A beloved TV news anchor who got tired of being "the mouthpiece for the daily human tragedy" and a popular international speaker are the hosts of a unique new TV series, "Angels in the Neighborhood."
Beverly Kidd left TV news two years ago and launched a successful career in real estate. Robert Van Arlen is a keynote speaker, emcee and concert pianist who volunteers his talents for several charities. The two just wrapped production of the show's pilot, said series creator and co-executive producer Jim Lindsey.
"We're telling true, compelling stories to introduce the American public to the real human angels in their neighborhoods," says Lindsey, who has developed numerous primetime TV specials, network series and major motion pictures while serving as vice chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide. "But that's just one aspect of this project. We want to create a grassroots movement of Angel copycats, if you will. We also plan to donate10 percent of profits from the show to the Angels we discover."
The production is inspired and funded by John Shimer, a director of the charitable corporation Fortune Family Foundation.
"Angels in the Neighborhood," produced by Angel Wings Entertainment of Los Angeles, answers a prayer for co-host Kidd.
"For 10 years, I read the evening news in Phoenix and realized that I didn't want to be the mouthpiece for the daily human tragedy," she says. "So in 2011, I left my job and went into real estate. I didn't think I'd work in TV again because it wasn't fulfilling."
When she was invited to co-host "Angels in the Neighborhood," she immediately said yes.
"I love the idea of creating not just a TV show but a culture, a movement of people helping people. I can't tell you how many people used to ask me, 'Why can't you tell positive stories on the news?' This is what viewers have been asking for."
Van Arlen, meanwhile, says the show aligns perfectly with his core values.
"I believe in building inspirational communities one person at a time," he says. "This is an amazing opportunity to inspire others to get involved with local charities all over the country."
The company invites the public to submit nominations for Angel candidates by visiting www.AngelWingsEntertainment.
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