Comments on: Oprah’s Big Give is a Big Disappointment

By: Saph -Walk with Me

Saph -Walk with Me — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:05:58 +0000

I agree with you on the fact there are way better places to donate to than an animal shelter (not to say that wasn’t a worthy cause). I still like watching the show. If anything, this show will spur on others to do more RAOK, hopefully!

By: Mrs.W

Mrs.W — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:32:53 +0000

Excellent article. I love the “Think Bigger” message.

By: Carol

Carol — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 12:13:50 +0000

I watched the first show and found it so lame that I haven’t bothered with it since.
If Oprah wants to see some people in need she should come to any city and stand at a bus stop –
now there’s an eye opener for all of us.

By: Mrs. Micah

Mrs. Micah — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:00:25 +0000

It seems like some people were thinking random. And as others have said…not a bad thing at all, but not the intent, I think.

Some things I can think of—my church works with refugees and immigrants, I know there are some big needs there…even $500 would go a very long way for a family. If it couldn’t be cash, it could be their rent for a month.

Or to help the abused women’s shelter nearby cover the cost of gas for its busing service (I’m sure that’s getting more expensive). They have pickup times and places where women can just get on. One woman brought her son to the library with a few clothes in his backpack and then onto the bus she went. Perhaps a gas card.

By: Frugal Dad

Frugal Dad — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:37:02 +0000

Oops – I probably should have included a “spoiler” warning in my post regarding episode 3. I don’t think I gave away too much.

By: budgets are sexy

budgets are sexy — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:53:32 +0000

As much as i wanted to read through your entire post, i couldn’t I’ve only watched the first 2 shows (and loved them!) and still need to go back and watch the others! he he…

From the parts i skimmed, however, i’m pretty sure i’d have to agree w/ the “Think Bigger” message. Some of those from the first cple shows weren’t all that creative.

But at least the show is a positive influence. Can’t say much about some others i’m addicted too

By: Jen

Jen — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:07:21 +0000

I love the ‘THINK BIG’ strategy, and I agree with some of your criticims of the show. I think it would have been fairly easy (and much more benficial) to find people in need rather than to give away flowers…

By: The Bakerboy himself

The Bakerboy himself — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:01:27 +0000

I have been involved in a number of different funraisers for community and non-profit projects which did not turn out according to plan. I sat on the couch with my wife rippling through a number of different agencies and community help centers, much like yourself, which could have utilized their funds to a greater extent more so than free flowers or toys for pets. I was sorely disappointed that the brothers failed to follow up with the funeral home and the family members there who had recently lost a civil servant. Perhaps they did and the drive-by media neglected to capture it.

By: linda

linda — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 13:47:16 +0000

I think one of the contestants did go to an office that provided tokens and bus passes for kids who had aged out of foster care. I think that this show gets people thinking about giving. Its hard to get it all together in just 24 hours. My favorite give was the guy who went to the repair shop and paid for open ticket car repairs. I have a good used car that, while paid for, still from time to time eats at my emergency fund. So I thought that was a great give and very appreciated.

You are right about the churches, its possible none of the contestants are church members so they didnt know about the lists.

By: Frugal Dad

Frugal Dad — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:35:17 +0000

Albert, you make an excellent point. Many of the good deeds on the show were meant to inspire others to perform good deeds, and that is a noble effort. I agree there is a place for that spirit of giving, however I just felt it should have come after other basic needs were met. I guess that’s the practical side of me taking over. Thanks for sharing your comments.