Back in 1997 Oprah left the Harpo home, went on the road, and joined none other than Tina Turner on tour. Of course, Ms. Winfrey wouldn’t do just that alone. So, as you have probably already guessed, she invited some deserving fans along with her. Out of 76,000 fan letters on why they were the most deserving, Oprah chose six.
Those six lucky ladies toured along with Oprah and Tina getting total VIP treatment, a shopping spree, and of course, front row seats.
Use Your Life Award
In the year 2000, on the Oprah show, the daytime queen established Oprah's Angel Network and the "Use Your Life Award". The award is given to various, organizations all of which aim to enrich the lives of disadvantaged kids around the world.
Some winners include the Boys' Choir of Tallahassee, Young Aspirations/Young Artists (YA/YA), Food From the 'Hood, Camp Harmony, and many, many more.
The Book Contest
In January 2006, the TV queen created Oprah's National High School Essay Contest. Applicants were tasked with the essay question "Why is Elie Wiesel's book Night relevant today?" A group of judges that were made up of teachers, librarians as well as a team of Harpo staffers sifted through the fifty thousand applicants, and in the end, chose only fifty winners.
Oprah gifted each of them a $10, 000 college scholarship. It was a touching day in that studio. The fifty winners who all wrote moving essays came from a range of backgrounds, some of them very harsh and disturbing.
Mr. Right
Who knew showing lifelong dedication could get you a sack of cash? Brian Fawcett had really lived up to his vows when he found himself taking care of his wife, Allison, all through her struggle with cancer.
On the show, Oprah awarded him by paying off his college debt — all $35, 000 of it. (Thanks to Charles Schwab Investments.) He also got $10, 000 for his personal account, a portfolio consultation, and last but not least — the title of Most Romantic Man, by Oprah herself. Not bad.
Philly Road Trip
This was one of the first of a series of big Oprah trips. In 1994, Oprah surprised her entire studio audience with a trip to Philly! Audiences could not believe it. Until that moment, the Oprah show was a place to talk about feelings. Suddenly it became the talk show haven of grand giveaways. Lady O gave them only a day’s notice before she whisked them all away, just because she loves surprises.
131 audience members were taken to Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell, climb the famous "Rocky" steps, and of course chow down cheesesteaks.