Former African Affairs Director Named Finalist in GQ’s 2010 Better Men Better World Search
NEW YORK – Former Director of African Affairs for the National Security Council (NSC), John Prendrgast is among the five finalists of the annual Better Men Better World Search. GQ’s The Gentlemen’s Fund, along with Movado, has announced them today . Each year, GQ accepts hundreds of nominations from across the country in its search for men who dedicate their time and energy for the betterment of society. Through charitable work, volunteerism, and community involvement, these men embody what it truly means to be a gentleman.
GQ’s Better Men Better World Search finalists are:
— John Prendergast – Author, former Director of African Affairs for the National Security Council (NSC), and a human rights activist for more than 25 years, Prendergast has worked tirelessly to secure peace in Africa. His initiative, called The Enough Project, reflects his attitude towards the ongoing violence and strives to bring an end to genocide and crimes against humanity not only in Africa but throughout the world.
— Tad Agoglia – Unable to ignore what he calls a “crisis of need in this country,” Agoglia founded The First Response Team of America, a nonprofit, nomadic crew of workers who are well equipped with tools, supplies, and emergency vehicles to provide immediate relief to people and areas affected by disasters.
— Jimmie Briggs – Although most men are not guilty of rape or physical or even verbal abuse, they do, as Briggs says, “stand by” and see abuse as an issue that affects only women. Jimmie Briggs left his award-winning career as a journalist to start The Man Up Campaign, an initiative dedicated to bringing men together and putting an end to violence against women in all its forms, from domestic violence to sex trafficking.
— Ken Frantz – While flipping through the pages of National Geographic in a waiting room, Frantz took note of a picture that revealed the startlingly dangerous construction of a bridge that crossed the Blue Nile in Ethiopia. Realizing that it put many lives in danger and slowed economic activities, Frantz began Bridges to Prosperity, an organization that has been responsible for constructing over 60 simple and safe footbridges to connect communities around the world.
— Kiff Gallagher – Gallagher is the founder of the Music National Service (MNS), a nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth in high-need communities by providing them with music-driven service and education. MNS recruits and trains musicians to serve full-time in youth centers, hospitals, and struggling high schools, demonstrating the power and value of music.
The winner of The Better Men Better World Search will be chosen by popular vote and officially announced at The Gentlemen’s Ball in New York City. He will also be featured on a GQ promotional page and receive a $2,000 cash prize, a Movado watch, and $10,000 donated by Movado to the accredited charity of his choice. Readers can cast their vote now through September 30 by visiting www.TheGentlemensFund.com.
The remaining finalists will also be invited, as guests of Movado, to attend The Gentlemen’s Ball, and will receive an ESQ by Movado watch and $2,500 donated to the charities of their choice.
GQ’s The Gentlemen’s Fund initiative raises awareness for issues essential to modern men. Founded in 2007, The Gentlemen’s Fund encourages men to become agents of change by supporting charities that champion causes important to them. Recent Gentlemen’s Fund ambassadors have included Ashton Kutcher, Adrian Grenier, Josh Duhamel, Mark Wahlberg, John Legend, Usher, Steve Nash, Forest Whitaker, and Timbaland.
GQ is the leading men’s general-interest magazine, with a monthly readership of 7 million readers. It is available in print, online at GQ.com, and as an app at iTunes.com. The magazine is published by Condé Nast, a division of Advance Publications. Condé Nast operates in twenty-five countries and is the world leader in exceptional content creation.
