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This finale was so exciting. It really was anybody's game since the final three were all such superstars. It's fascinating because at the beginning, no one knew what to expect. And it was so hard to predict a winner since the challenges were all so different ¿ different rules, different amounts of money (if any!), different cities. I remember that I thought Stephen was really quiet. The two who I picked out immediately to go really far were Rachael and Eric. And while they both did incredibly well, neither were in the final three, so it just goes to show you, anything can happen.
I know a lot of people think that the contestants must have expected money or a prize after all the work they did, but I definitely don't think they saw it coming. These people had won just by being picked for this series. And the ¿Big Give¿ concept was so altruistic by nature that I don't think the contestants were secretly wondering, "What am I going to get?" It was about fun and about giving, not receiving.
But ultimately this series wasn't about competing, or about prize money. It's about giving back and helping others. I hope that you all have been inspired by the big reveals and the heartfelt moments. I hope that since the show started you've decided to volunteer, or donate money, or create a ¿Big Give¿ of your own. Because that's what we have tried to do with this series and I want to thank all of you who have watched the show, taken up the challenge and started giving back in your own communities. As Oprah said, we are trying to make giving a national movement. So now that contestants' challenges are over, you should be just getting started!
On a personal note, I must admit this was a tough episode for me. As the host, I'm not allowed to offer any help to the contestants--it's in the rules of the show. But Cameron was making over a young girl's bedroom! And he basically remodeled a living room--that's my thing! Cameron did an awesome job on his own, for sure. But it was tough to stay quiet.
A high point of this episode for me was getting to join the flight with the final three and John Travolta. It was so much fun for them, and a really necessary way to reenergize and recalibrate after being home. I think it helped get the contestants' heads back in the game a little, instead of them being sad to have left their loved ones behind.
What I thought was really great about this challenge was that for weeks these contestants had been in different cities where they hardly knew anyone or had any connections. A lot of the time they were working totally on their own. After that experience, the concept of giving locally resonated for them. They finally had an opportunity to give back to their neighbors. And by giving back to others in their communities, they really did a big give for their hometown as a whole. They were finally giving to someplace that has directly impacted their lives.
I thought the judges made a great decision in not eliminating anyone. At this point, Brandi, Stephen and Cameron are all seasoned givers. They were each challenged to go home and make good, and they all did that. So there's no reason to send someone home just for the drama of an elimination. They have each earned their spot in the finale. Speaking of the finale--make sure you watch it next Sunday, April 21, at 8/7c. You would not believe what the givers can do with NO money and hardly any time! Plus, Oprah names the biggest giver. It's what we've all been waiting for!
Tonight's episode was a really incredible example of how beautiful it can be when people come together and organize as a team to make a difference. Look at the reveal for Mike. The four contestants – despite whatever internal conflict they had between each other – worked in unison and changed Mike's life in the course of one day. A mortgage paid off, money for a college fund and a brand new truck? That's unbelievable.
One really important thing that this challenge touched on is that illness is both physical and emotional. People who are sick have the same problems as the rest of us, but they're topped with illness. That makes them feel alone. You want someone with lymphoma to be able to focus on getting better and enriching his quality of life. Whatever time they have left should be as beautiful as possible – spent making connections, telling people you love them, settling old scores and making amends. Those are hard things to do when you are burdened with financial stress.
We were all – the contestants, judges, and even the crew – changed by this mission. I knew we were doing something real, something that will have effects long after the cameras stop rolling, when I saw the cameramen and the sound guys tearing up. They're tough to crack, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
As for Rachael, I've got to say, I was drawn to her from the beginning. She's a very complex and fascinating woman. I imagine she'd be a tough person to have on your team, because, as someone who is truly very effective and capable, she probably could have done everything on her own. But that wasn't the point this time, so the judges had a difficult decision. I'm glad I wasn't in their shoes.
I can't believe there are only two episodes left! Next week we're on at a new time, 8/7c. The contestants are heading home and superstar John Travolta pops in with a huge surprise! The twists just keep coming don't they?
I think the most telling moment from tonight's show was when Rachael ended up sweeping the driveway of the woman who said she didn't need anything. Many times, those most in need are the last to ask for help. And remember, this is the first season of Oprah's Big Give, so when we were filming, most of America didn't know about the competition. These contestants had to approach people out of the blue and ask if they could do really nice things for them. And while that's great, it can be awkward, so the givers had to really work hard to present themselves in a way that was very direct and very open and without even using Oprah’s name! Time and time again, people weren’t sure what to think when our contestants asked them if they needed help. That demonstrates how badly our culture needs a show like this—that if you approach someone in hopes of performing a random act of kindness, they aren’t even sure how to react. I think Oprah's Big Give will change this.
On another note, I love how the final five had to put themselves in someone else's shoes in this episode. The world would be a better place if more of us did this. It's so much easier to appreciate someone else's situation and realize how connected we all are when you've experienced their day-to-day, even if it's only for an hour or two. Look at Stephen and Atlantis. By simply spending some time washing dishes with Atlantis, Stephen had his aha! moment. He said in the episode that he realized that the biggest give is to give of yourself. I love that, don't you? What was your favorite moment in tonight's episode?
Oh, and just so you know, next week's episode is amazing, and so incredibly moving. But keep your Kleenex nearby. Don't say I didn't warn you!
Losing two people at once was tough. To be honest, I was in my trailer before this elimination just miserable. I think we all knew what was going to happen, including Eric. But at this point, the competition needs to be about who is shining and who is making mistakes. And Eric was unable to pay for Ralph White's funeral as he had hoped.
With Kim, well, she has all the heart in the world and had great intentions, but even the greatest ideas won't matter much if you can never find your way. And whether it be in giving, or your career, or really anything in life – you need to be able to execute.
There were some sad moments in this show for sure, but then there was what I consider to be the best moment so far – Brandi and the flowers. When Brandi handed out those roses to people on the street, it was so clear who she was. And there was such a message there: There are things real people can do. It doesn't always have to be about getting a helicopter. The small touching moments of connection do just as much. I'm curious, what was your favorite moment from this episode?
Now we're down to the final five. The next challenge is going to be a "wild ride," that's all I'm gonna say. I'll be watching Sunday night with my friends from home in Chicago. Hope you will be too!
Watching what these contestants have made happen is awe-inspiring. And not just when
they have huge celebrities helping out. Yes, having Andre Agassi or Tony Hawk on your side is incredible, but the contestants have made dreams come true week after week on their own. And this was when the show was new, so nobody had even heard of it. It's not like the givers said "I'm from Oprah's Big Give" and everyone knew what that meant. The contestants had to work hard and fight for each givethey spent hours working toward their goal. Unfortunately, we can only fit a snapshot of that into each 60 minute episode. But, you've seen what they've done so far. Let me tell you, it just gets bigger as the season goes on, so I hope you stay tuned!
As for last night's episode, I was really upset when Carlana went home. Was Carlana great at being a team player? Maybe not. Did she think that her way of doing things was the only way? Maybe. But shes an incredible person so I was sad to see Carlana go.
Since the show premiered, people keep asking if Ive changed. Of course I have. Here's a story: When I was in Sri Lanka before the tsunami, I got driven from the city to the beach on a one lane road. On the way, we passed all these villages with orphanages and I would think to myself, "I've got cash with me. It's close to Christmas. I would love to stop and give the kids presents or talk with the orphanage director and see how I can help out." That was my instinct, but I didn't stop the car. Why? Because I talked myself out of it. I thought, "Who am I? Some random American? What if they're offended? What if they're corrupt?" I thought it would be too strange to just walk in without being invited in or asked for help.
Today I would stop. That's how I've changed. Now I know that if the instinct to help is there, you should follow it. What's the worst that could happen? Someone says, "No, thank you." Fine. Then walk away. But more often than not, you'll be welcomed with open arms. I think the show has made that clear.
It's only episode two and already it feels impossible to say goodbye. Don't you agree? Tonight we had to let go of Angelo. He's a fantastic guy. But, in the end, the others gave smarter when it came to the car and got to stay. So, what went wrong? In my book, he made a quick decision and should have given the car to the soldier. His decision to give the car to the restaurant manager turned what could have been a moment to give big into an afterthought. Don't get me wrong. It was nice of him to do. I'm sure the manager will put that car to good use, but he already has two cars! But, as we saw in this episode, a car can change the course of someone's life.
While Angelo's big give fell a bit flat for the judges, Carlana created a great moment when she gave her car to a man who was paralyzed. She understood how desperate he felt and how important a handicapped equipped car would be to him. Love that! And, of course, there were Eric, Steve and Cameron. What can I say, except, they did an incredible job tonight.
Rachael's give was a great example of how a simple luxury, like dinner out or a trip to the spa, can make a person feel validated. What a wonderful message and moment that was--a big give doesn't have to be big monetarily. Rachael's give was HUGE because she made a group of women who feel ignored, or invisible, feel valued. There's a lesson there. Just taking time to listen to someone says, "Hey, I know you've got something to say and I want to hear it. I think your voice is valuable." That alone can make a person's day, or week. So many people just want to feel respected. Taking the time to pay them that respect is what the big give is all about. Anyone watching last night could see that, right? Take a moment this week to emulate Rachael's give, even on a smaller scale. Believe me, that's a give that will pay you back tenfold.
What an amazing journey it's been these past few months. I'm so personally connected to this show. You can't believe how honored I am to have been asked by Oprah to host her Big Give.
For those of you that don't know, I survived the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia. My partner, Fernando, did not. When the water receeded I was on a hilltop, carried miles away from where I had been sleeping when the tsunami struck. There was a group of us on that hilltop. I now call them my band of brothers. We were each dazed, confused and stripped of all of our things. We had no money, no papers, no clothes....we had no means to provide food, water, medical help, anything for ourselves. Then, the most amazing thing happened. Help arrived. Agencies, outreach programs and charities started sending aid. Then, people—individuals like you and I—offered a hand. They gave of themselves. They gave whatever they had to give. The kindness of the people of Southeast Asia both touched and changed my life. I'll never forget the man who literally gave me the shirt off his own back so I could have something to wear.
The moment that Oprah called me about her Big Give, I knew I had to be a part of it. It's so much more than a show. It's about getting inspired to get up off the couch and give of yourself, in whatever way you can. We're really creating a movement of kindness and giving. As you watch the show, check back to my blog and my own site to see my best tips for giving big in your own life.
Also, I want to hear from you. Now that the show's on the air, I can finally talk about it. And, believe me, I've got plenty to say. First, let's talk about the tears. Didn't you tear up at least twice tonight? I was a wreck as we taped the show. And, I was a wreck all over again as I watched tonight. You'll be amazed by what these contestants do. You'll also be shaking your head by the things they didn't do. That was so hard for me. As host, I couldn't help them. There were times that I wanted to grab them and scream, "get a corporate sponsor!" (As the show unfolds, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.)
As for tonight, that moment with Shante in the homeless shelter changed my life. I was just a bystander and it changed me to see her being honest with her family for the first time. To see the veneer of shame that she felt for all these years begin to crack, was so amazing.
In the upcoming weeks, you'll see myself, the judges and our "big givers"
race through 7 more challenges, leaving each person, city and town we meet better for having run into Oprah's Big Give.
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