Media Advisory

Taking inspiration from a popular TV show to raise money for the American Red Cross Measles Initiative, 12 Johns Hopkins undergraduates will put homework on hold Thursday night to compete in the university's second annual "Hopkins Idol" singing competition.

The winner will have the opportunity to be the opening performer for hip-hop artist Common during the university's Spring Fair, April 13-15. Organized entirely by student leaders with no budget, "Hopkins Idol" will feature judges such as Eileen Soskin, associate dean for academic affairs for the Peabody Conservatory. All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross Measles Initiative, with every dollar going towards the purchase of vaccines against measles. One vaccine costs only $1. The event has a $5 minimum donation, so each audience member will be responsible for saving five lives through the Measles Initiative.

The event is organized by the student group VisionXchange, a service and international relief organization on the Homewood campus. The group says its goal is "to raise a lot of money for good causes while having an awesome time as well." VisionXchange has hosted several fun, stunt-based events to raise money for charity, including an annual "Top Model" competition, raising money last December for victims of human trafficking; "Shots for Shots," a basketball-themed fund-raiser in March 2006, pitting students against professors and also benefiting the Measles Initiative; and an attempt in April 2006 to set a new benchmark in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most couples on a simultaneous blind date.

To reach students organizing this event, contact senior Nabiha Syed at 714-200-3983 or nabiha@jhu.edu. Media wishing to cover the contest should contact Amy Lunday in advance at 443-287-9960.