Gene Simmons, the iconic rock star Gene Simmons is a man with a big heart. His heart was more than 140x larger. KISS member Gene Simmons stars in his own reality TV series. “Gene Simmons Family Jewels,” that airs Monday nights on A&E – recently highlighted his relationship with ChildFund InternationalBy inviting viewers to watch his journey to Zambia to meet 12 his more than 140 sponsored children.

The episode aired in late June on A&E. Gene thought he was traveling to Africa to go on safari with his wife, Shannon; however, she had other ideas in mind. Gene was to be accompanied by 12 of her sponsored children, which she had arranged.

Shannon and Gene brought school supplies, soccer balls and backpacks, as well as clothing, to share with the children. Gene sponsored one child to receive a bicycle so that he wouldn’t have to walk all the way to school. Shannon gave shoes to one young lady.

He met Esther, a young lady he was sponsoring while he was there. She and her family sometimes go without food on days like these. It’s hard for her to go to school. Although she has to walk for long distances, she doesn’t complain. Since losing her parents to cancer, she has had a dream to become a nurse.

Gene explained to her that he would make some sort of deal with her. He would pay her tuition for nursing school if she has good grades.

Shannon said, “You don’t owe us anything. You don’t have to pay us back. You owe us to be a good nurse.”

Gene added “We met an amazing 16-year-old girl with lots of charisma, who can change the cycle, but the odds are stacked against her.”

Gene was introduced by ChildFund’s commercials, just like millions of others sponsors. The message of the commercial hasn’t changed that much: a small monthly donation can make a difference in the lives and livelihoods of children in developing countries. Even today, the average sponsor does not have to be a celebrity. They are simply a person who cares.

“It’s our responsibility to take care of each other,”Gene. “You don’t need to be a star. You don’t need to be rich.”