He may have found fame in Beverly Hills, 90210, but Ian Ziering has set his sights on another zip code these days. Ziering relocated to New York City to vie for the title on Donald Trump's Celebrity
Apprentice. Besides being a clothing entrepreneur – though he's also Chippendales-approved and ready for any tasks that require shirtlessness – Ziering has one major edge on his opponents: Have they ever faced off against a throng of sharks? That is, not in the boardroom …
Follow Ziering on Twitter and check back for his exclusive blog posts on PEOPLE.com after each episode of The Celebrity Apprentice.
First things first: I was surprised to find out that I was among the top four money raisers – alongside Geraldo Rivera – in the history of The Celebrity Apprentice. This show has raised millions for different charities, and I would have bet there were others that collected more.
In any event, that achievement demands a huge shout-out to my big-gun donors, as well as to the donors that were brought to my cause through my teammates. I'm grateful for the money that was donated, as well as to the people who gave of their time and resources in assisting me. I could never have done this without you. I'd especially like to thank Nu Skin Enterprises for giving me a check for $165,000 to give to ebkids.org. All this money will change lives.
Getting to this week's episode, I really have to tip my hat to Vivica A. Fox. She knew she was at the end of her Celebrity Apprentice journey when Mr. Trump asked if she felt she was more capable than Leeza Gibbons of winning. She paused and said no.
Vivica made a stunning admission, but it was an honest response. She felt she had gone as far as she could go and was grateful for the money she had raised. When Mr. Trump fired her, she bowed out gracefully with a sincere "thanks."
Vivica's exit left the "Beauty" (Leeza) and the "Beast" (Geraldo) in the finale. If I knew for sure I'd be working under Geraldo, I would have respectfully declined. My appreciation for Leeza has existed since I got to know her on Dancing with the Stars, and I would do anything for that woman. Geraldo, not so much.
From previously working on Geraldo's team, I knew two things: 1.) He would do everything he could to make himself look good and 2.) He would do everything he could to make everyone else look bad.
Regardless of Geraldo, I choose to table my disdain for him and be inspired by the knowledge that, though Geraldo will always be Geraldo, his charity deserved my very best effort for the win. Watch the finale see how no good deed goes unpunished.
The finale of The Celebrity Apprentice airs Monday, Feb. 16, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
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Ian Ziering Blogs About a 'Beauty and the Beast' Face-off on Celebrity Apprentice
@IanZiering
02/10/2015 AT 12:55 PM EST
