Oprah Speaks at Wisconsin NAACP Dinner

CITY OF PEWAUKEE, Wis. (AP) _ Oprah Winfrey says the greatest moment of her life happened far from the spotlight, surrounded by orphans in South Africa. <br><br>Last December, the talk show host and a

Monday, October 27th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

CITY OF PEWAUKEE, Wis. (AP) _ Oprah Winfrey says the greatest moment of her life happened far from the spotlight, surrounded by orphans in South Africa.

Last December, the talk show host and a team of 90 people brought ``caravans of Christmas kindness'' to thousands of destitute children.

She tearfully described the experience Saturday night to more than 700 people attending the annual Freedom Fund dinner for the Waukesha branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

``Dear Mother Oprah,'' Winfrey recited from a 12-year-old girl's thank-you note. ``I thank God for you. Thank you, for I am no longer an orphan because of you. ... You have given me humanity.''

She said the letter was ``the single best gift I have ever received'' and her time in Africa gave her ``palpable joy.''

``You can do that right here in Waukesha County,'' Winfrey said. ``You don't have to go to Africa to extend yourself.''