Sunday, March 2, 2008
The 10 contestants began their first challenge by receiving an envelope with a picture, name, $2500 and a clue to get started. The contestants formed into teams of 2 by matching the photo that was included in their envelope. The 5 teams had 5 days to complete their Big Give after which they would be judged.
Eric and Stephen were teamed up to help AJ, a widow who lost her husband just 6 months ago when he was murdered while working at Home Depot as an assistant manager. AJ and her late husband Tom have twin girls, Katie and Jennifer. AJ was struggling with her mortgage and supporting her family after the death of her husband, so Eric and Stephen wanted to take some of the pressure off of her.
The team started off by contacting corporations and trying to find someone to donate a large amount of money. While working on getting funds, the pair also planned a neighborhood block party to present AJ with their gifts.
Marlene and Kim had a rough start to the competition when they got lost and didn't arrive at their hotel until 7 hours after receiving their challenge - the team never even had the chance to meet the person they had been assigned on the first day.
On the second day, Kim and Marlene met Carl, a soldier who had been wounded in Iraq and honorably discharged. With a wife and children, Carl was worried about changing careers and finding a home.
The team got to work and began calling contacts trying to find someone to donate money to get the family a home. Marlene and Kim clashed working together with different styles.
Angelo and Rachael were paired together to help Shante, a single mother of 2 who has been homeless for the last year after leaving due to domestic violence. Shante's wish was not to receive a handout, but a hand up to better her life and the lives of her children for the future.
Angelo and Rachael raised money by attending an LA area church and asking for donations. The team was able to raise over $14,000 in just 15 minutes at the church.
Cameron and Brandi were given a woman to help who has spent the last 25 years taking care of people with disabilities. Karen is a loving mother to her 27 year old son with Down syndrome who has inspired her to help others who are less abled. Karen runs High Hopes, an organization that provides social recreation for people with disabilities.
Cameron and Brandi set out to get Karen the things she needed for her organization by speaking to people in their hotel, local small businesses and an area casino. The team's goal was to give Karen everything she had asked for on her list of needs.
Sheg and Carlana were asked to help Eric, who grew up in south central Los Angeles but now is finishing medical school. Eric is inspired by the children in his old neighborhood and wants to be a role model for the level of success they can achieve. To have the ability to help children, Eric needs to pay off his school debt of over $200,000.
To help Eric with his school loans, Carlana and Sheg planned a fashion show to raise money for the young doctor. Eric is a huge fan of Jamie Foxx and the pair planned on contacting him in some way to help.
Eric and Stephen: Eric and Stephen started their final day by arranging a shopping spree for AJ's daughters at Target. While the family shopped, Eric and Stephen put the final touches on their block party with the neighbors. When AJ pulled up in the car she was greeted by 300 neighbors there to celebrate with her. St. Edwards Church was on hand to award AJ with 8 years of catholic education for her daughters. In addition, AJ was also given $10,000 for a college fund and $50,000 to use towards paying off her mortgage. To end the day, the team helped AJ and her daughters send notes into the sky on balloons.
Angelo and Rachael: Angelo and Rachael set up a gathering with Shante's family and friends which she shared made her feel like she wasn't invisible anymore. At the gathering, Shante was awarded with $20,000 in scholarships for her children, $50,000 to apply towards a home, $1600 in new appliances, and 6 months rent free in a property generously donated. The last surprise for Shante was a car! The judges were very impressed with the team's work. The judges felt that the team's gift was one that would continue to give and that they had great presentation.
Kim and Marlene: For their finale, Kim and Marlene took Carl and his family to their new home. The team paid the rent and utilities for the first month and also presented the $25,000 that was donated to cover their expenses. The judges were quite disappointed in the team's give. Comments from the judges included poor presentation, not contacting the military for help, not communicating well and the mistake of getting lost.
Brandi and Cameron: Brandi and Cameron surprised Karen with a party at the new center that will house High Hopes. Karen was given $5300 in new instruments, a building to house her foundation paid for 6 years - all adding up to $43,000. The judges felt that the team could have worked harder to raise more money.
Sheg and Carlana: Sheg and Carlana held a fashion show which ended with the models opening their purses for donations - the audience did not respond well to the request. As a surprise, $50,000 was donated by actor Jamie Foxx to go towards Eric's loans. The judges felt that the fashion show was irrelevant and that the team could have approached the task from a different angle.
Contestant Eliminated: Marlene
