Congratulations to St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center for winning Oprah’s Big Give – San Diego!

10News, ABC and Oprah’s Big Give challenged San Diegans to make a difference in their community. In the spirit of this inspiring new show, $10,000 was given to one deserving local non-profit.

10News selected the following five deserving non-profits to compete for the $10,000:

Jackie Robinson Family YMCA

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center

MAAC Project

Alzheimer’s Association

Operation Homefront Southern California

The five organizations had four weeks to raise a minimum of $10,000 to be eligible for a match, then viewers were allowed to vote for the qualifying non-profit they felt was most deserving.

St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center received the most votes and the match. But ultimately, everyone involved won. Combined, the charities raised $90,611, in the competition.

Here is more detail about the finalists:

"Join a Team, Not a Gang." Almost 60,000 children between the ages of 5-17 reside in southeastern San Diego, one of the most critical communities in San Diego County. In a neighborhood where violence is not just something seen on television, kids should be recruited to teams equally as hard as they are recruited to gangs. Jackie Robinson Family YMCA Youth Sports programs help kids develop skills, confidence and self-esteem in a positive and structured environment. JRYMCA programs also teach character values, promote a healthy spirit, mind and body while giving our families a safe and nurturing place to belong. Visit jackierobinson.ymca.org.

For more than 41 years, St. Madeleine Sophie's Center (SMSC) a 501 (C) (3) non-denominational organization, has helped people with developmental disabilities, their families and communities, discover, explore, and nurture potential—giving thousands a chance to live life to the fullest. The Center truly provides a "Life Program" that allows students to learn and grow, and enjoy friendships throughout their lives. The five-acre campus in the foothills of El Cajon, California, and Sophie’s Gallery welcomes students daily to learn or upgrade marketable skills, develop creative outlets, earn some money, make new friends, and gain a sense of independence and self esteem. This Life Program includes recent high-school graduates to seniors in their 80s. For more information please visit www.stmsc.org.

MAAC originated 42 years ago as the Mexican American Action Committee. It now serves all San Diegans who find themselves in distress through a myriad of social, educational, health and housing programs. One of its most rewarding and life-changing programs is called Casa De Milagros. It is a recovery home for women who have experienced adversities and are now in the path to gain back their independency and self-esteem, and in many cases their children. They are a true example that intervention works. Their home is an old nunnery in need of basic renovation. Improvements to the physical environment of their "casa" will compliment the spiritual wealth already present. For more visit www.maacproject.org.

The Alzheimer’s Association San Diego/Imperial Chapter is the center of compassionate care and support for all those in our community facing Alzheimer's. We offer support and education to families as they face the daily challenges of Alzheimer’s, and throughout their journey with this disease. Our services include a 24-hour Helpline (800.272.3900), a broad range of educational seminars and workshops for families and professionals, more than 35 Support Groups throughout the County, individualized guidance with care planning through our Care Consultation program, MedicAlert® + Safe Return®, and Memories in the Making™ art classes. Please visit www.sanalz.org.

For over 8,000 military families, Operation Homefront Southern California provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind, and to wounded warriors when they return home. Through our emergency assistance services and support groups, we become a shoulder to lean on for spouses coping with the absence of their loved one. Our resources with caring professionals provide links for our returning warriors experiencing the physical, emotional, and mental effects of war. Most importantly, we bring joy to the children of our service men and women through our school and holiday programs. Visit www.operationhomefront.net/socal for more information.