The Ellen DeGeneres Show Welcomes Back the Lucky 13
TisBest is on a mission to #RedefineGifting by replacing gifts of stuff with gifts of good. In that spirit we like to feature heartwarming stories of special people, like the Lucky 13, who are also doing good in this world. We hope it inspires you to spread some kindness and love in your communities.
Twelve strangers became friends while bonding over their shared experiences on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. They were each members of the studio audience whose lives were transformed when the host called them to the stage. The 12 past guests met for the first time when they were invited to the taping of the show’s 2,000th episode, which aired in Season 13. Now, they’ve become lifelong friends who refer to themselves as the Lucky 13.
Talk Show Guests Form Life-Altering Bond
The Ellen DeGeneres Show was known for occasionally calling an unsuspecting studio audience member up to the stage. The Lucky 13 were part of that elite club. The host recognized these guests, individually, for their positive spirit and impact on their communities. Then the host surprised them with gifts such as a new car or cash prizes. What happened next was life-altering.
Over the years the 12 guests viewed each other’s featured episodes from living rooms across the country but never met in person … until November 12, 2015. That was the date they all were in the studio audience for The Ellen DeGeneres Show’s 2000th episode which aired during the show’s 13th season. The 12 past guests bonded that day and continued to stay in touch after the show. Now, the Lucky 13 have become more than lifelong friends. They’ve become family.
The Lucky 13 Remember Lisa Jarmon
Four years after the 2000th episode aired the Lucky 13 reunited on the show once again. This time in remembrance of Lisa Jarmon – one of the members of the group who had recently passed away from breast cancer. Lisa’s zest for life and indomitable spirit landed her a recurring seat next to the host over the years. The show transformed this single-mom’s life with a custom-built home, a new car, and, after her diagnosis, a check to help with medical expenses.
After Lisa lost her battle with breast cancer The Ellen DeGeneres Show invited the Lucky 13 back to the show to celebrate Lisa’s life. Members of the group recalled inspirational conversations they had with Lisa. They reminisced about her infectious positive energy and how she had changed each of their lives for good. To honor Lisa’s legacy the host announced the start of the Lisa Jarmon Fund. The memorial fund provides financial awards for people who exemplify the same qualities as Lisa. Next, the host dedicated a seat in the studio audience with Lisa Jarmon’s name.
The Lucky 13 Honors The Ellen DeGeneres Show by Giving Back
As The Ellen DeGeneres Show aired its 19th and final season, the host welcomed back the Lucky 13 one last time. The group expressed how their experiences on the show – and the friendships they’ve made as a result – have been life-changing. Inspired by the host’s generosity the Lucky 13 have dedicated their lives to giving back to their communities. To help them do just that the host had one final surprise for the Lucky 13. The Ellen DeGeneres Show partnered with TisBest Philanthropy to give each guest a $10,000 TisBest Charity Gift Card. The Lucky 13 will pay it forward to their favorite charities – sprinkling more love and kindness into the world – just as The Ellen DeGeneres Show did for 19 seasons.
Create More Warm Fuzzies!
Join us in the movement to #RedefineGifting by replacing gifts of stuff with gifts of good. If you feel inspired by this heartwarming story, spread a little more love in our world. Send a TisBest Charity Gift Card to those close to your heart so they can pay it forward to a charity that is close to theirs. Or give a card to a stranger as a random act of kindness. Together, you’ll do a world of good.
Share your giving stories with us on social by tagging your post with #RedefineGifting.