GQ ANNOUNCES THE GENTLEMEN’S FUND
WITH CELEBRITY AMBASSADORS ASHTON KUTCHER, ADRIAN GRENIER,
JOSH DUHAMEL AND MARK WAHLBERG
AND THE GENTLEMENS BALL, OCTOBER 28
New York, NY (October 13, 2009) GQ is proud to announce The Gentlemens Fund for 2009. The third annual effort further honors the contributions of men who are dedicated to working towards a better world, in partnership with the magazines advertisers. On October 28, The Gentlemens Fund initiative will culminate with The Gentlemens Ball, an evening that benefits the four charity partners with a special performance by Q-Tip and Akon.
Additionally The Gentlemens Fund is working with the Mobile Giving Foundation (MGF) and mGive to raise funds for the charities through a mobile platform This years pillars PSAs will include a text-to-donate call-to-action. Donations would be fixed at $5.00. The national print PSA campaign for The Gentlemens Fund launched in GQ magazine in the October issue, and will continue throughout the year in other publications.
The Gentlemens Fund is about ordinary men doing extraordinary things, said GQ publisher Peter Hunsinger. In these times when resources contract, needs escalate, and I am pleased that our sponsors and celebrity ambassadors are bringing awareness to our readers and finding ways for men to give back.
THE GENTLEMENS FUND
This year, The Gentlemens Fund has partnered with returning partners Nautica, HP, Gillette, and the exciting addition of Ketel One vodka. With four charities and the four celebrity ambassadors The Gentlemens Fund continues with the cornerstones essential to the betterment of mens live, through Conservation, Education, Leadership, and Integrity.
Ashton Kutcher and HP support Education through UNICEF. Only education will break the cycles of poverty, disease, and injustice that plague so many of the worlds children. Yet, every year more than 100 million children miss out on the benefits of an education. UNICEF works to ensure that all children have access to a rights-based, quality education. Their innovative programs and initiatives target the worlds most disadvantaged children. These efforts involve action at all levels because the empowerment of the worlds children is the responsibility of the entire global community.
Adrian Grenier and Nautica support Conservation through OCEANA. The largest international organization committed exclusively to oceanic conservation. Their teams of scientists, economists, lawyers, and advocates win concrete policy changes that help preserve the health of our oceans. Each campaign they undertake has a specific time frame and objective aimed at making a tangible impact.
Josh Duhamel and Ketel One vodka support Integrity through the PAT TILLMAN FOUNDATION. Inspired by the distinguished life and legacy of Pat Tillman – professional athlete, military hero and a man of strong character and kindness, The Pat Tillman Foundation seeks to be the leading organization for veterans and military families of Iraq and Afghanistan who are seeking to transform themselves and the country through education and service.
Mark Wahlberg and Gillette support Leadership through the MARK WAHLBERG FOUNDATION. Caring, constructive guidance should not be a privilege limited to those of stable communities or of financial means. Through financial and community support, the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation aims to eliminate barriers that prevent youth from succeeding.
BETTER MEN, BETTER WORLD SEARCH
The 2009 Better Men, Better World Search, an integral component of the overall The Gentlemens Fund platform. With over 400 nominations received and more than 37,500 votes recorded during the 2008 Better Men Better World Search.
GQ was looking forward to the search expanding in its second year. The Better Men, Better World Search call for entries was featured in GQs July issue and select Cond Nast titles, introducing readers to the program. GQ asked readers to nominate an agent of change striving for the betterment of society through charitable work, volunteerism, and/or community involvementsomeone who is working hard to make this a better world.
GQ selected the five best submissions as finalists. Between September 10 and October 7 readers determined the winner by popular vote. The Better Men, Better World Search winner will be announced and honored at The Gentlemens Ball in New York City.
THE GENTLEMENS BALL
The Gentlemens Ball will take place in New York City, on October 28, and be hosted by the four celebrity ambassadors. The evening includes an hour of cocktails (with specialty drinks created by Ketel One vodka) and hors doeuvres, followed by a sit-down dinner, The Gentlemens Fund awards ceremony, celebrity speakers, and a special performance by Q-Tip and Akon.
About The Gentlemens Fund:
Established in 2007 by GQ to commemorate its 50th anniversary, The Gentlemens Fund encourages men to find opportunities to give back. The initiative supports non-profit organizations which link to several pillars that GQ considers important to men. The Gentlemens Fund seeks to encourage individuals to become agents of change and contribute to charities that champion these causes.
About GQ Magazine:
GQ is the leading mens general-interest magazine with a monthly readership of 6.3 million readers. The magazine is published by Cond Nast Publications.
(All original content of this article was written by GQ The Gentlemen’s Fund Ball)