Feb 10 2008
The Big Give - Oprah
Oprah has entered the Reality TV arena. According to reports, her new Reality TV Series will feature 10 people that will be challenged to take the money and resources they are given and multiply them to come up with the most powerful, sensational, emotional and dramatic ways to give to others. A feel good, inspiring show. I like the concept. Does anyone remember Percy Ross? He had a column in the paper many years ago called Thanks a Million. He was a philanthropist who would accept letters from readers who asked for things they could not afford and Percy would be the judge filling those requests based upon their letter/need. Could you see a Reality series starring this older wealthy and wise man? I would tune in. The requests of Percy’s readers were generally minimal but some were quite comical. I remember most people asking for the basics; a mattress, new shoes, glasses. I was a faithful reader of his. He actually gave his entire fortune away. Here is a quote by Percy I always found inspiring (anyone who knows me knows that I am a quote freak): “The American Dream is being able to pursue anything you want, without restrictions or limitation, but in keeping with the law, that fills your passion for life. The advice I would give to someone chasing after his or her dream is to never, ever give up. That may sound trite, but it is the single-most factor that allowed me to achieve my dreams. Call it tenacity or perseverance, the end result is the same.” Percy Ross Hey, I wonder if there is a Percy Ross fan club? Anyone?