Finally something to suggest that unscripted programming and its sometimes-unwitting heroes may be getting a bad rap.

The stars of some of television's most popular reality shows are aware that both their fame and their new-found wealth arrived in the blink of an eye, but now a few of them are prepared to give something back. Reality vets including Brad Holcman of "Average Joe," Reichen Lehmkuhl of "The Amazing Race," James Getzlaff and Andra Stasko of "Boy Meets Boy," Tonya Cooley of "Real World," Adam Larson of "Road Rules," and Joanne Newborn of "Who Wants to Marry My Dad?" have formed The Reality Cares Foundation to help join the fight against diseases including Alzheimer's, breast cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Will Kirby, the winner of "Big Brother 2," serves as the Foundation's Chief Medical Advisor.

"Our Foundation provides reality show stars with a unique opportunity to use their sudden fame to make a real difference in their communities and to help those in need," says Todd Michael Krim, founder of The Reality Cares Foundation. "I hope our Foundation not only helps those most in need, but inspires a new spirit of philanthropy among a younger group of television stars and viewers."

The first event for The Reality Cares Foundation will be held on April 22 in Chicago. Titled "The Real Deal," it will raise money for HIV/AIDS care, prevention and treatment. Presented by The Advocate, and sponsored by The Giving Back Fund, "The Real Deal" will feature appearances by popular lesbian and gay reality show stars.

"We are proud to be sponsoring The Reality Cares Foundation and using our management expertise to help ensure its long-term success," says Marc Pollick, president of The Giving Back Fund. "With the continued growth in popularity of reality shows such as 'The Apprentice' and 'The Simple Life,' we see tremendous potential for The Reality Cares Foundation and are delighted to be working with this enthusiastic group of young stars."