Usmagazine.com: Tell us about your involvement with this event and your association with Camp Heartland.
Kimberley Locke: I was meeting with a friend of mine who helped raise money for Camp Heartland. We had lunch and we were just talking about how to raise money and what would be a good way to raise money. I just cleaned out my closet and had a bunch of stuff left over from Idol, and didn’t want to throw it away. I was thinking about auctioning it off on my website, then my friend said “why don’t we do a fundraiser?” and that’s literally how it happened.
Us: Have you ever visited the Camp?
KL: I’ve been to the camp in Minneapolis and did a concert for the kids. Camp Heartland works with kids who experience AIDS or HIV. They aren’t necessarily infected by it but are affected by it. Most of these kids live in poverty, so with the help of fundraising and the people who support Camp Heartland, we are able to send the kids to camp for a week for free. It’s just an amazing experience - a safe place for them to not be judged and be around other kids going through the same thing. Neil Willenson, a 22-year-old kid, originally started Camp Heartland in 1991. He is positive, so I think that is amazing that he had such an impact at such a young age. That’s good for young kids to know because it doesn’t matter how old you are to start to make a difference and affect the people around you. When I left the camp I knew that I wanted to be a part of that. I think it’s important that you give back, especially when you’re in a position to make a difference.
Us: What items did you donate for the auction?
KL: I donated a jacket I wore when I sang “New York State of Mind” and the the pink outfit from “Where the Boys Are.”
Us: It must be nice to clean your closet now that you have outfits that don’t fit any longer. What can you tell us about your weight loss through Celebrity Fit Club?
KL: I can’t [disclose my total loss], but I did Jenny Craig on the show. They are going to renew my contract as spokesperson in about a month or so. It has been such a positive experience for me that I want to tell people about it. Jenny Craig is just easy for me and I enjoy doing it - they aren’t about taking anything out of your diet, it’s about calorie restriction and portion control. My goal is to lose 40 pounds.
Us: Other than getting in a few on-screen scuffles with Dustin Diamond, what surprised you most about participating on the series?
KL: I was surprised about the drama, I did not anticipate that. Surely if were on a weight loss show, everyone is going to be on the same page and that wasn’t the case. It was disappointing because as a group we’re all there, we’re all celebrities, we’re all living in this crazy world, and we all have the same issue of weight. There was one bad apple who spoiled it.
Us: Lastly, tell us about your new restaurant.
KL: I just opened a steakhouse and bar called Croton Creek in upstate New York. I’ve just learned that when I’m in my restaurant or other ones and that if [the chef and staff] care about you they will accommodate you. The healthiest dish we have is salmon, and it’s one of my favorites!
--Allison Corneau
