Washington Area Women's Foundation

Oprah Forces Philanthropy

Oprah’s latest gift to her ever enraptured audience was a feeling, not a Ferrari. She has challenged 300 people to accept $1,000 with the condition that they give it away. Since the show’s airing there has been much commentary and speculation on the popularity of this forced philanthropy, especially how it ranks amongst her previous benevolence.

I think it is brilliant. The only giving medium more powerful than philanthropy itself is teaching others how to get engaged. Thank you Oprah, for providing 300 people, who may or may not have been previously charitable, with the first step of getting the giving feeling.