It did not have the dollar figures that Oprah Winfrey's events do, but for a group of local single moms, the Big Give was just as exciting.
An anonymous donor filled the gas tanks of 10 single mothers last Sunday with the help of the local Aglow group.
When Michelle Bragg, provincial director of Aglow International Canada, a women's Christian organization, got together with her Bible study group several weeks ago, she was inspired by the annual event where Oprah gives away big ticket items to whole audiences of fans.
The study group, which is named Chocolate Boutique for the snacks they share during their meetings, is made up of eight Aglow members from the Grand Falls-Windsor area.
They knew they wanted to do something to help the community, but were unsure what form their act of kindness should take.
"We talked about it in our group for two or three weeks but we did not have a real idea as to what we might do," Ms. Bragg said. "We laid it in God's hands and waited for an answer."
That answer took the form of a phone call from a businessman who is from central Newfoundland but now splits his time between Florida and Prince Edward Island.
The man, who has chosen to remain anonymous, told Ms. Bragg about a project his church in Florida has each year where it fills the gas tanks of people for one day. He said he normally would contribute financially to that event, but wanted to do something in Grand Falls-Windsor instead.
"He asked us if we could gather 10 single mothers," she said. "He wanted to fill their gas tanks."
Ms. Bragg said the eight members of the Chocolate Boutique found the single mothers and arranged for them to meet at the Car Spa on Hardy Avenue in Grand Falls-Windsor last Sunday.
She said the event seemed to take on a life of its own.
"When we told (the Car Spa owners) what we were doing, they also gave 10 of those single moms a free car wash as well," said Ms. Bragg. "Then a single mother who is a businesswoman in town found out and she gave the single moms free hair dos as well. It just escalated. The Big Give was inspired by God."
Ms. Bragg said the reaction and appreciation of the mothers was gratifying for everyone involved.
"No words can describe it," she said. "It was one of the most amazing moments for all of us. We were overwhelmed with the thought that there was something good happening to these ladies. We thought they would be the ones who would be truly blessed but really it was us that were blessed."
Ms. Bragg said the scripture says what you give away will come back 10-fold and saw an example of that after the Big Give.
The anonymous benefactor, who watched the event from the sidelines, called Ms. Bragg the next day to inform her he had received a business call just after the event.
"He said a lady called him and she was transferring her businesses around and she wanted to invest more money," Ms. Bragg said. "Every penny he gave that day and more was already returned to him."
The group is already trying to think about the form its next Big Give will take.
The mysterious philanthropist has told them he will help out again, said Ms. Bragg.
"He told us that he wanted us to think really big and God will always provide provisions for the vision," she said.

"Livin' on a prayer"