Why HGTV's Rock The Block Contestants Compete With No Cash Prize
A competition ... without a cash prize? That's exactly what HGTV's "Rock the Block" is all about. In the show, HGTV renovation stars compete in teams of two in a four–weeklong competition, where each duo is faced with the task of adding value to identical properties. Former competitors include Jasmine Roth from "Hidden Potential," Bryan and Sarah Baeumeler from "Renovation Island," and Egypt Sherrod from "Married to Real Estate." So, you're probably thinking, what kind of competition show doesn't offer any sort of reward? It's a very valid question.
Because the cast comprises successful and established HGTV stars, it shouldn't come as a major surprise that they aren't offered any cash for winning. It's really about bragging rights (and a street sign engraved with each winner's name). You might think the competitors are getting gypped, given all of the time and effort they put into making over these properties, but don't be fooled, there is a group that walks away with a hefty prize.
A donation is made in the winner's name
Instead of handing out a cash reward to the winning "Rock the Block" team, HGTV makes a considerable donation to support No Kid Hungry, a nonprofit organization working to end child hunger by providing more than 100,000 meals to children living in impoverished communities. This is done by way of Warner Bros. Discovery's effort Turn Up! Fight Hunger. And so, while the lack of cash prize awarded to the winners of "Rock the Block" may seem curious at first, it makes total sense once you learn the money is going to a great cause instead.
No Kid Hungry also provides grants to schools and communities all over the United States in an effort to feed children nationwide. After learning about No Kid Hungry and its mission, it's easy to understand why HGTV designed "Rock the Block" the way it did. Yes, it's a competition, but not every winner needs a big fat check. In this case, it's all about giving back.
What happens with the properties?
It's worth mentioning the homes on HGTV's "Rock the Block" go up for sale following the season finale. More than a handful of homes from the program have already been sold, including Jasmine Roth's Santa Clarita, California, property from Season 1. Of course, these homes don't come cheap. Roth's winning property, for example, sold for a whopping $1.1 million in January of last year. Currently, there are several Denver "Rock the Block" properties on the market, ranging from $3.1 million to $3.4 million, per The Denver Post.
Unfortunately, there isn't one specific place to view all of the "Rock the Block" homes for sale. If you're interested in viewing one of the properties, work with a real estate agent to see if you can get inside one of these fantastic homes and check it out. Sure, the participants of the competition don't receive any grand prize to take home, but in the end, it's all about helping the greater good.