The New Zealand AIDS Foundation is thrilled to receive $10,000, courtesy of theatrical singing star Helen Medlyn, who won the latest heat on TV One's “Great New Zealand Spelling Bee.” Celebrity participants each choose a charity to which the prize money will go should they win their heat. Medlyn said she had “no hesitation” in choosing the NZAF. “I have two friends who are living with HIV, and in my work I meet a lot of wonderful gay men who work in theatre and music,” she says. “I like the idea of being able to support them and their safety with the safe sex message.” Pitting her spelling wits against fellow singers Jordan Luck (of the Exponents) and Kim Willoughby (of When The Cat's Away) was a nerve-wracking experience, says Medlyn. “Honestly, my knees…” she laughs. “Forty years I've been on stage and I've never had nerves like it. But it was such a neat group of people and we all had great fun.” Medlyn has been supporter of the NZAF and HIV/AIDS causes for many years, singing for the AIDS Media Awards, the Circle of Friends Memorial Garden Show, NZAF charity auctions and her “Bizet to Broadway” show for the HERO Festival. NZAF Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier is delighted with Medlyn's win and grateful she chose the NZAF has her charity of choice. “I know Helen already has a big gay fan base, and I think the fan club just got a bit bigger,” she says. “We'll be using some of Helen's prize money for reprinting two of our popular resources: a booklet about HIV and AIDS that is used in schools, and the safe sex ‘Toolbox' for gay and bisexual men.” Ref: NZAF (d)