Secret Millionaire

Uh yeah I watched the first one for equally desperate reasons. But one thing that nagged me was that in that episode, they did a close up of the checks as they were written, and they were all dated April, 31 2008.....

OtherPplsDrama;41959 wrote:
But one thing that nagged me was that in that episode, they did a close up of the checks as they were written, and they were all dated April, 31 2008.....

Nice catch! I know it is horribly set up, like how they get jobs and supposedly get paid that day in cash or just happen to be asked to go deliver something to a family that is in desperate need (and are absolute saints.) Still, they payoff is not bad if you can get past the actual episode. I love the reactions of the people getting the money.

True B...and you can tell the 'millionaires' really do want to give back, and I find that quite endearing.

OtherPplsDrama;41965 wrote:
True B...and you can tell the 'millionaires' really do want to give back, and I find that quite endearing.

Yes, that is definitely what the show has going for it. I somewhat enjoyed last night's episode, although I watched very passively until the end (tuning in and out.) I was shocked that she gave that last woman $100,000! I almost got a little misty eyed. :D

I saw the first one...and I have a question...are they limited to only give away $100,000 (of their so-called own money) total, or are they free to give away however much they want?

Stacee_Danielle;41978 wrote:
I saw the first one...and I have a question...are they limited to only give away $100,000 (of their so-called own money) total, or are they free to give away however much they want?

They can give as much as they want. In last night's episode the woman gave away $70K, $20K and $100K for a total of $190K. In a previous episode over $300K was given away. Actually the funny thing is those that only give away the minimum end up looking like cheapskates!

Bacchus;41985 wrote:
They can give as much as they want. In last night's episode the woman gave away $70K, $20K and $100K for a total of $190K. In a previous episode over $300K was given away. Actually the funny thing is those that only give away the minimum end up looking like cheapskates!

oh, so 100,000 is the minimum?? The reason I ask is because on the last one I saw it looked like he only gave away $90,000

Stacee_Danielle;41986 wrote:
The reason I ask is because on the last one I saw it looked like he only gave away $90,000

It says on wikipedia that he gave over $100,000 but only $90,000 made it to the final edit.

After watching my episode of Secret Millionaire, I learned that reality-TV is all about post production. Even though the emotions and stories are all real - editing makes everything come to life. Nevertheless, here are some missing parts that never made the episode: • The obvious shock, the show advertises that a millionaire will donate at least $100,000 of their money. I ended up gifting well over $100,000 - but the way editing was done – it made it seem I only gifted $90,000. • Due to privacy issues (which I completely understand), one of the additional recipients that I gifted was completely edited out. • St. Anthony’s is also a place where a lot of people go when they are trying to get their lives back on track. Even getting a job these days is all about getting on the Internet. So, I donated a new computer lab to St. Anthony’s. • I was deeply touched by the kids that lived at Raphael House. So, I started a “birthday fund” so at the very least, they get a birthday gift on their special day. • In the final part of the show - the millionaires go back into the community to follow up on the recipients that they gifted. That also did not make the final cut. I know a part of making this show – is to keep it entertaining. So, there were certain scenes that were also edited in to add humor. I got a laugh out of them myself. I never actually said BAM four times in a row or said “grocery shopping – it’s not that easy.” Nevertheless, my heart was always in the right place when I did Secret Millionaire. I’m proud of what I was able to do and blessed that God gave me the opportunity to start giving back at a young age. I’ve also continued to support St. Anthony’s and Raphael House throughout this year. And, I’m sure philanthropy wise; this is only the beginning for me. -G

OtherPplsDrama;41959 wrote:
Uh yeah I watched the first one for equally desperate reasons. But one thing that nagged me was that in that episode, they did a close up of the checks as they were written, and they were all dated April, 31 2008.....

I really love this show. It definitely pulls at the heartstrings. But, like you said about the date, I find it funny that the checks shown on each show are in the same handwriting also.

Bacchus;41972 wrote:
Yes, that is definitely what the show has going for it. I somewhat enjoyed last night's episode, although I watched very passively until the end (tuning in and out.) I was shocked that she gave that last woman $100,000! I almost got a little misty eyed. :D

On the premier episode, the second millionaires were a couple from Louisiana (and owners of Raising Cane chicken wing franchise-which I guess is big down there). And they gave $100,000 to EACH person they were involved with! One was really sweet it was a pastor of a church that got destroyed in Katrina...they were so grateful. I thought that was neat of them to give everyone so much.

Actually when this first caught my eye I just brushed it off but maybe there is something to it and worth checking out. Shows like this can be very nice to watch because it's refreshing to see people actually giving to others.

I'll be watching again tonight. Pickings are slim. Very slim. Edit: I clicked on my DVR schedule and it was blank! It looks ahead 10 days! Oh the misery!

Bacchus;42003 wrote:
Edit: I clicked on my DVR schedule and it was blank! It looks ahead 10 days! Oh the misery!

Ooooh I hate it when that happens.

Bacchus;42003 wrote:
I'll be watching again tonight. Pickings are slim. Very slim. Edit: I clicked on my DVR schedule and it was blank! It looks ahead 10 days! Oh the misery!

'Tis a sad time for TV watchers...

OOH! I found this article explaining the weird check dates! The Wealth Report - WSJ.com : Secret Millionaires Handed Out 'April 31' Checks

“The checks featured on the show may not reflect the actual method of payment; however, all recipients have been paid the sums of money mentioned by the millionaires in the show.” In other words, the checks were just props–akin to those billboard-size checks people hold up after winning lotteries. But the money is real.

OtherPplsDrama;42006 wrote:
OOH! I found this article explaining the weird check dates!

Nice find. Last night was not bad. I was very happy for the shelter in the end that he gave $100,000. You could tell they were very surprised and needed a little miracle. Just that 5 minutes makes the show worthwhile. Putting that aside, what happened to his job after day 2? They would have to have paid him $20 an hour in order to work off the room and have a few dollars left for food in the time that he labored (which I highly doubt is the going wage for trash removal in tandem with Mexican laborers.) I get the impression that after working for a day production picked up the rest of the tab on his hotel room (that happen to already be fitted with 15 cameras.) I won't even get into how easy it was for him to get that job in the first place. Oh, and he "noticed on a message board" posters for both of the charities that he found. Wonder who put those there! ;)

I missed it last night....do they have the epsiodes up online at all? This show is a bit of a pick me up for me...it makes me feel better if I am down or having a bad day...I like to see the peoples faces when they get the money...It makes me happy, LOL.

Stacee_Danielle;42045 wrote:
This show is a bit of a pick me up for me...it makes me feel better if I am down or having a bad day...I like to see the peoples faces when they get the money...It makes me happy, LOL.

Definately! It not only reminds me to be grateful for what I have, but the sometimes sheer kindness of a human spirit is heartwarming.