in the USA and in Africa. It was quite the star-studded two-hour event, but the images they showed of the children in Africa who are orphaned by AIDS, some dying of AIDS or malaria themselves - children and families in Africa AND in our own United States who have NOTHING, who cannot read, who live in squalor and do not have enough to eat - it broke my heart. At times I couldn't bear to watch anymore. But I couldn't bear not to. Was this the emotional response they were going for? Absolutely. I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. But I hope everyone else that was watching did, too. We all know there are horrible conditions in this world, but to see them in front of your eyes that way - well, maybe we all need that kind of awareness every now and then. If that's what it takes to get people to open up their hearts and help (yes, that also means opening up their wallets), then it's a good thing. Millions of dollars were raised tonight to help these children. Will it save them all? No. But if you can help save ONE LIFE, then it is so worth it. While some have criticized American Idol for jumping on the philanthropy bandwagon, I applaud them. They have made a difference in this world, not just by giving us pop stars - but by giving people hope.