Getty Images Celebrates Conclusion of 'Change Me' Imagery Forum

SEATTLE, Nov. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Getty Images, Inc. , the world's leading imagery creator and distributor, today announced the successful conclusion of "Change Me," an initiative in which thousands of people used powerful images to share their thoughts on how to make the world a better place. The initiative involved numerous celebrities and thousands of creative professionals and students around the globe. Funds raised benefited Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, a DC-based advocacy organization that works to educate and mobilize decision-makers in the fight to end the worldwide burden of the three diseases.

Participants in "Change Me" selected an inspiring image and commented on why they felt the image has the power to change perceptions. For each submission, Getty Images contributed funds to Friends of the Global Fight, resulting in a total donation of $500,000 to the non-profit.

Although the "Change Me" forum is no longer accepting submissions, all participants' comments and chosen imagery can be seen by visiting http://www.gettyimages.com/changeme.

Among the celebrities involved with the project was Richard Gere, actor and global activist, who took a leading role in "Change Me" and encouraged others to become engaged. "These diseases are all too easy to put out of our minds, but 'Change Me' used powerful images to create an experience of personal reflection and commitment to change while benefiting a tremendous cause, Friends of the Global Fight," said Gere.

"'Change Me' has not only fulfilled a significant financial pledge to Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, but has created a dialogue of powerful imagery that resonates with people all around the world," said Natasha Bilimoria, Executive Director of Friends of the Global Fight. "We are grateful to the thousands who shared their thoughts through 'Change Me' submissions that continue to inspire our efforts to fight the world's most devastating diseases."

"Throughout history, imagery has proven to be an astounding political and social force -- affecting change and bringing the world together through one universal language," said Jonathan Klein, CEO and co-founder of Getty Images. "Everyone who participated in 'Change Me' harnessed the power of imagery to move others from apathy to positive action on a provocative array of issues. We are grateful that we could help use the world's most powerful imagery to create change."

About Getty Images

Getty Images is the world's leading creator and distributor of visual content and the first place creative professionals turn to discover, purchase and manage imagery. The company's award-winning photographers and imagery help customers create inspiring work which appears every day in the world's most influential newspapers, magazines, advertising campaigns, films, television programs, books and Web sites. Headquartered in Seattle and serving customers in more than 100 countries, Getty Images believes in the power of imagery to drive positive change, educate, inform, and entertain. Visit Getty Images at http://www.gettyimages.com/.

About Friends of the Global Fight

Friends of the Global Fight works to educate, engage and mobilize American decision-makers in the fight to end the worldwide burden of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. By focusing these efforts on decision-makers in Washington, Friends seeks to build a sustained political commitment to supporting the Global Fund and the fight against the three diseases. For more information about Friends of the Global Fight, please visit http://www.theglobalfight.org/.