Lucky Spouses
On November 19, 2012, Oprah splurged on a group of military spouses. The show was the official unveiling of Oprah’s Favorite Things of that year. She had a huge collection of her most beloved goodies of 2012, from elliptical machines to cozy sweaters. But that wasn’t the only thing she had up her Ralph Lauren sleeve.
The talk show queen filled her studio with spouses of US soldiers and decided to spoil them all with an all-expenses-paid trip to Fiji. The trip included two round-trip tickets on Air Pacific, along with a five-night stay at the all-inclusive Namale Resort & Spa.
Paying It Forward
Stephen Paletta was just a regular guy who volunteered at the Atlanta Union Mission. Thanks to his time there, he made it as one of the contestants that appeared on Oprah’s Big Give reality show. The show invited a bunch of people to make a difference in the world by finding a cause they were passionate about and making their contribution. Paletta shared with Oprah just how moved he was during the time he volunteered at the Atlanta Union Mission.
Of course, there is nothing that Oprah loves more than a big giver who expects nothing in return. Which is why she gave him $1 million. $500,000 for the charity of his choice and $500,000 for himself. Oh, and a car. Looks like everybody won that day.
The Grand Giveaway
In this 2006 episode, themed “giving back”, Oprah stayed true to her philanthropic self and ended the show with a true statement. Instead of splurging on her guests and getting them random gifts, she decided to put the money to good use, but still not send home her guests empty-handed. Oprah sent each audience member home with $1000, a hand-held camera, and one small request.
On gifting her guests with this unexpected prize, she asked them to use the money to pay it forward. She challenged the audience to each come up with a creative way to help others. Gotta love her.
Denni's Dream Come True
It's tough being a single mom. Especially being a single mom of three. Oprah got wind of a story about a single mom named Denni who worked three jobs to pay off her kids' college tuition. She hadn't had a vacation her whole life. Oprah had to make a difference, so in September 2010, she invited her to the show and changed her life forever.
Oprah surprised Denni with an all-expenses trip to Italy, one year's salary, and all the remaining money for children's student loans. Denni could not believe it.
Time’s Up
It's no surprise that Oprah would be one of the biggest supporters of female empowerment. She has essentially dedicated most of her life to it. So when the Time's Up campaign was created, a movement that protected women from harassment and violence in the workplace, it was only natural that her contribution would make headlines.
Oprah reportedly donated $100,000 to the cause as of January 2018, according to CNBC. This massive amount of money has made a difference for thousands of women who have faced injustices.