The family of the late “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek has donated a significant portion of his wardrobe to charity as a way to honor his legacy.
They gave the clothing to The Doe Fund, an organization that provides paid work, housing, vocational training, continuing education and comprehensive social services to underserved Americans with histories of addiction, homelessness and incarceration, according to a “Jeopardy!” news release.
“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, the game show’s executive producer. “Donating his wardrobe to those who are working to rebuild their lives is the perfect way to begin to honor that last request.”
Trebek’s son, Matthew, has been a supporter of The Doe Fund and came up with the idea to donate the pieces to the organization, the news release said.
In all, the family donated four suits, 58 dress shirts, 300 neckties, 25 polo shirts, 14 sweaters, nine sports coats, nine pairs of dress shoes, 15 belts, two parkas and three pairs of dress slacks. Doe Fund participants will use the items in their reentry program for job interviews, according to the news release.
“We are so grateful for Jeopardy! and the Trebek family’s commitment to lifting up the most vulnerable among us,” said Harriet McDonald, president of The Doe Fund. “The men in our career training programs are always in need of professional attire, so they can shine in their job interviews and work with confidence once they’re hired. This donation alleviates the obstacle of not having appropriate clothing.”
Trebek died in November at the age of 80. He hosted more than 8,200 episodes of “Jeopardy!” over 38 seasons, the most by a presenter of any single TV game show, according to a statement from Sony Pictures.
Trebek left behind his three children and his wife Jean, whom he married in 1990.
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