Original Air Date:
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Episode 8 Finale - "The Shirt Off Your Back":
Cameron, Brandi and Stephen met Oprah at Chicago's Union Station to kick of the final challenge, "The Shirt Off Your Back." The contestants were asked to work as a team, though they would be judged separately, and had 48 hours to complete their big reveals starting with nothing but the shirts on their backs.
Stephen's Final Big Give Idea:
Stephen decided right away to contact an old friend in Chicago, Bob Muzikowski, who opened the Chicago Hope Academy, a college and life prep school for inner city kids. When the 3 contestants sat down to talk to Bob, Brandi and Cameron weren't really into the idea, but listened as Bob explained that they could use an athletic field that would cost around $100,000. Stephen was hoping to help but Brandi and Cameron didn't want to commit, so they headed back to the hotel to brainstorm other ideas.
Brandi and Cameron's Final Big Give Ideas:
Not completely backing Stephen wanting to help the Chicago Hope Academy, Cameron and Brandi tossed out other ideas that the team could do, going on the fact that they had no start-up money. They suggested working with the Shriners Hospital for Children and possibly getting Illinois pageant queens and the Blue Man Group to perform and hand out teddy bears to the sick kids. Stephen was insulted by the idea thinking that the final give should be something bigger than a day for the kids.
Jamie's Progress Report:
Judge Jamie Oliver stopped by the hotel to check in on the progress and found that with just 36 hours left the team had no solid ideas. Jamie suggested keeping it simple and over-delivering instead of going too big and falling short. Instead of sitting in the hotel running through ideas, Jamie wanted the contestants to get out of the hotel and do something, even if they had to split up.
Chicago Hope Academy Big Give:
Deciding to go with the only idea they had, Stephen headed to the school while Cameron started on the phone to raise money. Reaching out to his business associates, Cameron was able to raise $10,000 and also emailed the Blue Man Group who was in town. The group called Cameron and was happy to do a special performance for the school and even donated $100,000!
While Stephen was at the school, he announced that they were planning on having lunch catered before the school would be going to the Blue Man Group performance - the students were thrilled!
Brandi and Cameron's Shriners Big Give:
Brandi didn't fit with what the guys were working on and didn't appreciate Stephen announcing the performance alone, so she decided to leave and accomplish another project. Cameron soon followed and the pair headed to the Shriners Hospital for Children. While Stephen was at the hotel, he was able to raise an additional $60,000 for the Chicago Hope Academy.
Brandi and Cameron were interested in helping the Shriners Hospital because they take in everyone that needs help and all of the medical treatment is covered. Brandi hoped to organize a cooking class for the kids with a local chef.
The Chicago Hope Academy Big Reveal:
The big reveal for the Chicago Hope Academy started with a catered lunch for the kids which Stephen was on hand to help serve; Cameron and Brandi were still working at the hospital. After lunch it was time to head to the theater for the Blue Man Group performance that Stephen had to start without Brandi and Cameron since they were stuck in traffic. The kids loved the show and Brandi and Cameron made it in time for the presentation of the gifts to the school. After the show, Stephen commended Bob for his work and presented him with the $60,000.
The Blue Man Group also had a large donation to present to the school. The group gave Bob a check for $50,000 to use towards the athletic field as well as a check for $50,000 for the music and arts program. As a surprise, the BMG also had 15 new guitars donated from Fender and a new upright piano from Gibson to add to the school music program.
Shriners Hospital for Children Big Reveal:
After the presentation for the Chicago Hope Academy, the team headed to the hospital for the cooking class. Brandi explained that she had grown up in and out of the hospital and understood what it was like to be there. Chef Anthony Reyes from Rosebud Restaurant donated his time for an hour long demonstration and tasting for the kids. The class went so well, Anthony even volunteered to come back each month and do more.
After the cooking class, the team presented the hospital with $10,000 worth of books, DVDs, CDs, instruments, games and toys that Stephen and Cameron had purchased with the $10,000 Cameron raised.
Judging and Announcement of The Big Give Million Dollar Winner:
The judges questioned each contestant on what they each had contributed and noticed that the team effort was not always great, but that they were able to pull off great reveals despite the conflicts. While the judges went to deliberate, the 7 eliminated contestants returned as well as Jennifer Aniston for a special announcement!
Jennifer announced that for all of the great work the 7 contestants did they would be given $30,000 which they weren't expecting! When it was time to announce the winner, Oprah told Cameron, Brandi and Stephen that in their envelopes would either be $100,000 or $1,000,000 and they were stunned. The million dollar winner would be given $500,000 for themselves and $500,000 to use to give big to others.
The Big Give Million Dollar Winner: Stephen
