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Alphabet network's richest hour

Recently, ABC relaunched Fox’s failed reality series Secret Millionaire.
Recently, ABC relaunched Fox’s failed reality series Secret Millionaire. 

Originally created in the UK, the show features a millionaire who leaves his or her life for a week to see how the other half lives, with minimal lodging and a few dollars with which to survive.

While barely scraping by, the millionaire also works with volunteer organizations. Entering each establishment with a camera crew, Mr. or Mrs. Moneybags explains that they are part of a documentary about volunteerism. After a day or two working with these organizations and learning the stories of the individuals involved, a cheque is presented.

It would be easy to dismiss this show as Hollywood’s attempt at humanity. How could these organizations not know what’s going on? 

Perhaps they’re laying it on a little thick so they could be on television.  And how nice that a millionaire is getting a $100,000 tax write-off while telling viewers they should be doing more.

But while we watch from the comfort of our home, the people showcased are a little too busy to think about television or fame.  They’re just trying to survive – and get a lot of work done.

Take, for example, The Love Kitchen. Created in 1986 by twin sisters, this program provides meals, clothing and food packages to the homebound, homeless or unemployed. The now 83-year-old gals (yes, I said 83) prepare over 2,000 meals each week with the help of volunteers.

Special Spaces, which designs bedroom makeovers for children fighting life-threatening illnesses, almost shut down two days before filming started. 

SS’s founder, Jennifer Swain, a mother of nine (six by adoption), had to put the organization’s truck up for sale and they had no cash for their next project.  A last-minute donation allowed them to film one last bedroom makeover.

But it was the gift of $30,000 from millionaire, Dani Johnson, that kept them from closing. 
The millionaires who take part in the show must give away at least $100,000 at the end of the week.  But after what is often a very emotional journey, you can see why they struggle to decide how much to give to whom, and why some have gone above and beyond. 

However, it’s about more than the financial payoff. The show introduces us to the people running these groups and, moreover, the individuals who volunteer and/or benefit from their services. 

It’s humbling to know that while we may claim we can’t afford to help, some of the most giving individuals are those who seem to have nothing themselves. 

It’s a lesson that ABC is hoping will take root. Millionaire’s website has background and contact information on all the groups showcased. ABC also encourages viewers to get involved in their own communities.

We have a lot of wealth to share that has nothing to do with dollars and cents. As Dani Johnson said, “You don’t need to make a lot of money to make a difference in your community…Give what you’ve got.”






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