Ali Brown Joins Gary and Diane Heavin, Marc Paskin, John Ferber, Dani Johnson, and James Malinchak As An ABC Secret Millionaire

Day 568

———————-

Indulge me again.  Here is the recap of tonight’s season finale of ABC’s Secret Millionaire.

———————-

On tonight’s season finale episode of ABC’s The Secret Millionaire, financial success entrepreneur Ali Brown joins the ranks of Gary and Diane Heavin, Marc Paskin, John Ferber, Dani Johnson, and James Malinchak.

Ali didn’t take a long journey across the country.  Instead, she went just down the street from her California home.  She’s going to Venice Beach.

———————-

Ali Brown is 38 and from Marina Del Rey and is CEO of Ali International.  She teaches women to start profitable businesses.  Her house on the beach is pretty snazzy.

Ali says she has a hard time slowing down, so the coming week will certainly be a test for her.  She had a hard time leaving her cell phone behind, but she did.

The taxi took her just down the street — 2 miles away to Venice Beach…home to hundreds of homeless.  Ali wasn’t too thrilled with the “funky” smell of her apartment, and she looked visibly distressed upon entering the apartment.

$55.25/week is all she had to buy food for the week.

Again, visibly distressed.

Harvest Home, with director Jennifer Jensen, was the first charity.  It offers shelter for pregnant homeless women.  Jensen says the focus is on jobs and emotional stability.  Jensen’s personal journey inspired her to start the home.

Ali helped out with some clothes sorting and got to know tenant Erica.  She said that she has been helped immensely by Harvest Home.  At dinner that night, Ali met the rest of the women and got some conversation and ‘baby stares’…Later, she was very emotional talking about her supportive family.

I just want to take a few seconds to thank my supportive family…Thank you supportive family!

Interestingly, Ali stated that the women she normally helps have a sense of belief in themselves, and that Harvest Home helped to provide that for others.

I think that’s a great thing.  I think that’s an underrated thing.  We can give shelter and monetary support, but unless we also marry that with some emotional support that can help build self-esteem, we’re only getting part of the pie.

———————-

Ali met two women who have to live in their van.  Then, she went on a tour of the RVs where many of the homeless live.  Some men recommended the St. Joseph Center and the Bread and Roses kitchen.

Tiana, the volunteer coordinator, met Ali at the door.

The narrator said that Bread and Roses is the only place of its kind in California, where the homeless can make reservations and eat restaurant-style.

Tiana stated that the kitchen serves about 150 people per day.

Ali spent the day serving the customers and said that she really enjoyed it.  One diner said, “They treat you like people.”

Indeed.

By the end of her second day, Ali seemed a little more comfortable and ready to help some more.

I guess dignity is like that — once we give it, we want to give more.

———————-

Day three saw Ali Brown back on the streets.  She headed to Common Ground — a bicycle-based outreach group.  They offer food, medical treatment, and counseling for youth in Venice Beach.

Ali got on the bike and headed for the beach.

Volunteer “Dre” credits his current positive life to Common Ground and their efforts.  His early story is a typical drug cycle — what isn’t typical is his stop…meeting “Courtney” from Common Ground and hearing a truth and finding support.

Now, he want to be “not selfish” and to help others.  Paying it forward.

That night, Ali headed to the boardwalk.  She said it made her look at homelessness in “a whole new way.”

On day four, she had roughly $17 left.  Still, she went to Cafe Collage for a pick-me-up.  She found a flyer for a charity that helps the chronically ill “feel beautiful again.”

She went to meet Alicia and Wendy of the Beauty Bus.

The cousins lost a cousin at 28 to a degenerative disease, and while that battle was going on, Alicia and Wendy decided to help their cousin by providing her with beauty to make her feel good…and that launched the foundation.

There is a beauty service for the patient and their caregiver when the Beauty Bus goes on a call.

I like that they include the caregiver, too.

Robbie provided a manicure on behalf of the Beauty Bus for Harry and his caregiver.

Harry has ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and his niece Mary cares for him.  Ali sat with Harry and Mary while they received a treatment.

The beauty treatment is certainly not only about “beauty.”  Again, there’s that word ‘dignity,’ but there’s also a sense of pride and human interaction.  We’re more than the sum of our appearances, but we’re also profoundly our sense of self.

Who can say which parts are the most important?

———————-

Day five saw a return to Harvest Home.  Jen Jensen said the organization is about “everyday people” who support them…with no government funding.

Ali was assigned to take care of one of the babies while the mother was doing some homework, as part of Harvest Home’s education program for expectant mothers.  One of the boarders told an incredible story of finding Harvest Home just as her motel money was running out.

Literally, an answer to a prayer.

In a way, I suppose prayers are a lot like fishing lines…we cast them out in hope and, quite often, we are surprised at the nibbles we get.

———————-

On her last day, Ali Brown had to decide who would receive what.  She sat at her table for the last time to write checks.

She made her way to the Beauty Bus to give away her first check for $10,000.  The gift was clearly appreciated, and Ali said she was happy to help a new business grow.

Common Ground was next up, and they received a $30,000 check.  Dre had a look of shock on his face, in the best sense.  Ali said that she was touched by the stories of youth who have nobody in their lives.

Did you hear that?  There are people in the world who have nobody in their lives to encourage them and make them feel like they can be somebody.  Make someone feel like somebody today.  And tomorrow.  And the day after.  It can be anyone.

And if you feel rejected?  Keep trying.  With the same person, a new person, anyone.

Dre put it best, “I was able to break the cycle for myself, but a lot of them can’t.”  They could, but not until someone cares.

———————-

The next stop was Bread and Roses where Ali gave $10,000.  That’s a lot of bread.

Literally.

The final stop was Harvest Home.  Ali told Jen Jensen how much she loved her experience there and, of course, there were tears.  Ali said the experience had a significant impact on her.

Ali gave Harvest Home a check for $50,000…and it was Jensen’s turn to cry.  Ali also got a chance to tell the other women in the home about the donation and to receive their hugs.

That’s cool.

“Someone out there really cares about what we’re doing,” Jensen said.

Validation is nice in these non-profit arenas, as it can breathe new life into something that can be so emotionally difficult.  There are great humanitarian rewards, yes, but it also takes a little cash to keep those rewards flowing.

Thanks Secret Millionaire for giving a little back in a world that often takes so much.

 

Gary and Diane Heavin To Join Marc Paskin, John Ferber, Dani Johnson, and James Malinchak on ABC’s Secret Millionaire

Day 561

Indulge me.

Below is my post from another site regarding tonight’s Secret Millionaire on ABC, featuring Gary and Diane Heavin.

———————-

Tonight is Houston, Texas and Gary and Diane Heavin.

Thank you to those who have come to read and comment already…I am just now settling in to watch, but from what I’ve read, it was an impressive show.

Follow along with me as I watch…away we go!!!

———————-

Gary and Diane Heavin started a fitness empire together.  Diane c0-founded Curves International with her husband.

Two billion in revenue?  Not bad!  Congrats you two.

They have ranches in Texas and Australia and it seems like they have a nice life.  Diane says they take their wealth “seriously” and Gary says it’s important to give back to people.

Love it.  That’s why Curves is a success, in case you were wondering.

Diane said she was a bit anxious, and Gary agreed.  After the emotional goodbye with their daughter, the Heavins put their wealthy trappings on a table and took off for Houston on their private jet…Gary’s hometown.

20% of residents live in poverty and there’s a high crime rate…all around a cosmopolitan city that boasts a rich culture.

The area, the Third Ward, looked incredibly poor.  A median $5,500 household income doesn’t leave much for luxury…or simple living…or any living at all.  For six days, this would be the Heavins’s domain.

Diane was not impressed with the filth in the house.  In fact, she said, “it feels condemned.”

Their money?  Roughly $6.50 per person, per day…or $90.75 total for the week for both of them.  “Hard to understand,” Diane said…indeed.

A van in a grocery store said, “No More Victims” and it was a children’s charity.  This piqued Diane’s interest…I’m guessing a visit is in order.

On day two, the search for charities began.  No More Victims was first.  It is a charity for children whose parents are currently in jail or recently released.

Marilyn “Mamma G.” Gambrel was the representative, and the Heavin’s  went out on a ride-along with her.

“Brenda,” a woman who benefits from the program, said she is grateful for the group — counseling, support…y’know, things people need to get a new start when a new start is hard to find.

“Family for life.”  Nice.

Gary told the camera he remembers when he was little and growing up near this area…and that he was glad to be back to help.

No More Victims helps the community get back on track by encouraging children to process emotions through art instead of violence.  As a therapist, I understand the value of positive processing and encouraging people to be creative to be empowered.  It takes patience and support, but is there any more worthwhile task?  Especially with children.

Diane said the day was an “emotional rollercoaster,” and admitted the day was tough.

I can imagine.

Or, maybe I can’t.

———————-

On day three, the search for people making a difference continued.  Autism at The Sean Ashley House was up next.

Gary took a stroll down memory lane, remembering his childhood home and experiences.  It’s nice that he can give back to quickly.

The founder founded the House for her grandson who was born autistic.  She wanted a place he could go if something ever happened to her.  A beautiful motivation.

Diane and Gary took the day to volunteer.  One in 100 children are affected by autism, so the need for these homes is paramount.  The day program at The Sean Ashley House is the only one in the state.

No government funds.

But a lot of need.

Gary seemed particularly affected by his experience.  Gary said he was uncomfortable, because it was so difficult to communicate.  Gary’s grandson is autistic and Gary was open about his experience with his grandson.

Gary, thank you for being honest on national television.  I’m sure a lot of folks share your point of view when it comes to folks with special needs, and perhaps we all need a little more education on autism.  Thanks for starting the dialogue.

———————-

Day four brought more searching…and peanut butter and jelly.  They headed to a health and fitness place called The Lazarus House.  Trainer Boyd came up to greet them.  They are a non-profit to service folks with muscle wasting diseases (cancer, HIV, MS).  The group also provides support groups.  The goal?  To buy the house.

This is the only program of its kind in Houston.  One client, Charlie, stated that she is “doing something for myself” to build muscle and get more energy.  And when that positive attitude comes into play, is there anything we can’t do?  And when you hear Charlie’s story, you know how precious a positive attitude can be.

Diane and Charlie had a conversation about HIV and what it means to live with a disease that is often misunderstood.  Charlie stated that she has reduced her pills from 20 to 2 just in the time she’s been working out at The Lazarus House.  Diane admitted she had “preconceived ideas” about HIV and said that she learned something from being with Charlie…that people are people no matter what “disease” they carry.

In the end, that makes no difference whatsoever.

And really, isn’t it only our humanity that makes us human?

———————-

The Heavin’s started day five at No More Victims.  They sat in with Momma G. on a counseling session for kids.  There was food, smiles, tears, and seriousness…but most importantly, there was dialogue.

Dialogue.

Speaking.

Processing.

Sharing.

The kids shared what they were really feeling about family and life, and it was clearly not easy, but it was happening…and if we can get people to talk, we can get them to heal.

A peer reminded the kids, “We’re here for each other.”  People tell us all kinds of noise about how we’ll never be anything or how we’ll never succeed…and it’s just noise.  We aren’t statistics.  We are opportunities.  And we need people to remind us of that so that we can live it.

At The Sean Ashley House, it was a day of horseback riding.  According to the show, equine therapy has shown some success in managing autism.  Gary admitted again that he was out of his comfort zone, but he then said that when he started to really pay attention and tune in, the communications began.  He said it was “joyful.”

The joy of connection.  It’s always available with a smile or a word.

———————-

Finally, the day of giving arrived.  Diane and Gary admitted the folks they’ve met were “remarkable,” with “great hearts.”

The Lazarus House was the first stop.  Diane told Boyd she admired his heart and passion and she also thanked Charlie.  The Heavin’s revealed themselves as the Curves founders.

Then, they presented The Lazarus House with a check for $100,000.  Boyd was speechless…but he did manage a “thank you!”

No More Victims was next.  The Heavins sat down with Momma G and made the big reveal.  They presented a check for $50,000.  Again, not much talking, but a lot of tears and smiles.

Gary then gave something to Warren, the peer support.  $10,000.  The look on his face was priceless.

We don’t work in non-profits because we want millions.  We work in it to be of service.  And when good things come to folks like Warren at No More Victims, well, that is something behind which we can all rally.

———————-

The Heavin’s last stop was The Sean Ashley House for autism.  They presented The Sean Ashley House with a $250,000 check.

But when Diane presented client Justin with a pair of sunglasses, well, that was probably the biggest smile of all…

Isn’t that good perspective for all of us regarding giving?

Come to think of it, maybe that’s good perspective for everything in life…all the time.

Tonight is Houston, Texas and Gary and Diane Heavin.

Thank you to those who have come to read and comment already…I am just now settling in to watch, but from what I’ve read, it was an impressive show.

Follow along with me as I watch…away we go!!!

———————-

Gary and Diane Heavin started a fitness empire together.  Diane c0-founded Curves International with her husband.

Two billion in revenue?  Not bad!  Congrats you two.

They have ranches in Texas and Australia and it seems like they have a nice life.  Diane says they take their wealth “seriously” and Gary says it’s important to give back to people.

Love it.  That’s why Curves is a success, in case you were wondering.

Diane said she was a bit anxious, and Gary agreed.  After the emotional goodbye with their daughter, the Heavins put their wealthy trappings on a table and took off for Houston on their private jet…Gary’s hometown.

20% of residents live in poverty and there’s a high crime rate…all around a cosmopolitan city that boasts a rich culture.

The area, the Third Ward, looked incredibly poor.  A median $5,500 household income doesn’t leave much for luxury…or simple living…or any living at all.  For six days, this would be the Heavins’s domain.

Diane was not impressed with the filth in the house.  In fact, she said, “it feels condemned.”

Their money?  Roughly $6.50 per person, per day…or $90.75 total for the week for both of them.  “Hard to understand,” Diane said…indeed.

A van in a grocery store said, “No More Victims” and it was a children’s charity.  This piqued Diane’s interest…I’m guessing a visit is in order.

On day two, the search for charities began.  No More Victims was first.  It is a charity for children whose parents are currently in jail or recently released.

Marilyn “Mamma G.” Gambrel was the representative, and the Heavin’s  went out on a ride-along with her.

“Brenda,” a woman who benefits from the program, said she is grateful for the group — counseling, support…y’know, things people need to get a new start when a new start is hard to find.

“Family for life.”  Nice.

Gary told the camera he remembers when he was little and growing up near this area…and that he was glad to be back to help.

No More Victims helps the community get back on track by encouraging children to process emotions through art instead of violence.  As a therapist, I understand the value of positive processing and encouraging people to be creative to be empowered.  It takes patience and support, but is there any more worthwhile task?  Especially with children.

Diane said the day was an “emotional rollercoaster,” and admitted the day was tough.

I can imagine.

Or, maybe I can’t.

———————-

On day three, the search for people making a difference continued.  Autism at The Sean Ashley House was up next.

Gary took a stroll down memory lane, remembering his childhood home and experiences.  It’s nice that he can give back to quickly.

The founder founded the House for her grandson who was born autistic.  She wanted a place he could go if something ever happened to her.  A beautiful motivation.

Diane and Gary took the day to volunteer.  One in 100 children are affected by autism, so the need for these homes is paramount.  The day program at The Sean Ashley House is the only one in the state.

No government funds.

But a lot of need.

Gary seemed particularly affected by his experience.  Gary said he was uncomfortable, because it was so difficult to communicate.  Gary’s grandson is autistic and Gary was open about his experience with his grandson.

Gary, thank you for being honest on national television.  I’m sure a lot of folks share your point of view when it comes to folks with special needs, and perhaps we all need a little more education on autism.  Thanks for starting the dialogue.

———————-

Day four brought more searching…and peanut butter and jelly.  They headed to a health and fitness place called The Lazarus House.  Trainer Boyd came up to greet them.  They are a non-profit to service folks with muscle wasting diseases (cancer, HIV, MS).  The group also provides support groups.  The goal?  To buy the house.

This is the only program of its kind in Houston.  One client, Charlie, stated that she is “doing something for myself” to build muscle and get more energy.  And when that positive attitude comes into play, is there anything we can’t do?  And when you hear Charlie’s story, you know how precious a positive attitude can be.

Diane and Charlie had a conversation about HIV and what it means to live with a disease that is often misunderstood.  Charlie stated that she has reduced her pills from 20 to 2 just in the time she’s been working out at The Lazarus House.  Diane admitted she had “preconceived ideas” about HIV and said that she learned something from being with Charlie…that people are people no matter what “disease” they carry.

In the end, that makes no difference whatsoever.

And really, isn’t it only our humanity that makes us human?

———————-

The Heavin’s started day five at No More Victims.  They sat in with Momma G. on a counseling session for kids.  There was food, smiles, tears, and seriousness…but most importantly, there was dialogue.

Dialogue.

Speaking.

Processing.

Sharing.

The kids shared what they were really feeling about family and life, and it was clearly not easy, but it was happening…and if we can get people to talk, we can get them to heal.

A peer reminded the kids, “We’re here for each other.”  People tell us all kinds of noise about how we’ll never be anything or how we’ll never succeed…and it’s just noise.  We aren’t statistics.  We are opportunities.  And we need people to remind us of that so that we can live it.

At The Sean Ashley House, it was a day of horseback riding.  According to the show, equine therapy has shown some success in managing autism.  Gary admitted again that he was out of his comfort zone, but he then said that when he started to really pay attention and tune in, the communications began.  He said it was “joyful.”

The joy of connection.  It’s always available with a smile or a word.

———————-

Finally, the day of giving arrived.  Diane and Gary admitted the folks they’ve met were “remarkable,” with “great hearts.”

The Lazarus House was the first stop.  Diane told Boyd she admired his heart and passion and she also thanked Charlie.  The Heavin’s revealed themselves as the Curves founders.

Then, they presented The Lazarus House with a check for $100,000.  Boyd was speechless…but he did manage a “thank you!”

No More Victims was next.  The Heavins sat down with Momma G and made the big reveal.  They presented a check for $50,000.  Again, not much talking, but a lot of tears and smiles.

Gary then gave something to Warren, the peer support.  $10,000.  The look on his face was priceless.

We don’t work in non-profits because we want millions.  We work in it to be of service.  And when good things come to folks like Warren at No More Victims, well, that is something behind which we can all rally.

———————-

The Heavin’s last stop was The Sean Ashley House for autism.  They presented The Sean Ashley House with a $250,000 check.

But when Diane presented client Justin with a pair of sunglasses, well, that was probably the biggest smile of all…

Isn’t that good perspective for all of us regarding giving?

Come to think of it, maybe that’s good perspective for everything in life…all the time.

 

Palm Beach County Florida’s John Ferber Joins Marc Paskin, Dani Johnson, and James Malinchak As An ABC Secret Millionaire

Day 554

Below is my post from another blog on tonight’s Secret Millionaire.

I thought I’d post it here, too.

I hope you don’t mind.

____________

John Ferber of Palm Beach County, Florida.

36, internet advertiser, Boynton Beach.

Nice home.  Nice clothes.  Seems like a nice guy.

Tonight was his turn in the ABC Secret Millionaire spotlight.

Where?  The homeless capital of Skid Row in Los Angeles, California.

———————

Ferber is a self-described “workaholic” and told us that he lost two good friends.  It was that moment he realized he worked too much.

I guess we never know when that moment is going to hit.

But that’s when he decided he wanted to help others.

———————

Ferber seemed anxious when he was on his way there…even the cab driver wasn’t too thrilled about the drive.  The poverty and statistics are staggering, and John put himself right in the middle of it all.

Home to 15,000 homeless, John got his room with others on assistance.

How much money did he get?  $55.00.

For six days.

John hit the street and met some hostility.  He told some folks he was doing a documentary on volunteering.  Not everyone wanted to talk.  Some talked and said they need more help at the local shelters.

Ferber said he didn’t feel safe…threatened at times.  He admitted it was hard to see the “desperation” around him.

He clearly wasn’t comfortable.  Will that change for him?

———————

On Ferber’s second day, he was still walking around as a secret millionaire.  He met a man named “Amin” who hands out necessities to the people on the street.  He owns a boutique called “Ariane.”

John said, “We all have too much,” and he told Ferber that he felt it was important to give some of it back.

Ferber found a park with folks playing basketball in a street league.  He got involved in a 3 on 3 league game.

OG is the founder of the league.  Apparently, his league has been an anchor for others trying to find some direction in a difficult place.  It’s a trace of pride where it is needed most.

Ferber headed back to his apartment where he had a very small dinner — not big, not healthy — but dinner.

———————

Ferber got to wondering about the women and children…good question.  What do we do to serve families and children.

Ferber came across the Alexandria House — an organization to serve families.  The founder of the long-term shelter is still there.  Families can stay up to two years.

Services for women?  Check.  Teens?  Check.  Families?  Check.

John met Madison, and her daughter Rene, a worker at the Alexandria House.  At 17, she was homeless and ended up living with an abusive partner.  She got to Alexandria House and found help.

That’s good to hear.  And good to see she is giving back.

Isn’t that the real circle of life?

John had to walk back to his apartment at night.  He described it as “terrifying.”  It was clearly a new, and unpleasant, experience.

———————

Four days down.  Just a few left.

Ariane was the next stop…Amin’s boutique.  They were going to make hygiene kits for the people on the street to stay clean.

Amin told his story.  He moved into his RV and said he started to think about what it might be like if he had to live on the street.  It triggered compassion within him.

We never know where compassion will come from, but does it matter?  I don’t think so.  The open heart is the key.

A man walked by with shoes covered in excrement.  Amin took off his shoes and handed them over.

No questions.  Just took ‘em off and handed ‘em over.

It’s shoes.  But also not.  It’s something bigger.

Ferber was blown away by that moment.  I guarantee he will never, ever forget it.  Our hearts can be opened by others’ deeds.  That’s impressive and wonderful.

Back at Alexandria House, Judy was there again to greet him.  John got right back in with the families and children and blended right in…playful and happy.  It looked less like volunteering and more like just another day at the park.

Judy told John her funding was really suffering.  In down times, needy places go needy.  Simple math.

Sad math.

———————

It was getting down to crunch time, and John wasn’t sure what to do about his donations.  He went again to visit the 3 on 3 Collective.  A volunteer, Crushow, took Ferber to the Skid Row Mural — an amazing painting showing the story and the pride of Skid Row.

Everyone has a history.  Everyone has a story.  Everyone needs to remember.

We are all somebody, no matter who, or where, we are.

Ferber talked about his idea of the streets and how it had changed…how he now saw these folks as people fighting every day to survive…with so little.

As he packed, he revealed again how hard the week had been.  But then the time came to sit and write the checks — not out of a sense of tax write-offs, but out of a sense of compassion.

Is there a difference?

Maybe.

Maybe it is a big difference.

Ferber went first to Amin and his Ariane boutique.  He revealed himself to Amin and presented him a check for $25,000 to further his mission.  He also left him 200 sleeping bags to hand out to the folks on Skid Row.

If you can keep one body warm, you can keep a heart beating and a life going.

200 times.

———————

The next stop was the 3 on 3 basketball league.  John revealed himself to the guys and presented a check for $25,000 to OG.  Twenty-thousand was for a scholarship and $5,000 was for the league to use.

Ferber also mentioned the mural and said he would pay for the restoration of the mural.

A restoration of the history of a people.

OG called it a “blessing,” and I think that’s probably exactly what it was.

The last place was Alexandria House.  He was clearly looking forward to it.  He presented a check for $5,000 to Judy to divvy up between the nine women of the house.  But then, he gave Judy $45,000 dollars for her charity to use at her discretion.  He then provided a van full of toys and computers to the kids, which got the biggest reaction of all.

———————

When you live on the kindness of others, you need to find others who are kind.  John Ferber illustrated the importance of being kind.

If you think you know someone else’s situation, think again.  What you know is your perception of it.

And, as we know, perceptions are often quite deceiving.

-NJ

 

James Malinchak Is ABC’s Newest Secret Millionaire — Gary, Indiana Benefits

Day 547

James Malinchak is ABC’s newest Secret Millionaire.  He joins Dani Johnson and Marc Paskin as the newest millionaire to give his money away.

This week’s area?  Gary, Indiana.

Malinchak visited Baylor Youth Foundation, Urban Faithworks, and Adonia Community Services.  He gave away his money to these groups, including a $25,000 personal check to Caoch Tony of Baylor Youth.

The beat goes on…the good goes on…

What will go on this week?  What will we do to make a life better?

Smile?

Compliment?

Open a door for someone?

Doesn’t take $100k folks…

It just takes you.

-NJ

 

No Dani Johnson or Marc Paskin At My Door…What a Blessing!

Day 541

Well, no secret millionaire came to my door today.

I guess that’s just as well.  Out of the 7 billion people or so on the planet, I’m probably number 6,999,999,999 that really needs it.  Better it should go where it’s going.

Don’t get me wrong…I’m not filthy rich.  Let’s face it…I’m not even slightly-dirty rich.  I can’t even say I’m comfortable.  But in the end?  Well, I guess I have some really great things – love, friendship, a roof over my head, and some nice hobbies.  I have the freedom to do some of the things I want and the ability to dream of the rest.

Money isn’t good or bad.  It just is what it is.  If we have it, it is a blessing.  If we don’t?  Well, then we can count our other blessings.  And luckily, I can.

So, to Marc Paskin and Dani Johnson, I don’t expect to see you any time soon.

And, I guess that in and of itself is a good reason to count my blessings.

-NJ

 

Marc Paskin Is Newest Secret Millionaire. What Do You Think?

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.

 

Secret Millionaires? Maybe There’s More To It…And Maybe We Shouldn’t Criticize

Day 533

Did you watch that show on ABC, Secret Millionaire?

Tonight, a woman named Dani Johnson — self-made businesswoman and millionaire — went to Knoxville, Tennessee.  She visited a bunch of sites, including a place called “Love Kitchen” run by two of the sweetest ladies.

Dani also gave money to a music school, a family with a daughter who has leukemia, and a company that provides room makeovers for sick children.

Dani lives in the community for a week, visits sites that serve the community, gets involved, and then reveals her true wealth.  She doles out checks to folks before departing town again.  At the end of the show, we see that good came from this money and that real lives were touched.

I did some snooping around the Internet and it didn’t take long for folks to start bagging on the show.  They said it was scripted (it’s television folks) and that Dani comes off as a self-serving person.

Is this all true?

I don’t know.  I don’t know Dani.

Now, will Dani Johnson get some exposure from all this?  Of course!  Were people’s lives changed in a meaningful way?  Yes.

So, once again, the truth lies in the middle.  I watched the show, and I have to say, it seems like it could do some good.  Someone on the Internet criticized Dani for only giving away around $100,000.  But then a response comment suggested that the critic put their own money where their mouth is…and I agree.

To the critics out there, I hear you.  I understand you are jaded.  Reality TV has done that to us.  It’s the inevitable backlash of a “genre” that has probably overstayed its welcome by about five years.

But the point is this:  Is life about criticism or assistance?  Do we hope for change and then piss on it when it comes?  I think there is a time to kick and a time to punch.  I think there is a time to scream and a time to rage.

However, I’m not sure that time is when a woman gives real money to needy charities.  If you feel that is the time, then please sit quietly for a few minutes and count your blessings.  Then, imagine they are all taken away.

Yes, tomorrow I could wake up and find out that all of this was an ABC-sponsored ruse.  I could discover that the world was deceived and that Dani Johnson was duped somehow and that these charities were made up.  But that would in no way change the problems of criticism.  There are those who criticize well beyond the borders of a show on the ABC Sunday lineup.  Usually, when there is a line to do good, there is also a line, just as long, to condemn.

Look, folks.  This ain’t a preachy blog.  You don’t come here to be talked down to.  I know.  I hate when people do that to me.  Just take a hard look at your judgments and biases.  Does it really matter what someone’s story is?  Or, is the important thing to provide comfort?  Sure this can be a case-by-case decision for you when it comes to donating your hard-earned money…but it shouldn’t be a consideration when you are providing your hard-earned humanity.

Your opinion of Dani Johnson is your business.  Your opinion of her genuineness is also yours alone.  Your opinion of her products, services, and spirituality is also something for you personally to mull over.  I don’t know much about it, so I can’t comment meaningfully upon it.

What is not yours to decide, however, is the measure of another person’s struggles or their search for help.  If you refuse to provide guidance or assistance to someone in need, that is your choice.  But don’t get in their way, and don’t get in the way of those trying to help.  They may just be on their way to success.

With or without your help…or your criticism.

-NJ