Frequently Asked Questions

A message from Ellen Rakieten, an executive producer of Oprah's Big Give
Hi, everyone! Well, the BIG finale is over, and it was the end to an incredible eight weeks! The Oprah's Big Give team can't thank you enough for consistently making us one of the top-rated shows on Sunday night. We really appreciate the millions of you who tuned in to our show, and we hope it's inspired everyone to give back in their own lives. Every week, we heard stories of giving from families, companies and even young children. We wanted Oprah's Big Give to show our viewers that it's so important to connect with their community and give back in any way they can, and from what we've heard, it sounds like that's exactly what happened! Remember, it's often the smaller gives that have the greatest impact. I think Stephen summed it up best in Atlanta when he said, "the biggest give is to give of yourself." So, please continue to share your Big Gives by e-mailing the producers of Oprah's Big Give. Tell us how you've continued to be affected by the show, let us know about the Big Givers in your life and keep telling us about people who deserve a Big Give. We're always interested in hearing from you. It's hard to believe that the finale has already come and gone. While Stephen was named the Biggest Giver, all 10 contestants did an amazing job! I was blown away by all that they did in every episode. Again, thank you for watching and for catching the Big Give spirit! Answers to some burning questions...
Episode 1
- How were the people getting a Big Give chosen for Episode 1?
- Were contestants able to use Oprah's name to get people to give big?
- If you had cameras there already, why did the 10 contestants act so shocked when Oprah called to say they were chosen to be on Oprah's Big Give?
- Did Jamie Oliver cook for the crew?
- Do you have a favorite contestant?
- Were you ever frustrated by the ideas the contestants came up with to give big?
- Why did you choose to eliminate contestants?
Episode 2
- How did the three guys raise $293,000 in less than 48 hours?
- How did Kim end up on the radio station?
- How did Carlana raise the money for the Cobb family?
- Were the contestants really on their own?
- Who paid the taxes on the cars?
- How did Angelo find Jason?
- We didn't see all of the contestants give their cars away. What about the rest of the cars?
- What is the Big Give challenge next week?
Episode 3
- Why did team Forgotten Christmas give the students described as the "poorest of the poor" toys, when they may have other needs?
- How were the schools chosen in Houston?
- Why was Carlana eliminated from this episode?
- Doesn't having a celebrity make it easier to give back?
- Why weren't the contestants allowed to give away any cash and restricted to spending no more than $500 on any one person and only up to $10,000 at one place?
- If you weren't able to partner up in this challenge, how did Stephen get to work with his father?
- Why didn't Eric just pay for Ralph White's funeral while he was there?
- What were some of the supplies that Rachael gave the Christopher Ricardo Cystic Fibrosis Foundation?
- During that scene when Stephen and his father were handing out things like iPods, computers and printers in the Miami neighborhood, how did the $500 rule per person work?
- Why was Eric sent home from this episode, when Brandi, Cameron and Rachael gave away less money?
Episode 6