America lost a legend when longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek died from pancreatic cancer a few short months ago, but his legacy of helping others will carry on.
Trebek’s family has donated a large potion of the host’s TV wardrobe to the NYC-based nonprofit The Doe Fund, which works to break the “devastating cycles of homelessness, incarceration, and criminal recidivism.”
The organization has different programs which offer paid work opportunities, special job and career training, safe and supportive affordable housing, and social services with the goal of helping formerly incarcerated and homeless men get back on their feet and successfully care for and support themselves.
Trebek’s items will go to those in the “Ready, Willing & Able” program, helping them be dressed to the nines for job opportunities and interviews, according to a press release from the show. It includes: 14 suits, 58 dress shirts, 300 neckties, 25 polo shirts, 14 sweaters, 9 sports coats, 9 pairs of dress shoes, 15 belts, 2 parkas, and 3 pairs of dress slacks
“During his last day on set, Alex extolled the virtues of everyone opening up their hands and their hearts to those who are suffering,” said Mike Richards, Executive Produce of JEOPARDY!. “Donating his wardrobe to those who are working to rebuild their lives is the perfect way to begin to honor that last request.”
One of the members who was gifted a suit, George Tucker, told ABC7: “I got a famous suit now. He had all the answers. I’ll give you the answers.”
Trebek was known in life for his generosity and philanthropy, making large monetary donations to homeless shelters in Los Angeles, donating land for public park space in California, giving back to his alma mater, and helping to fund pancreatic cancer research.
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