Everyone Is Going Where?
This was quite the production. For Oprah’s 25th and final season and she was not going to skimp on the goods. To go out with a bang, the legendary TV host wanted to top all those unforgettable gifts over the years and after a little bit of teasing, she announced it. She was taking her ultimate viewers to…Australia.
After months of planning, she, together with all ultimate viewers, jetted to the land Down Under. People were in total hysterics.
Free Rides
Possibly the biggest promotional stunt in TV history, in September 2004, Oprah reached new heights when she set out to treat some folks who were having a tough time getting to work every day. Lady O had initially sought out 11 hopefuls to gift with a brand new Pontiac G6. But there was more.
On handing over the keys, Oprah told the audience that was another key under the lucky 12th person’s seat. Lo and behold, that additional key was under everyone’s seat and 276 members of her studio audience got a brand new Pontiac.
Hurricane Aid
Hurricane Katrina was a dark time for many. Thousands of volunteers rushed to the rescue of these helpless people in the areas of New Orleans, many of them catching the eye of Oprah herself. Which is why she brought them to the show.
She donated $10 million of her own money and helped over 300 families. This was all thanks to Habitat for Humanity and Oprah’s Angel Network.
Princess Day
Fannie the nanny was a super hard-working housekeeper. After the passing of her sister, Fannie had taken in her nephews and nieces and raised them as her own. Oprah read her story and decided to give the young woman a little break.
In February 2003, Oprah brought her to the show for a royal treat by giving her a maid service for an entire year, a car, and an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City.
SNL Surprise
When Oprah learned about the 19-year-old cancer patient named Jackie, she had to take action. The young woman was battling a rare form of cancer, but there was one thing that eased her pain — Saturday Night Live. So Oprah knew that there was only one thing she could do.
She invited Andy Samberg, Kristen Wiig, and Jason Sudeikis to surprise Jackie with an exciting trip to New York City complete with a VIP backstage tour of Saturday Night Live! It made her dream come true. The clan of comedians comforted young Jackie, giving her the most memorable day of her life.