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News: Mark Cuban Is ''The Benefactor''


What would you do for a million dollars? Billionaire businessman and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is about to find out because he is "The Benefactor," and he's set to give away a million bucks to a complete stranger.

"Why has he agreed to give away such a large sum of money? Simply because he can and because he can't wait to devise the means through which applicants must prove to him that they deserve the money."

In the coming days, Mark will release the details on how America can apply for his million.

"I want every U.S. Resident 21 and older to apply. Everyone has dreamed of getting rich, and I want to help one lucky person get there. This isn't a traditional contest. You don't need special talents. I'm not looking to find out who is the grossest, funniest, prettiest, smartest or able to go without food or water the longest. The right person is going to get on my good side at the right time, and whoever that is is going to walk away with a check from me for one million dollars."

"From the millions of applicants we expect, I will then invite approximately 30 finalists to visit with me and begin the journey to win my money. And I can promise you it will be a journey... with some of the rules made up along the way. So if you are ready to take a voyage to a one million dollar check, go to ABC.com keyword: casting."

"'The Benefactor' is a show without boundaries," said Andrea Wong, senior vice president, alternative series and specials. "It can take infinite twists and turns, and Mark's sense of fun and adventure is going to make this a great ride."

"Mark Cuban is the ordinary guy who has done extraordinary things," said executive producer David Young. "That's why I wanted him to be the Benefactor. It will be fascinating to see just what America must do to win Mark's million."

ABC has committed to six one-hour episodes of the project. Production is set to begin in April for a summer air date.

David Young ("The Weakest Link," "Dog Eat Dog") and the U.K.-based 12 Yard Productions are slated as producers of the show. Clay Newbill ("The Mole") will also executive produce as will Todd Wagner, CEO of Cuban's 2929 Productions ("Star Search").