Justin ‘Kaufy’ Kaufmann popularly known as ‘MorningKaufy’ has revealed he will be organizing and hosting an online ‘Talent Show’ to raise money to help budding athletes in the Ethiopian/African community in New York.
Asked about his plans, Kaufmann has this to say, “Ethiopians have always been recognized as endurance and long-distance athletes. The problem is that most of them lack the funding to go pro or make a career of it.”
He further explained that in recent times crowdfunding is the go-to source of funding for almost anything these days. “I intend to use the public goodwill method by getting my followers, fans and supporters to donate towards this project,” he says.
Justin told us the first edition of the event will be held online because he intends to make it open to all, so anyone interested in participating can join. He stated that auditions will be virtual and the chosen contestants will also hold online performances where people will vote for their favorite auditions to make the show.
Justin said a token of $25 will be charged per contestant as audition fees. In addition to the entry fee, his followers, fans and online attendees will donate to cast votes for their favorite contestant/audition to make the final 5. The contestant who gains the most number of donations will qualify. The funds raised will be used to support the final winner and 15% will be donated to a charity of their choice.
“I will create a go fund me account so that anyone who wishes to donate without participating in the contest can also do that.”
Participants will pre-record and submit their audition online so a team of judges that will be chosen from his followers and fans can then assemble the performances for a live broadcast on a later date. Tickets will also be sold to gain access to the livestream showing, and only ticket holders will have the option to cast votes during the livestream to crown a winner.
Kaufy also said a date for people to start posting their audition videos and tagging his handle will be announced soon. He went further to say that he has always loved giving back to the less privileged and to society.
“My motto has always been, work hard, smile and give back,” he added.
Justin Kaufamann is a businessman, philanthropist and pro triathlete. He is currently training in preparation to contest in ironman Arizona 2022.