Model Compassion

Amber Valletta is helping to raise funds for the INCTR, while elevating its visibility among the general public.

Her face has graced the covers of countless fashion magazines. Considered one of the world's most beautiful women, Amber Valletta has modeled for such international fashion houses as Versace, Armani and Donna Karan. She puts on the flawless face of Elizabeth Arden. She has the perfect female form for high fashion.

Yet Amber Valleta's beauty is much more than skin-deep, and her interests go well beyond Prada pumps. Her compassion for others, particularly those with cancer, has distinguished her from all the other pretty faces. A member of the professional advisory board of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Valletta recently joined INCTR as an associate member. She intends to assist with fundraising activities and to serve as an INCTR spokesperson.

"Cancer has affected my family greatly," Valletta says. "My mother and both grandmothers had breast cancer. And I learned a lot about cancers from my work with St. Jude's. Michael Saba [INCTR's development officer] brought INCTR to my attention, and it intrigued me because of the importance of treating people with cancer in third world countries. I like to have a bigger view of the world, and there is such a great need. Whatever we do in the U.S. can help the rest of the world. I know that we have the resources to do a lot to fight cancer, and it's really important for us to do our part to aid those who don't have the same resources."

Valletta is planning to participate in a fundraiser for INCTR in Los Angeles, California, to be held later this year. Details are not firm yet, but other fundraisers she has been involved in have taken the form of charity fashion shows and auctions. Her favorite charities include Dishes, Covenant House, World Wildlife Federation, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, The Village for Tibetan Children and the Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund. Because of her interest in breast cancer, she also donates time and money to The Nina Hyde Foundation. 

It will be a busy year ahead for Valletta, who is juggling her charitable work with modeling, motherhood (she has a 14-month-old son) and a burgeoning film and television career. Her recent film credits include Drop Back Ten, What Lies Beneath and Family Man. She is presently considering offers for the small screen.

"I'm really excited to be on board with INCTR," she says. "Especially since 9/11, we tend to define ourselves by our borders. We are all one people, trying to communicate through our different cultures. America is very affluent and we can help."

--Marcia C. Landskroener

If you or your organization would like to contribute financially to the mission of the INCTR, please contact: Michael Saba INCTR, USA sabamps@aol.com phone: 901-759-7001 fax: 901-759-2407