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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 30 > Entry
Oprah’s Big Give in Atlanta
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
ABOVE: Cameron tries out collecting tolls on I-400.
ABC’s’ “Oprah’s Big Give” aired tonight and Atlanta provided a lovely visage.
The first challenge was for the five contestants to do “random acts of kindness” across the city. The opening scene featured professional driver Danica Patrick arriving in a race car on an overpass overlooking I-20 with downtown as the backdrop.
Cameron helps a random dude in Decatur to move his office into a moving truck. “This is fantastic,” said Horace Holton. “I think it’s just great what he’s doing.’
Brandi landed in Conyers. She picked a random guy at a pharmacy. Gary, an attorney, was working on a shelter for families and children. She did some hard labor than got Gary to contribute $1,000. She hears about someone needing her rent to be paid and Gary matches $1,000. “I love when giving starts a chain reaction,” she said.
Rachael went to Marietta and she randomly hit a house where she cleaned someone’s yard.
Stephen goes to Newnan. The “Redneck Gourmet” helps him do a barbecue/picnic for the Little League. “This town caught the ‘Big Give’ spirit,” Stephen said. He gives $1,000 to help pay for a batting cage.
Sheg went to a fire station in Smyrna and heard about a family with a daughter with Down’s Syndrome. By an unhappy coincidence, the daughter just passed away. He helped the traumatized mom out.
On the second day, Oprah gave each contestant a specific person to help.
Sevenanda, the Little Five Points natural food store, provided free food for beauty queen Brandi for a struggling food bank, Heaven’s Grocery Store Ministry. Stephen spent the day at Zoo Atlanta, then helped out at the Atlanta Union Mission and made one of the man’s day by simply talking to him abouthis problems. Cameron was assigned to a toll collector Beverly at I-400 whose daughters had miscarriages. He helped them out financially, then gave away his last $69 so a collector could give it to drivers to “pay it forward.” We know, we know, a nauseating term that gets used multiple times on the show.
Sheg helped out a family, the Murphys, who had 24 adopted kids (mostly special needs) plus four of their own. Rachael spent a day at the Palmetto Neighbohood Senior Center on Turner Ave. They sell quilts to help a kid named Eli who has spinal problems and Rachael contributes another $500 to him and $500 to the center. (Cue the heart-tugging music.)
The results portion feels rushed. Sheg is eliminated because he didn’t ask the Murphy family what they really needed and spent $500 on a big Hawaiian luau. The tension points of a “race” show typically includes lots of conflict but this episode is conflict free. In general, the judges at the end seem to hold back because it’s all kumbaya charitable stuff and it would be unseemly to go all Simon Cowell on the contestants. Overall, it lacks the overarching emotional “wow” factor of “Extreme Makeover” or the fascinating interplay on shows such as “Survivor” or “Amazing Race.” Instead, it ends up being a neutered hybrid.
ADDENDUM: On the ratings front, this fifth episode pulled in 11.4 million viewers, up from 10 million a week earlier. That’s a healthy sign. Signs of renewal are looking bright.
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Comments
By NICK
March 31, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this
Oprah is “JOKE”. The only thing she cares about is her ego and her wallet.
All you “fools” that believe she is such a good person, should remember all the other “puppet masters”, that have made fortunes “preying on” week individuals, who are unable to think for themselves.
Is it a coincidence that she supports Obama????
By Mama Belle
March 31, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
If you want to see the real Oprah, watch this you tube video about her New Age views…The Church of Oprah Exposed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA
then tell me how much you admire her!
By Kate
March 31, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
The Murphy Family of Atlanta is raising money for a new home. If you would like to give, go to www.murphyhouseproject.com
By Kristen
March 31, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Please stop these embarrassing and petty comments. Must everyone hate against people. Also, please learn to spell correctly. It is weak, not week. A week is the length of time that you payed attention in English class.
By Tee
March 31, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this
Why can’t you just allow a good deed to be done and be happy, why talk negative on every issue. We as “American” need to be happy about what others are doing for the good of the world we live in. Stop the petty irrelevant attack and pray that God will let you be able to give like Oprah does. Also stay in school and learn to speak and type a well constructed “English sentence”
By Tee
March 31, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Why can’t you just allow a good deed to be done and be happy, why talk negative on every issue. We as “American” need to be happy about what others are doing for the good of the world we live in. Stop the petty irrelevant attack and pray that God will let you be able to give like Oprah does. Also stay in school and learn to speak and type a well constructed “English sentence”
By jenn
March 31, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Wow, Mama Belle. You’re sooo right, Oprah is the devil - shame! Are you kidding me? I think you should stop attending your church immediately. You are obviously brainwashed by your church and I bet they are sucking every penny out of you. You should definitely seek help or at least make some new friends. You should probably work on your intolerance issues while you’re at it.
By pdub
March 31, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Who is Oprah?
By david
March 31, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Nick, learn how to spell. Weak not week. Must be a Bush fan…LOL
By One
March 31, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
^5 Kristen & Tee!!!!
“pay it forward” is something we should all try to do!!! And I don’t think it’s a nauseating term!
By One
March 31, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
…..haters everywhere we go, haters everywhere we go……
By JOJO
March 31, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Kristen, maybe someone else needs spell check, but it would seem to me that you need grammar check. Talk to Oprah to see if Bill Gates has this product in development. It should be paid and not payed….Must everyone hate against people….. what kind of sentence is that?
By Jim
March 31, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Personally I get more out of extreme home makeover than this piece of drek. It’s apparent that Oprah is only in it for ratings. The people on the show are in it for the prize. Are they really in it for actually HELPING someone with nothing in return. No, they are all hoping for something in return.
By Rod
March 31, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
Kristen - it’s “paid”, not “payed.”
People in Glass Houses shouldn’t throw stones!
By Jacquie
March 31, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this
I loved that little old lady that Rachel went to “help” in Marietta — she was so insistent that she didn’t need any help. I had a real chuckle when Rachel swept out her driveway, anyway, while the lady stood there looking like WTH? LOL.
By Ronda
March 31, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
I was saddened by the funeral director showing no compassion for this woman.
People who spend time hating on Oprah are obviously jealous. Anytime someone just freely gives money or coordinates that giving we should all rejoice. We are such a bitter ungrateful society. So what if her motivation happens to be for the ratings…I think all the people who have benefitted from this show could care less.
By Mrs. Warren
March 31, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
I really hope they kick Rachael off that show. What a B!! She has such an attitude problem and is way too cocky. She was actually mad that the woman in Marietta didn’t need help. WTF?! And like proceeded to insult her by starting to clean up her yard even though the woman said her home was clean. I cannot believe the judges didn’t call her out on that. Sheg needs to go too.. The family talked about that it costs them $1500 a month in food so he throws them a dinner that costs $500?? Way to listen there buddy! And also, I can’t believe that he barged into that woman’s life that just lost her daughter. It was an inappropriate time.
I definitely think Brandi and Stephen are the top 2 runners… Cameron will go eventually. He’s nice but I think he depends too much on money and not on giving time and tangible items.
By Julie
March 31, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
The Murphys are such an unbelievable family! I hate that Sheg didn’t do something more for them. I know they are currently raising funds to build a house that is adequate enough for the whole family. You can donate time or money at their website. text to be linked
By Ronda
March 31, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
I was saddened by the funeral director showing no compassion for this woman.
People who spend time hating on Oprah are obviously jealous. Anytime someone just freely gives money or coordinates that giving we should all rejoice. We are such a bitter ungrateful society. So what if her motivation happens to be for the ratings…I think all the people who have benefitted from this show could care less.
By Peri
March 31, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Of course, the “Big Give” show is a business venture for Oprah, but I think it is great that the show is about helping others — and that she and her contestants, in fact, do some good in the process.
I really don’t understand why people are always so down on Oprah. Seriously. Could it be because she is so wealthy and influential? Why be mad at someone for that reason? Isn’t the pursuit of wealth and happiness the American way? I could see if she wasn’t generous with her wealth, but she is very generous and has made giving back a part of her lifestyle. I’m proud of her.
By Oprah Dis-Enchanted
March 31, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA
Oh, how the mighty have fallen! True intentions always show themselves eventually….
I admit I admire Oprah for her generosity to so many charities. HOWEVER, to her, giving a few hundred thousand away is like me giving a bum a dollar for food. It’s not a big deal to her.
It drives me crazy to see her ‘generosity’ continually exploited on her show.
“Look how great Oprah is”, “Look at who she gave money to this time”, “Look at the school she created to warp the minds of young African girls”
It is so sad that Oprah has been so blessed, yet she fails to recognize God for it. Instead of using her power for good, she is turning into a Tom Cruise anti-god hollywood freak!
She is right to say that everyone’s path to salvation is different. But it’s the trials and tribulations of each path that makes it different — NOT the destination.
The TRUTH shall set you free, Oprah!
By Oprah Dis-Enchanted
March 31, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA
Oh, how the mighty have fallen! True intentions always show themselves eventually….
I admit I admire Oprah for her generosity to so many charities. HOWEVER, to her, giving a few hundred thousand away is like me giving a bum a dollar for food. It’s not a big deal to her.
It drives me crazy to see her ‘generosity’ continually exploited on her show.
“Look how great Oprah is”, “Look at who she gave money to this time”, “Look at the school she created to warp the minds of young African girls”
It is so sad that Oprah has been so blessed, yet she fails to recognize God for it. Instead of using her power for good, she is turning into a Tom Cruise anti-god hollywood freak!
She is right to say that everyone’s path to salvation is different. But it’s the trials and tribulations of each path that makes it different — NOT the destination.
The TRUTH shall set you free, Oprah!
By Oprah Dis-Enchanted
March 31, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA
Oh, how the mighty have fallen! True intentions always show themselves eventually….
I admit I admire Oprah for her generosity to so many charities. HOWEVER, to her, giving a few hundred thousand away is like me giving a bum a dollar for food. It’s not a big deal to her.
It drives me crazy to see her ‘generosity’ continually exploited on her show.
“Look how great Oprah is”, “Look at who she gave money to this time”, “Look at the school she created to warp the minds of young African girls”
It is so sad that Oprah has been so blessed, yet she fails to recognize God for it. Instead of using her power for good, she is turning into a Tom Cruise anti-god hollywood freak!
She is right to say that everyone’s path to salvation is different. But it’s the trials and tribulations of each path that makes it different — NOT the destination.
The TRUTH shall set you free, Oprah!
By Patti
March 31, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Way to go to all the Georgian’s who helped by giving when called upon during the show. It made me proud when I watched the show last night.
Special thanks to the Redneck Gourmet and the Sevenanda Food Store. and the un-named gentleman who gave $1000.
I will make it a point to visit your businesses in the near future.
I love Georgia and I’m proud to be an American and Yes I too agree “Pay it Forward”.
By Jamie
March 31, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
I bet half of you would be singing a different tune if Oprah offered you some money. I’m quite certain you would not turn down the money regardless of your financial situation. BE REAL!! You complain about how she’s only doing it for ratings and doesn’t thank God. You are not with her 24 hours a day, and you don’t know what she does. She doesn’t need to display her personal religious beliefs to get people’s approval.
I agree with the bloggers who say we should be thankful for the assistance that Oprah is providing to others. If you don’t like what she’s doing or the motivation she has for doing it, I dare you to launch your own program and get it spotlighted by the media.
We should not be judging Oprah as that is not our job. Instead, let’s focus on the positive here. And if you don’t like the show —- QUIT WATCHING!
By Jamie
March 31, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
I bet half of you would be singing a different tune if Oprah offered you some money. I’m quite certain you would not turn down the money regardless of your financial situation. BE REAL!! You complain about how she’s only doing it for ratings and doesn’t thank God. You are not with her 24 hours a day, and you don’t know what she does. She doesn’t need to display her personal religious beliefs to get people’s approval.
I agree with the bloggers who say we should be thankful for the assistance that Oprah is providing to others. If you don’t like what she’s doing or the motivation she has for doing it, I dare you to launch your own program and get it spotlighted by the media.
We should not be judging Oprah as that is not our job. Instead, let’s focus on the positive here. And if you don’t like the show —- QUIT WATCHING!
By JL
March 31, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Does anyone know the last name of the attorney “Gary” in Conyers who gave $1,000?
By Julie
March 31, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Murphy House Project
By Tim
March 31, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
This is just a big game show for Oprah and her production company. She is spending more than she is givign away for all the production folks, camera folks, everything that goes into pursuing all this. Then let’s see, I wonder how much the advertisers are having to pay for the commercial time during the show. They would not be doing this if they were not profiting from it. This money is not coming out of her pockets personally, and if they were really trying to do charitable work, they would not be out bragging about it and plastering it all over tv.
By Sass
March 31, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
I hope the funeral home goes out of business!!!
I am all for a boycott! Does anyone know which funeral home it was? What a heartless person!
By Jacob Ladder
March 31, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know where in Georgia the funeral home was located?
By Lynn
March 31, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this
I was taught that charity should be done anonymously. Charity is not an opportunity to “toot your own horn.”
By Lynn
March 31, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
I was taught that charity should be done anonymously. Charity is not an opportunity to “toot your own horn.”
By Lynn
March 31, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
I was taught that charity should be done anonymously. Charity is not an opportunity to “toot your own horn.”
By Lynn
March 31, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
I was taught that charity should be done anonymously. Charity is not an opportunity to “toot your own horn.”
By Lynn
March 31, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
I was taught that charity should be done anonymously. Charity is not an opportunity to “toot your own horn.”
By Lynn
March 31, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
I was taught that charity should be done anonymously. Charity is not an opportunity to “toot your own horn.”
By Lynn
March 31, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
I was taught that charity should be done anonymously. Charity is not an opportunity to “toot your own horn.”
By Lynn
March 31, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
I was taught that charity should be done anonymously. Charity is not an opportunity to “toot your own horn.”
By One
March 31, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Ohhhhhhhh the haters are out in full force. Funny thing is, just like Jamie said, you’d all be singing a different tune if it was you who was being blessed by Oprah’s efforts. And it’s none of any body’s business who she thanks for her good fortune, MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!!! Dang, it’s not like the woman’s worshipping a head of cabbage of national tv, go and find Jesus for yourself, and stop ridiculing others (note: If you already had a personal relationship with Him, you wouldn’t be “dogging” others)!!! The main folks condemning others for their religious beliefs are the very ones who have NONE!!!! And yes, you haters are jealous!!!!!!!!!!!! Where is your community service? What are you doing to benefit others less fortunate? I’ll bet we already know the answer!!! Go Oprah!!!!!! Keep sharing the wealth!
By WhoCares
March 31, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Lynn, this is not about what you were taught!!!!!!!!!!
By Ralph
March 31, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Oprah’s company is a TV and Movie Production Company. Its what her company does. They make TV shows and Movies. They very easily could make a movie with a story line of this or that, or a TV show with another story line of this or that, advertisers would certainly buy commercials and then Oprah’s company could KEEP THE MONEY. Instead they have created a show that gives back to the community. Some of you are just p** off that you didn’t get your share. You are probably the same people that think you deserve a Big Flat Screen TV and deserve a Brand New Car rather than going out and EARNING IT. These acts of kindness that Oprah’s company has generated are changing lives. What have you done to change a life ? What have you done to change YOUR life.
By Chuck
March 31, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
Sorry to nit-pick Rodney……there is no I-400. GA 400 is a state highway, not a part of the interstate system.
And…the shot of all the contestants with Danica Patrick is on a bridge over the Freedom Parkway exit, not near I-20. That bridge must have 2 or 3 photographers and video shooters a DAY up there shooting the skyline. It seems to be the classic perspective from which to capture the Atlanta skyline.
By Ralph
March 31, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Oprah’s company is a TV and Movie Production Company. Its what her company does. They make TV shows and Movies. They very easily could make a movie with a story line of this or that, or a TV show with another story line of this or that, advertisers would certainly buy commercials and then Oprah’s company could KEEP THE MONEY. Instead they have created a show that gives back to the community. Some of you are just p** off that you didn’t get your share. You are probably the same people that think you deserve a Big Flat Screen TV and deserve a Brand New Car rather than going out and EARNING IT. These acts of kindness that Oprah’s company has generated are changing lives. What have you done to change a life ? What have you done to change YOUR life.
By kay
March 31, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
apparently Lynn needs to learn the art of patience too.
By CJ
March 31, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Apparently the message of this show is that unless you give the most, your gift isn’t good enough so you get the boot. This show was almost a good idea, but competing over who gives the most to those in need is a mixed message and takes advantage of the needy for ratings.
By jordan
March 31, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
I watched the show and was waiting for them to really hit some poor areas in Atlanta, particularly DeKalb. I was surprised when I saw Opie randomly choose such as nice home in a well-to-do area that we are familar with, and think that someone there would need help, instead of the numerous plighted areas in DeKalb. This episode made we say, what the heck is this show about.
By Bill
March 31, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Anybody that would watch that show is hard up for something to watch.Who wants to watch a billionair give away money thats not thiers.Oprahs in it for her self the sponcers pay the money.
By Jojobean
March 31, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Well if you don’t like Oprah or her show…just don’t watch. Why hang out on a message blog about an episode on her show just to lob an insult? It doesn’t matter if she’s spending her money or someone elses…at least she does help people. Who cares whether it’s for ratings or not. What are YOU doing for others?
By Tricia S
March 31, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Once again, Christians ranting about how their way is the only way. We should all aspire to be more like Oprah Winfrey. She is genuine and puts her money where her mouth is.
By Scorpio29
March 31, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
There aren’t that many funeral homes in Smyrna. The two that come to mind are Carmicheal and Castellaw…One is one Church st and the other on King…It looked like the one on King. Makes you want to take a ride and look for the yellow building. Morticians are “supposed” to be caring persons. I think he heard the accent, and thought maybe they should have gone to an African American establishment…remember we are talking about Smyrna. Granted it’s 2008. The good ol’ boys are still there…
By Scorpio29
March 31, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
There aren’t that many funeral homes in Smyrna. The two that come to mind are Carmicheal and Castellaw…One is one Church st and the other on King St…It looked like the one on King. Makes you want to take a ride and look for the yellow building. Morticians are “supposed” to be caring persons. I think he heard the accent, and thought maybe they should have gone to an African American establishment…remember we are talking about Smyrna. Granted it’s 2008. The good ol’ boys are still there…
By Reem
March 31, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Kristen, I agree with your comment…to all that tried to give her an English lesson - while not commonly used, “payed” is in the dictionary as an acceptable past tense to “pay”. Guess her glass house is still ok.
By Virginia
March 31, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
I watched this show for the first time because I read that Newnan was supposed to be a big part of the show… I’m sorry, but that show is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen! The guy that came to Newnan organized a cookout (only thanks to the charity of Redneck Gourmet!) for a Little League team that has sponsors and paying parents! How is that a charity?? Then, he went on to scoop elephant droppings at the zoo. I’m sorry, but how is that really helping a greater cause????
By barry chapman
April 7, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this
I have distrophy and I need help bad. rasing my 2 loving grandchildren is hard, but I love them so much. I only had a used small car and centel heat and air and debt free my dream would come true, can anybody help.
By Bryan
April 9, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Yes, It was Carmichael funeral home… http://www.carmichaelfuneralhomes.com
Tell them what you think of their selfish non-compassionate attitude.