Why Are People Wearing ‘Red Noses’ Today?

There's a good chance you might see someone today that is wearing a "red" clown nose.

Before you write them off as some bozo wannabe that is trying out for the circus, you should know that today, May 21, 2015 is "Red Nose Day" here in the U.S.

In case you missed the memo, Red Nose Day has been going on for 30 years in the U.K., this is the first year for it here in the states.

Still confused? Let me help out. Red Nose Day is somewhat like a telethon over in the U.K, it's like a combination fundraising event and variety show all in one.

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Here's the deal, if you watch NBC TV tonight from 7:00-10:00 PM you will see a number of your favorite celebrities, people like;  Julia Roberts, Will Ferrell, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Jodie Foster, Ed Sheeran, Jimmy Fallon, and Neil Patrick Harris just to name a few. There's a lengthy list of celebs participating in this thing tonight.

The event will be hosted by Seth Meyers, David Duchovny and Jane Krakowski.

The aim of Red Nose Day is to bring about real and lasting change by tackling the root causes of poverty and social injustice. Grants are awarded to projects on the ground that work to give people a leg up, not a hand out. The event is "built upon the foundation that mass media and celebrities can help raise money and increase awareness of poverty in order to save and change millions of lives." That according to Richard Curtis, the creator of the U.K. show.

What can you expect if you watch the 3-hour Red Nose Day event tonight on NBC?

You will see a combination of both live and pre-taped content. Red Nose Day will feature sketches like; "Game of Thrones: The Musical," along with other performances and a variety of comedy bits. The benefit will also air short appeals films that "shed light on those in need."

According to NBC, the money raised during tonight's event "will be used to fund programs that address the immediate needs of children and young people living in poverty in the U.S. and internationally in Africa, Asia and Latin America."

Wanna get in on the fun? Buy and wear a Red Nose yourself.

Red noses are available at Walgreens stores. Proceeds go to The Red Nose Day Fund. Noses will be on sale through August 31 or while supplies last.

Then post a selfie of you and your friends wearing a nose and doing your part for Red Nose Day to the official Facebook and Twitter accounts and pledge 50¢ for every like or retweet you get.

Download the official Red Nose Day app here.

Source: NBC TV