The Big Give: Making Philanthropy a Reality in Colorado.

My husband and I are a little obsessed with reality shows. Survivor, Amazing Race, Apprentice, Top Chef - and Matt’s favorite, Flip this House. When Oprah announced that she was bringing philanthropy to my favorite genre…I set the DVR immediately.

The premise, 10 people compete to ‘Give Big’ in a new city each week. With a couple grand in seed money for each challenge, contestants race to change the world. (Think ‘Amazing Race meets Extreme Makeover – Home Edition) For two weeks, I’ve rooted for all the contestants - truly good people who embody generosity, compassion and conviction. I’ve been touched and inspired by the families and lives they transform in a matter of days. Yet at the end of each week, it’s remarkably awkward to see the contestants being judged (and eliminated) for ‘not giving enough…or not giving it right’. (I hope they work this part out of the show…)

I will keep watching because when creativity meets generosity – anything is possible. Rachael (a contestant) gives big to women living with HIV/AIDS at Empowerment Program, Inc. She took these deserving women – many of whom feel forgotten – to a day at the Spa & dinner at Strings. I was not surprised when I recognized the restaurant interior - my friend Noel Cunningham, the owner of Strings Restaurant, embodies the Big Give.

What would you do to ‘Give Big’?

1. Volunteer – Find an agency that you care about at Metro Volunteers. They need you.
2. Give Online – We value every single dollar that is donated to us and/or one of our member agencies - Donate Now!
3. Do your own ‘Big Give’. Get some friends together, choose a project and do it together. (here's a great blog to help you get this going)
4. Write about what you would do with just a little bit of seed money…

- Debbie