Imagine a scenario similar to Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, only it's not Willy, it's Oprah. And it's not just a few kids who are winners, it's 276 grown adults who are selected to be in her audience. That's exactly what took place today as part of Harpo Productions' 19th anniversary of the Oprah Winfrey show entitled "Wildest Dreams Come True." It was as if Charlie's grandpa got to tell Oprah "My grandson needs a car," and as a result, he was put on "The Candy Man Can!" list. Only this list was the Harpo Girl & the GM Team Can! list.

Winfrey stated the audience members were particularly chosen for the 2004-2005 season premiere because family and friends had told the show's producers that they needed a new vehicle.

One woman's young son said she drove a car that "looks like she got into a gunfight"; another couple had almost 400,000 miles on their two cars.

All summer long the producers planned the biggest, grandest, multi-million dollar wildest dreams show in history. Before the show, Oprah said, "I'm so excited, I haven't slept in days."

The $7 million giveaway came courtesy of General Motors, which provided the free Pontiac G6 sports sedans, a new line of cars, as part of a promotional deal with Winfrey's Chicago-based show, a spokeswoman for her Harpo Productions said.

Winfrey kept everyone in suspense by first giving Pontiac G-6s to just 11 people. Then she gave out gift boxes to the rest of the audience -- who were told one of the boxes contained keys to a 12th car. But when audience members opened the boxes, each had a set of keys.

Audience members screamed and many began crying as Winfrey yelled "Everybody gets a car! Everybody gets a car!" She led everyone out to the parking lot of her Harpo Studios to check out their new Pontiac G-6s -- each one decorated with a red bow.

"No dream is too wild, no surprise too impossible to pull off," Winfrey said during the telecast.

So, you may say "How can they afford the taxes let alone the sticker price of $28,000?" Pontiac not only donated the cars, they paid the taxes too.

Each member of the audience was instructed to contact a Pontiac representative to personally customize the actual cars they will receive, allowing them to choose the color and features that come with a fully loaded model.

"We've never done a giveaway like this before," Harpo spokeswoman Carly Ubersox said.

Winfrey also gave away a four-year college scholarship, $10,000 wardrobe and make-over to a young woman who spent her teen years in foster care and homeless shelters.

And a family with eight foster children was presented with a new houseful of furniture and electronics plus a $130,000 check to cover their mortgage and home repairs.

Pontiac.com

Oprah is looking to make others' wildest dream come true. Her web site says:

It's your lucky day! Oprah found a genie in a bottle... But the genie wants to grant you one wish! What is it?

Now think carefully! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so you need to think big. Everyone wants fame, and fortune... but that's too boring! We are looking to make your wildest dreams come true! That one thing that you've always wanted to do or buy, but could never make it happen. Our Dream Team is searching the globe for some fun, exciting, and over-the-top dreams to fulfill.

The sky is the limit. So if you know a Super-Deserving person who needs a genie in a bottle, we want to hear all about them!
Who are they?
What is their wish?
Why do they deserve to have it granted?

To be considered for this program, you must send a creative and unique videotape (or a slew of pictures) that vividly describes and clearly explains how Oprah can make this Super-Deserving Person's Wildest Dream Come True.

For more information, go to: Oprah.com

Today's Season Premiere will be followed with Barry Manilow on Wednesday singing his greatest hits. Thursday, Barbara Walters' breaking news will be discussed with a rare appearance by Walters' daughter. And on Friday, singers Grammy award-winner Usher, fellow singer Avril Lavigne and t.v. star The O.C. 's Mischa Barton will surprise their biggest fans.

This fall's line-up also includes: mom-to-be Julia Roberts in her first interview since becoming pregnant with twins and a trip to Paris with designer Valentino. Plus, to encourage voter registration for the 2004 presidential election, Oprah will host a voting party with help from Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and Christina Aguilera.

About Oprah

Through the power of media, Oprah Winfrey has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world. As supervising producer and host of the top-rated, award-winning The Oprah Winfrey Show , she has entertained, enlightened and uplifted millions of viewers for the past two decades. Her commitment to use her life to make a difference in the lives of others has extended beyond the realm of television into philanthropy, education, publishing and film. Together Oprah's influence and generosity have established her as one of the most respected and admired public figures today.

Oprah is a television pioneer, a philanthropist, a magazine founder & editorial director, a producer/creator/actress, an online leader, and an Oxygen Media co-founder.

Sign me up for the first episode of Oprah's 20th season.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful and generous, very, very generous living!

~ Jennifer King