JR and Loren Ridinger Talk Charity: Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup Miami

Market America founders JR and Loren Ridinger announce Eva Longoria Parker as honorary chair for the inaugural Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup Miami — a unique fundraising event benefiting Jackson Memorial Foundation, Holtz Children's Hospital, and the International Kids Fund. Premier Guide Miami sat down to find out what that means — and what comes next.

We all have a story to share about one of the most chronic diseases of our time — cancer. We have all been affected in some way, whether through family members, close friends, or even ourselves. The Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup is ignited by the desire to help Jackson Memorial Foundation, the International Kids Fund (IKF), and Holtz Children's Hospital, and takes place November 20 and 21, 2009, in Miami.

Participants will each raise a minimum of $25,000 online to enter their personal car, which gives them the chance to draft a Celebrity Navigator such as Eva Longoria Parker; Adam Rodríguez, actor on CSI: Miami; Lennox Lewis, former World Heavyweight Champion; and many more. The higher the driver's fundraising amount, the better the draft position earned to select the celebrity who will accompany them on their Scavenger Cup adventure throughout the city. Rally for Kids is geared at raising funds to support children affected by this disease and to improve their lives in the hopes that one day we may find a cure.

We met with JR and Loren Ridinger, principals of Market America, at a press conference held at the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach to announce Eva Longoria Parker as honorary chair of the first Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup Miami. JR and Loren are passionate supporters of the cause and encourage everyone to do what they can to help make a difference for the children who suffer from this disease. Photos by Winston Delawar.

What was your inspiration for getting involved with Rally for Kids with Cancer?

Eva and I are very close friends — we vacation together, we do everything together. I think that children are very special. When she came to me with the idea, I could not say no. I am a mother, I have a 17-year-old daughter, and I can't possibly imagine what it would be like if I had a child who was suffering with cancer. I feel it's an obligation to give back. God has been good to us and we have to give back.

Do you have a personal story you would like to share? Is there anyone in your life who has been affected by cancer?

My mom died of cancer at the young age of 52, and I have a lot of friends who suffer from breast cancer. It's a horrible disease, but to see children suffer — for me, that's a killer. I can't stand it. I feel that they don't have a voice and they don't have the medical attention they need. I felt this was a great way to get people involved, and it's fun.

How is the Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup fundraising different from other charitable events in Miami?

It's not like the traditional charities where you go to an event or you are seated in a ballroom and everyone is all "dolled up." In this event, everyone gets out there — they put their uniforms on. Everyone will be racing to complete amazing lifetime experiences at seven pit stops, and they'll get to do all these exciting things. That alone is worth the money, but they don't have to give the money themselves. They can raise it through the website or send it out to all their friends. We did that by just sending it out to all our friends.

How much have you contributed?

We have not given anything as yet. We are going to give, and we will give big.

How much have you raised so far?

Close to about $50,000 just by putting it on our sites. Some people give $1, $5, $10 — just like going to church. It's been amazing. Nobody has put up that much individually, but it all adds up.

Were there any challenges?

No. Sometimes the website would go down, but that's OK — that's technology. It's been very exciting for us. We still have a whole month to go and I am so excited. I am pushing it to everyone. I don't care if you can afford to give $1 — give it. Every dollar makes a difference.

You mentioned putting the fun back into fundraising. How do you intend to achieve that in the Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup Miami?

Whenever people talk about fundraising, everyone starts wondering — especially here in Miami. Miami is a city notorious for tons of fundraising events, and before you know it, it becomes just a social event. Well, this is more about doing something great but having fun while doing it. Our gala ball takes place on November 21, 2009 — it's called Jewels and Jeans. I love that because people can come in their blue jeans, put their jewels on if they like, wear their tennis shoes, and actually have a good time doing it. The secret pit stops — we can't tell anyone what's going to take place there. The different celebrities and the things guests get to do at these stops make the event itself fun. You will also get to hear the kids' stories and get to meet them. I think sometimes there are so many charities but you don't get to hear from the kids. You attend these big events and you're like, "OK... what's happening? Where are the kids?" I love this one because you can actually touch and feel and see these children and help them get the care they need.

You are heavily involved in the community. Why have you decided to participate in so many charitable activities and organizations?

I do a lot already with my work, and Market America takes a big chunk of our time. I just feel like God has been really good to us. We are parents, and I think there is nothing more responsible as a person than to give back to the community. We are blessed to do well, so we have to give back.

How involved is Market America with Rally for Kids?

We are very involved. We are involved with numerous charities, but this one is really dear to us. I've always said I am a sucker for anything that has to do with kids. I have one but I should have had a million more. I look at these children as our own, and I mean that. Sometimes you may hear others say, "Oh, that's not my kid — it can't happen to me," but it can. I did the American Heart Association Red Dress Fashion Show during Funkshion Fashion Week. I get the impression that people who do these events think they cannot have heart disease, but my mom did at the age of 42. I feel like we have an obligation, and I always feel like there is a right time and a right place. Tony, Eva, JR, and I are very dear friends. When Eva came to us saying they needed us to rally behind them, it was an easy decision.

To support Rally for Kids with Cancer and join JR and Loren's team, visit the event website and make a donation — anything you are comfortable with. Every little bit matters and it all adds up. For more information on the Rally for Kids with Cancer Scavenger Cup in Miami, visit www.rallyforkids.org.

For more upcoming events across South Florida, visit the Premier Guide Miami Events Calendar.