Long Beach Giving Project Awards

INSPIRED BY by Oprah's "Big Give" and "Idol Gives Back," the director of the nonprofit Community Action Team (CAT) Justin Rudd said that approx. $20,000 in goods and services will be given locally to those who needed it most during the 5th annual Long Beach Giving Project. The contestants are not yet announced.

THE FIRST ROUND of contestants in the Giving Project will be made up of approx. 8 of CAT's most exemplary volunteers and supporters from the past year. They will be given $2,000 cash and have approx. 7 days to give it away (in goods and services). While the clock is counting down, the contestants will go around Long Beach to find ways to make a BIG impact -- up to $500 at a time. The contestants will be asked to use their leadership, creativity and resources to make differences in people's lives. Then, on Sun. night, March 18, the "Givers" will face their panel of judges: a group of approx. 25 Long Beach Giving Project alumni. The judges and a crowd of about 150 spectators will listen to each Giver's eight-minute spiel as they explain what they did with the $2,000 they were given. The 3-hour presentation event and dinner will culminate with one contestant walking home with an extra $1,000 in their pocket with the challenge to give it away within the next month.