A Preview of Oprah and the Big Give

"This show is fun, entertaining and powerful television," Oprah is quoted as saying on the "Big Give" web site. "America will just love the heart of this show."

On Sunday, March 2 at 9 P.M. eastern time, episode one will introduce us to ten contestants which Oprah will hand envelopes to. The photo and name of a stranger will be in these envelopes. The contestants are told to change this strangers life in the next five days. "You either give big or you go home." Oprah proclaims. There will be eight episodes of this much anticipated prime time series. I believe a large audience of viewers will be intrigued enough to watch.

Nate Berkus, TV personality and popular world renowned designer with his own big heart is the host of Oprah's Big Give. As the competition progresses other famous personalities join in to put pressure on the contestants. Viewers are promised to see guests such as Jada Pinkett-Smith, John Travolta, Jennifer Anniston, Andre Agassi, Tony Hawk and Danica Patrick just to name a few. At the end of each hour long episode the contestants will face judges and one person will be sent home. Celebrity judges are "Naked Chef" and philanthropist Jamie Oliver, NFL star, Hall of Famer, Tony Gonzalez and charity founder Malaak Compton-Rock who is the wife of Chris Rock.

Competitors range from age 22 to 43, men and women from all over the country, chosen from thousands that auditioned to take part. Viewers will learn about the group that covers a variety of personalities and careers. There is Brandi, pageant queen; Eric, former model now serving as a disaster relief worker; Marlene, train attendant; a West Point graduate, Angelo, that is a veteran of the war in Iraq; a young entrepreneur Cameron, who is a dot com millionaire; Carlana, author and media executive that meets the challenge of being a paraplegic; Kim the NFL marketing specialist; "Sheg" pre-med student, Rachel, actress- singer; and Stephen, real estate developer. An intriguing group of people with a huge challenge set before them. Their BIOS are found on the "Big Give" web site and make for an interesting read. I'm finding contestants to root for already.

Oprah's Big Give episodes have been filmed in Los Angeles, Denver, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, New York City and Chicago. As episodes continue the "gives get bigger, guest stars get brighter and tensions mount". It will all come down to the final episode where the "Biggest Giver will become the biggest winner" of a million dollar prize that the contestants are not aware of.

I am intrigued by what these 10 people will do for strangers. I wonder at the end just what the million dollar winner will decide to do with the million dollars that Miss Winfrey will award. Maybe this can be a new kind of entertaining show that will spark good will and spur more giving by an audience that believes people can and should help one another.