Alex Trebek's clothing has been donated by Jeopardy! and his family to The Doe Fund.
As per a Tuesday (February 9) announcement, 14 suits, 58 dress shirts, 300 neckties, 25 polo shirts, 14 sweaters, 9 sports coats, among other items, have been sent to the organization that provides paid work, housing education, social services and more to underserved Americans who've previously battled addiction, homelessness and incarceration. The idea was suggested by the late, great TV icon’s son, Matthew Trebek, who is a supporter of the organization, and will see the items distributed to participants of their "Ready, Willing and Able" reentry program to be worn on job interviews.
"During his last day on set, Alex extolled the virtues of everyone opening up their hands and their hearts to those who are suffering,” Mike Richards, executive producer of Jeopardy! said in a statement. "Donating his wardrobe to those who are working to rebuild their lives is the perfect way to begin to honor that last request."
Meanwhile, Harriet McDonald, President of The Doe Fund, shared her gratitude in a lengthy statement, admitting that her husband and President of the organization, George McDonald, was able to see the gifts before he passed away. "We are so grateful for Jeopardy! and the Trebek family’s commitment to lifting up the most vulnerable among us," she said in a statement. "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."
"We understand the enormous loss Matt and Jean are going through, as well as their incredible resilience in the face of hardship. Last week, The Doe Fund’s Founder and President of 35 years, my husband George McDonald, passed away. I’m thankful that George got to see Alex’s suits delivered to the people we serve before he left us. This generous gift honors the legacies of both men, and I know they’re smiling down on us."
As you know, Trebek passed away on November 8 from stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He was 80.
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