GENE SIMMONS, star of Gene Simmons Family Jewels and leader of the rock band KISS, recently traveled to Zambia to meet several of the more than 140 children he sponsors through ChildFund.

The visit became the premise for an episode of the TV series that airs June 25th on A&E.; Plot synopsis: Gene thinks he's traveling to Africa to go on safari with his wife Shannon; however, she has other ideas in mind. Shannon has arranged for Gene to meet 12 of his sponsored children.

"We originally planned to go to Africa on a Safari, but Shannon had bigger plans, which ended up being a better experience than I ever imagined," Gene said upon finishing the trip.

"Even though we came here with a TV show, none of that seemed to matter anymore after we got to Zambia," said Gene.

Shannon added, "Poverty and starvation... once you see it in person, you can't walk away."

And they didn't. Gene and Shannon brought school supplies, soccer balls, backpacks and clothing. Shannon even gave one young woman the shoes off her feet.

During their time in Zambia, Gene and Shannon also met a young man, Edward, being raised by a single mother. Edward gave Gene a VIP tour of the village, including where he goes to pump water for his family and where he attends school. Gene plans to donate a house for Edward and his mom -- one that is made of concrete and not earth.

It was a humbling experience from beginning to end. "It really makes you appreciate the little things," Shannon said. "I will waste less, spend less and appreciate more."

The trip to Africa, Gene said, "is a stark reminder that life doesn't treat everyone the same."

Gene already is looking at other ways he can make a difference.

ChildFund supporters like Gene and Shannon help change those circumstances. Although the children didn't recognize Gene as a celebrity - even when he handed out KISS swag - he's a rock star in their eyes because he is their ChildFund sponsor.

ChildFund International is a global child development and protection agency serving more than 13.5 million children and their family members in 31 countries. For more than 70 years, we have helped the world's deprived, excluded and vulnerable children survive and thrive to reach their full potential and become leaders of enduring change. As a member of ChildFund Alliance we create supportive environments in which children can flourish. To sponsor a child in need, visit the ChildFund website.

On July 14th, Simmons will visit Aguascalientes, Mexico, as a special guest at an event in which the band AX'S with Jesus de Luna will perform live for the first time ever, the complete KISS Symphony concert, as performed in Australia, with the Symphony Orchestra of Aguascalientes on the Island San Marcos.

Organizers promise incredible surprises during the event, there will be tickets that include VIP access and a photo with Gene. Ticket sales will begin soon, details to follow.

KISS Army Mexico will be giving away VIP access to fans who have registered here to take part in this unique experience. If not registered send your details soon as this is the only way you can gain access to this KISS Army Mexico event.

From Fangoria, the planet's number one cult film, horror and fantasy culture entertainment magazine, KISS: Monster - The Official Album And Tour Magazine will hit newsstands everywhere on June 26th and be sold direct via Fangoria.com and KISSonline.com, just in time for the first week of the new KISS/MÖTLEY CRÜE nationwide tour.

A KISS magazine made by KISS fans for KISS fans, this glossy, 72 page collector’s magazine features dozens of rare, new and never before published photographs as well as brand new interviews with KISS members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer, wherein they muse on the past, reflect on the present and look to what lies in store for “the hottest band in the world” on the cusp of the release of Monster, the band’s 20th studio album.

Filled with blood, spectacle, fire, passion, insight and affection, KISS: Monster - The Official Album And Tour Magazine is a souvenir no KISS fan will want to be without.

Pre-order your copy now here.

KISS/Mötley Crüe The Tour dates:

July

20 - Jiffy Lube Live - Bristow, VA
21 - Farm Bureau Live - Virginia Beach, VA
22 - Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion - Raleigh, NC
24 - Aaron's Amphitheater at Lakewood - Atlanta, GA
25 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Charlotte, NC
27 - Cruzan Amphitheatre - West Palm Beach, FL
28 - 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheater - Tampa, FL
31 - Oak Mountain Amphitheatre - Pelham, AL

August

1 - KFC Yum! Arena - Louisville, KY
3 - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion - Woodlands, TX
4 - Gexa Energy Paviliion - Dallas, TX
5 - AT&T; Center - San Antonio, TX
7 - Hard Rock Casino Presents: The Pavilion - Albuquerque, NM
8 - Comfort Dental Amphitheater - Englewood, CO
10 - Ashley Furniture Home Store Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ
11 - Mandalay Bay Arena - Las Vegas, NV
12 - Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre - Chula Vista, CA
14 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheater - Irvine, CA
15 - Shoreline Amphitheatre - Mountain View, CA
16 - Sleep Train Pavilion - Concord, MA
18 - White River Amphitheatre - Auburn, WA
19 - Sleep Country Amphitheater - Ridgefield, CT
24 - Rock Jam Grand - Junction, CO
26 - BOK Center - Tulsa, OK
27 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - Maryland Heights, MO
29 - Minnesota State Fair - Minneapolis, MN
31 - Riverbend Music Center - Cincinnati, OH

September

1 - Klipsch Music Center - Noblesville, IN
2 - First Niagara Pavilion - Burgettstown, PA
4 - Bridgestone Arena - Nashville, TN
5 - DTE Energy Music Theatre - Clarkston, MI
7 - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - Tinley Park, IL
8 - Alpine Valley Music Theater - East Troy, MI
11 - Allegan County Fair - Allegan, MI
12 - Blossom Music Center - Cuyahoga Falls, OH
13 - Molson Amphitheatre - Toronto, ON
15 - Darien Lake PAC - Darien Lake, NY
16 - Comcast Center - Mansfield, MA
18 - Toyota Pavilion - Scranton, PA
19 - Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ
21 - PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ
22 - Nikon at Jones Beach - Wantagh, NY
23 - Comcast Theater - Hartford, CT