Designed to address the effects of gripping and pervasive poverty in the United States and Africa, with assistance from Sexton, American Idol created Idol Gives Back. Sexton provided critical guidance in developing the not-for-profit entity through which funds would flow, determining beneficiary organizations, as well as creating the heart and soul of the program – a series of emotional short films that showcased the effects of extreme poverty. Idol Gives Back redefined television charity events raising more than $75Mn, setting a new world record for telephone call-ins, and receiving a special Emmy Award.