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July 11, 2008

New Reality Show Hopes to Raise Big Money for Charity

A new reality television show that seeks to raise at least $10-million per episode for charity is being planned by Scott O. Talbot, an Australian businessman and philanthropist.

Working with the producer Blayne K. Ross, who was previously at Showtime, Mr. Talbot said that each show would document a fund-raising gala. While that would cost up to $500,000 to carry out, he said the charity will not be charged.

The show would star four professionals — an event planner, chef, decorator, and bartender — as they work to pull off a one-of-a-kind charity event for each episode.

The series would benefit charities such as Unicef, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and March of Dimes, but Mr. Talbot said he wants at least half of the charities represented to be smaller, little-known organizations.

Mr. Talbot said has already secured $120-million in advertising and product offers from companies that want to be featured on the show. He also said the reality series would provide a means for viewers to donate to the charity featured in each episode.

In hopes of a spring 2009 debut, Mr. Talbot and Mr. Ross said they are in negotiations with major networks such as ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, adding that different episodes of the show could run on more than one network.

— Holly Hall

Friday July 11, 2008 | Permalink

Comments

1. Here you go, Mimi, the answer to our fundraising challenges!

   — Elizabeth Collaton    Jul 14, 10:12 AM    #

2. How do we get our organization in front of them? Please visit the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund’s fundraiser Tour Des Trees at www.tourdestrees.org

   — M.J. Bornancin    Jul 14, 02:38 PM    #

3. Please pass along contact information that the smaller grassroots organizations don’t get easily…great idea but I say keep it for the “little guys”!
   Please visit Cancer Alliance of Naples at www.cancerallianceofnaples.com

   — Kathy Nicklaus    Jul 14, 02:43 PM    #

4. Please send contact information…we’re one of the “little guys” who spend all year struggling to make ends meet in order to continue to nuture, educate and heal our clients. Visit our website at www.wellspring.org. Thank you.

   — Marilu Hallenbeck    Jul 14, 02:53 PM    #

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