In your own words, tell us a little about The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF).
The EGPAF organizes fantastic fundraisers in both NYC and LA called "Kids For Kids" and "A Time For Heroes," respectively. Essentially these events are designed to be like amazing block parties with all sorts of booths, stores, and fun activities for children to get involved with.
What inspired you to get involved with the foundation?
I believe all children deserve a chance in life, and growing up with a life-threatening illness like AIDS is crippling for the child and devastating for the family. As a father I would hope, should the unthinkable happen, organizations like EGPAF would be there offering support and advice through such hard times.
In what ways have you participated at their signature events, “Kids For Kids” and “A Time For Heroes?”
I have volunteered in booths decorating t-shirts, playing fancy dress-up, and doing photography. I also have taken photos using a giant Polaroid camera. A year ago I took photos of about 10 different children at the "Kids For Kids" event in NYC and found out weeks later that one of the children died the following day. I received a letter from the family saying how thankful they were that the last day their child had was one filled with laughter and smiles and that they had a photo of their child to remember that day forever.
You work with a number of charities in addition to EGPAF – what kinds of projects are you working on these days?
I went with The Humane Society to shoot the Protect Sharks Campaign in Martha’s Vineyard, and I’m going to Iceland this summer to photograph and film whales. Also, I went to Haiti in the beginning of May to do a photo documentary with Edeyo, a Haitian charity. Edeyo, which means, “help them,” funds and educates about 90 children. It also feeds them every day – most people don’t actually have that, some go for days without eating. Then I’m going to Africa with EGPAF to do another documentary either in Tanzania or Zimbabwe, so we’ll have another exhibition when we return to bring more awareness about children with AIDS.
You are someone who is everywhere, using your talents every day to benefit the lives of people who need help. What advice do you have for individuals who want to use their skills to make a difference?
Anyone can be a hero – just get out there and do something! There’s actually a charity called Do Something where children go out into the community and gain an idea of what they want to do to help – from bringing food to a homeless shelter, to helping write letters fighting for amnesty. Also, the Make-A-Wish Foundation is great. Most of the kids in the program don’t have very big wishes: maybe they want a playground in their back yard, or a jungle gym or a sandbox – get some wood, fill it with sand, and there you have it. Really anyone can get out there and set an example and help their fellow man.
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About Do Something
Do Something believes you have the power to make a difference. They aim to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. DoSomething.org provides the tools and resources for you to convert your ideas and energy into positive action. Be part of a generation of doers.
► Do Something
About Edeyo
Edeyo is an independent not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the future of children in Haiti by rebuilding dilapidated schools, supplying students with learning materials, and providing them with nutritional support. The Edeyo Team is a group of dedicated professionals from various backgrounds who all share the same passion to empower Haitian youth.
► Edeyo
About The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF)
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, one of Alternative’s charity partners, seeks to prevent pediatric HIV infection and to eradicate pediatric AIDS through research, advocacy, and prevention and treatment programs.
► Pediatric AIDS Foundation
About The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest and most effective animal protection organization—backed by 10 million Americans, or one in every 30. Established in 1954, The HSUS seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that will also benefit people. They are America's mainstream force against cruelty, exploitation and neglect, as well as the most trusted voice extolling the human-animal bond.
► The Humane Society of the United States
About the Make-A-Wish Foundation
Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® has enriched the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work. The Foundation's mission reflects the life-changing impact that a Make-A-Wish® experience has on children, families, referral sources, donors, sponsors, and entire communities.
► Make-A-Wish Foundation
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