Day 540
Marc Paskin, millionaire real estate developer, was in Detroit, Michigan tonight.
Who is he? He’s the secret millionaire for this week on ABC’s Secret Millionaire.
Last week we addressed the criticism of the show (and Dani Johnson), and I thought, “Y’know? I’ll watch that show again and see if anything changes in my mind.”
I’m supportive of the show, after all.
So, I watched Mark Paskin give away more money tonight and you know what? I stand by my original thoughts.
Young Detroit Builders, Really Living, and The MAN Network benefited this week. Again, watching the show, I see people doing things for people. I see agencies that are trying.
Don’t think Paskin and Johnson gave enough? Well, then go out there and give more. Give time. Give a hug. Give something!
It’s TV, folks. And yes, the great risk of this post is that I could discover one day that this was all a big ABC ruse! And yes, I know that a lot of this show is probably scripted.
But one thing you can’t script the reality of human suffering in everyday life and the reality of folks who want to make it better.
Don’t like the show? Well, then get in your car and go to a local non-profit that serves an under-served area near you. Take a few bucks and your two strong hand, and make your own show. Alleviate some of that suffering out there.
Do something.
Don’t like Paskin and Johnson? Then put your money and your time where their mouth is.
Criticize TV for what it is. Love people for what they do. Then, decide which side you’re on.
New Josh 
March 16, 2011 at 8:34 pm
I am an original viewer of the 2008 Secret Millionaire and still love the show. Even being a male in my 50’s, I cry when they cry, and feel good when they feel good. The only problem is that I wanted to send Ms. Johnson a note expressing my appreciation for what she done on the show and ended up signing up for videos, and still not able to contact her. In the past several years, I have fought cancer, lost my mom (who was my best friend) my job ended after 3 years (still unemployed after 18 months), I lost my house, car and what sanity was left, but I still enjoy Secret Millionaire. My wish would be that someone like Dani or Marc would continue to give to those places, even if it is a small amount or a yearly visit. There needs to be more episodes of S.M. and Undercover Boss. It’s time that the little people receive recognition.
March 16, 2011 at 9:09 pm
@DAVID: Thanks for your thoughts. My condolences for the loss of your mother. I agree with you — shows like this may be “scripted,” but in the end, they are about people helping people. I, too, hope the relationships continue with the folks who have benefited from the show. Little people do need recognition, and I think it starts by all of us taking some time out of our day to share a smile or open a door. I know those sound like cliches, but maybe there’s a reason…maybe there really is something to it!
March 18, 2011 at 9:40 pm
David and newjosh, you are right. It starts with something we all have….time. You took the time to post, and you will never know what impact that is. But, I was reading, trying to wrap my mind around all the good/bad hype on Dani Johnson, and I came across your post. Thank you for sharing. I will not at all pretend like I know where you are coming from, but I know this is one of the hardest times in our financial history. I also know that no matter how bleak it gets, someone has it tougher. So, if we gave just a couple of hours a week to someone; that would be 2 hours a week we would not be consumed with the reality of our situation. Many people have found jobs, vehicles, living situations, and lifetime partners, because they stepped out of their comfort zone and gave. newjosh you are right, we can always give a smile. Funny thing we will still have another one to give. Have a great weekend. Make someone smile. It is my vacation, I have too much to do, but you have encouraged me to do something for someone else. I think I will eat lunch with a widow with no family. Her days are lonely…..I have it in my power to make her smile. Why would I not.
March 18, 2011 at 11:17 pm
@TERRIANNE: Thanks so very much for your thoughts. Thanks even more for taking the time to comment! The reason I blog on topics like this here and at my sister site is because I think it is essential to have dialogue on certain issues. Like we’ve said, sure, this is a scripted show…but you know? It’s still about people helping people. I’m sure the recipient organizations aren’t interested in all the “hype” and criticism surrounding the show itself…they just know they can provide one more scholarship or one more meal. In this economy, sometimes it’s about getting through another day. If ABC’s Secret Millionaire can help the sun rise on some more helping hands, then I say good for them! Let the TV pundits and critics sort out the rest…