There were no losers Sunday on the final episode of ABC's "Oprah's Big Give." In a surprise ending even viewers didn't expect, everyone went home a winner.
Stephen Paletta, a 42-year-old contractor, took home the top prize of $1 million, keeping $500,000 and receiving another $500,000 to keep giving back to the community.
"I'm in shock," Paletta said. "It was such an incredible honor and privilege to be part of this show and to be chosen as the biggest giver with all these wonderful people."
Today's episode of the Oprah show -- at 9 a.m. and 11:05 p.m. on ABC in Chicago -- will have a complete wrap-up of the "Big Give" challenge.
Paletta and two other finalists helped raise more than $160,000 for the Chicago Hope Academy, a college prep school on the Near West Side. Chicago's Blue Man Group donated $100,000 of the money raised.
All seven of the show's eliminated contestants -- including Chicagoan Marlene Snipes -- returned for the final episode and took home $30,000 each.
Leave a comment