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Randy Jackson Named Ambassador for Save the Children's US Programs
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Click here to read more about Randy Jackson's visit to Louisiana to tour Save the Children's programs for children impacted by Hurricane Katrina. |
Jackson, a 20-year music industry veteran, was first inspired by Save the Children's work during production of Idol Gives Back, a two-night fundraising special on American Idol that raised more than $75 million for children in poverty in the United States and Africa. During filming, Jackson returned to his home state of Louisiana to tour Save the Children's programs for children impacted by Hurricane Katrina.
"As a father, I know there is nothing more important than ensuring America's children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives," said Randy Jackson. "Save the Children is not only helping to give a second chance to kids in my home state who are still struggling after Hurricane Katrina, but they are fighting for children all across rural America."
As an Ambassador, Randy will work closely with Save the Children to raise awareness of the critical needs of children in the United States, especially children in poor, rural areas, with a special focus on fitness, literacy and early childhood development, as well as programs that benefit children in emergencies. He will help raise funds to expand the agency's existing programs and advocate on behalf of children to elected officials, CEOs, opinion leaders and other individuals who can make a difference in the lives of the children.
"I spent a lot of time with Randy in Louisiana. He was fantastic with the kids and parents - he listened, he got on the ground and interacted with the children, and he asked great questions. So many Americans know and respect Randy - Save the Children's United States Programs are honored to join Randy in a partnership that will help these children grow as readers, develop healthy habits and get back on their feet when disasters strike," said Mark Shriver, vice president and managing director of Save the Children's U.S. Programs.
Save the Children, which works in poor, rural communities across America, received $13.5 million in Idol Gives Back funds with $7.5 million benefiting children in the United States and $6 million for Save the Children programs in Africa. In addition, as part of the Idol Gives Back program, Allstate Insurance Company announced a $1 million donation to Save the Children's U.S. Programs.
Idol Gives Back donations are supporting children in Arizona, Kentucky, Mississippi and Louisiana through Save the Children’s early childhood education, literacy, physical activity and nutrition programs and projects to respond to the needs of children impacted by large-scale emergencies, such as the recent wildfires in Southern California.
