He was the sole survivor during his season of CBS' reality TV show "Survivor," but Ethan Zohn didn't take his million-dollar prize and live the Hollywood lifestyle. Instead, he dedicated himself to teaching children in Africa about HIV and AIDS prevention through soccer as a founding member of Grassroots Soccer.
This Thursday through Saturday, Zohn will be in Milwaukee helping gear up for the MISL (Major Indoor Soccer League) playoffs and receiving donations for the Grassroots Soccer program.
"I have a little bit of history with the Milwaukee Wave and Miller Brewing Co., both of which helped me create the Reality All-Star Soccer Festival," he says.
Zohn says that his ties to Milwaukee also have to do with how Miller Brewing Co., now owned by South Africa's SABMiller, understands the cause.
"South Africa Brewing does so much work in terms of HIV and AIDS both here in United States and in South Africa," Zohn says. "We're pretty excited. They're a great company to work with. They see the power of soccer and we use soccer to make an impact."
His a three-day event is directed at getting the word out about Grassroots Soccer and is a chance to generate excitement about the game.
"I'll be doing radio interviews and an event at Cans Bar to raise money and spread the word about Milwaukee Wave game on Saturday."
There's also a current eBay auction for a VIP Afternoon with Zohn for three winners with one guest each. The package includes a lunch followed by a VIP hard-hat tour of Miller Brewing Co. and two VIP tickets to Saturday's playoff game.
Zohn says his passion for Africa was set into motion before his stint on "Survivor: Africa."
"Prior to 'Survivor,' I lived and played professional soccer in Zimbabwe. I witnessed what AIDS could do first hand. I had a friend who got sick and passed away," Zohn says. "I was young and didn't know what to do. I thought one person couldn't do anything to make a difference in Africa. Fast forward to 'Survivor,' which filmed in Kenya. On the show, I played hacky sack with HIV positive kids and it was a real life experience."
After winning his season, he was finally able to help in other ways. Although he wishes he could have done more with his money, he says Uncle Sam had a say in how much he could give.
"(Grassroots Soccer) started in 2002. It was basically myself and three other guys I played soccer with. I had a little bit of money and little bit of fame," he says. "It started in Zimbabwe. We use soccer as a tool to teach kids about HIV in eight different African countries."
The group uses professional soccer players and coaches based in Africa to get their message across. Grassroots Soccer primarily works in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.
But Zohn says that he has "Survivor" to thank for his opportunity to give back.
"I applied as a joke and I never thought it was going to be me. I didn't expect to win," he says. "Finally got out there and thought 'I've got a decent shot.' It opened doors for me, things I've always wanted to pursue. It was a starting point for me. It's been a great experience."
He still watches the show all the time.
"I really do like the game. It's the perfect game because it touches on every part of human nature -- spiritual, emotional, social," he says. "Even thought it's in the 14th or 15th season, there's still something enticing about it."
Liking the game so much, he went back for a second season, but he didn't last as long this time. But he's also been on "Fear Factor" and "Celebrity Paranormal." Zohn's not completely sure he's retired from reality television, though.
"I never want to say never. It was never my goal to be on a reality TV show ever. For me it's about having fun. When in the world am I going to be on 'Fear Factor' again?" He says. "It's not my goal to be on reality TV, but I'm not going to pass up a fun experience."
Still, he wants to use his fame and notoriety for something good. This weekend, he's focused on getting people to donate for a good cause.
"All things aside, it's helping make a difference in the world," Zohn says. "If they're a fan of the show or soccer, or a fan of me, it'll be a cool experience. Bring the family."
Originally from Des Plaines, Ill., Heather moved to Milwaukee to earn a B.A. in journalism from Marquette University. With a tongue-twisting last name like Leszczewicz, it's best to go into a career where people don't need to say your name often.
However, she's still sticking to some of her Illinoisan ways (she won't reform when it comes to things like pop, water fountain or ATM), though she's grown to enjoy her time in the Brew City.
Although her journalism career is still budding, Heather has had the chance for some once-in-a-lifetime interviews with celebrities like actor Vince Vaughn and actress Charlize Theron, director Cameron Crowe and singers Ben Kweller and Isaac Hanson of '90s brother boy band Hanson.
Heather's a self-proclaimed workaholic but loves her entertainment. She's a real television and movie fanatic, book nerd, music junkie, coffee addict and pop culture aficionado.
