Sale of 'American Idol' Finalist CDs Raises $185,000 For the American Red CrossWednesday October 8, 10:21 am ET
Funds to Benefit Red Cross Lifesaving Programs and Services in This Country And Around the World WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Top-selling CD-singles featuring "American Idol" finalists' version of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the U.S.A." and Burt Bacharach's "What the World Needs Now Is Love" have so far generated a total of $185,000 for the American Red Cross. The donation was presented to the Red Cross by RCA Music Group President and COO, Charles Goldstuck, on behalf of the RCA Music Group and 19 Entertainment, at an event today honoring corporations that have helped make our communities safer through their support of Red Cross lifesaving programs and services.
The finalists' version of "God Bless the U.S.A.," which was performed live on the show, hit stores nationwide on April 15, with 50 cents from the sale of each CD-single, ultimately $155,000, directly benefiting Red Cross programs and services. The single entered Billboard's "Hot 100 Singles Sales Chart" at No. 1, selling just over 100,000 copies in its first week alone. Additionally, the finalists' version of Burt Bacharach's 1967 classic, "What the World Needs Now Is Love," went on sale in stores nationwide on April 29 with 50 cents from the sale of each CD-single directly benefiting the American Red Cross International Response Fund -- a total of $30,000 so far. The International Response Fund enables the American Red Cross to provide and support relief and development services for the victims of international crises.
"We, at the American Red Cross, are touched by the generosity of the RCA Music Group," said Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO of the Red Cross. "Red Cross programs and services are a vital part of communities, and we are grateful for the opportunity to use this gift to help individuals across the country. Our thanks goes out to everyone at RCA Music Group and 'American Idol'."
"The reaction to "God Bless the USA" and "What the World Needs Now is Love" was so overwhelming when performed on the American Idol show, we at RCA Music Group knew this was opportunity to help our country in a time of need. We chose the American Red Cross for their enormous efforts and everything they stand for. I would also like to thank the American Idol creator Simon Fuller for being our partner in this worthy cause," says Charles Goldstuck.
This donation comes at a time of serious need for the Red Cross. The Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to respond immediately to disasters nationwide providing shelter, food, water and comfort to victims, is at a critical low. The organization has spent more to provide relief in the past year than it has raised in donations.
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