Oprah donates $1.15 million to help students of color succeed in higher education

Oprah Winfrey is known for just how generous she is. Over the years, it has become her trademark. While attending the 17th annual Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon organized by the United Negro College Fund on Saturday, September 29, in Charlotte, North Carolina, the talk show host surprised attendees with her immense generosity yet again. After the organization revealed that it had raised over a million dollars to help students of color further their education, Oprah shocked the audience by announcing that she would match the amount raised dollar for dollar, CNN reports. The organization and those present at the event were, needless to say, absolutely delighted.

The United Negro College Fund organized the event with a $1.5 million goal. As the video screen displayed that the charity had raised about $1.1 million, Oprah took to the podium and started speaking. To everyone's amazement, she declared that she would match the amount raised thus far. She stated, "So here's what I'm going to do, I'm going to match that number!" The audience erupted into deafening applause, cheers, and screams of joy. This means the organization was able to surpass their goal, rising above and beyond what they initially expected to earn during that fundraising event.

She said, "I'm also here today because I believe in the power of education. There is nothing better than to open the door of opportunity for someone." Following the announcement, the United negro College Fund posted to social media platform Twitter, "Boom! The awesomeness that is Oprah just matched the $1million dollars that were raised during the UNCF Charlotte Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon. Yes, so now over $2 million was raised to support [Historically Black Colleges and Universities] this afternoon! Peep this UNCF Black girl magic." Of course, Oprah has been a longtime supporter of children's rights and education. In 2007, she founded the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. Graduates from the academy have gone on to attend colleges and universities worldwide. Thanking Oprah for her time and generosity, Tiffany Jones, area development director of the United Negro College Fund, said, "Oprah Winfrey inspires us to live a purposeful life." And she truly does.