Oprah Winfrey Makes Surprise $1 Million Donation at United Negro College Fundraiser

Oprah Winfrey Network launches OWN Your Health Campaign (Credit: Deposit Photos)

Oprah Winfrey caught everyone by surprise, when she opened her checkbook at a fundraiser for the United Negro College Fund.

The media mogul was the keynote speaker Saturday at the UNCF’s 17th annual Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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After finishing her half-hour speech, Winfrey surprised attendees by announcing she would match the $1.15 million that had been raised at the gathering, according to the Charlotte Observer.

The stunned audience of 1,120 gave her a standing ovation. One of the organizers got so excited that she started dancing on stage and accidentally knocked Winfrey’s hat off her head.

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“I believe in the power of education,” Winfrey said during her address. “There is nothing better than to open the door for someone.”

The goal of the luncheon had been to raise $1 million to help area students attend historically black colleges. With help from Winfrey, the event brought in twice as much money.