“American Idol” sets Haiti benefit broadcast

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The “Anerican Idol” results show Thursday, February 25th on Fox will help the United Nationa Foundation raise money to help rebuild earthquake-ravaged Haiti. The broadcast will highlight footage from a visit to Haiti by season eight winner Kris Allen.


“We are proud to partner with Fox and American Idol on this special episode,” said Kathy Calvin, CEO of the United Nations Foundation. “We are working directly with the UN to help Haiti address the medium and long-term challenges of reconstruction. The UN needs our support to continue to provide food, water, shelter, medicine, security, and economic opportunities to the earthquake victims. The UN and Haiti are rising to the challenge and we all have a chance to help them rebuild their future,” she said.

Calvin and Allen will travel to Haiti on February 19, 2010. During the trip, they will meet with Haitians and UN staff to learn how people are recovering from the earthquake and find out what they will need in the months to come.

“I’m looking forward to traveling to Haiti to see the UN’s work firsthand. The people of Haiti are rebuilding their country, and the UN is there to help them every step of the way. I look forward to sharing the images and stories from my trip with IDOL viewers across the country,” said Allen.

Since the earthquake, the United Nations has been working hand-in-hand with Haitians to help them recover. In the months ahead, the UN’s life-saving work will continue, including delivering food and water to millions of Haitians, providing jobs opportunities for employment to more than 200,000 people, ensuring women and children are safe, and mitigating diseases such as measles and malaria.

The UN is close to reaching its appeal for $540 million. The UN Foundation is one of the beneficiaries of “Idol Gives Back,” the annual television event raising awareness and funds to benefit various US and international charities. The special will air during the Top Seven Results Show Wednesday, April 21, 2010 on Fox.