WASHINGTON — "Jeopardy!" announced Tuesday that a significant portion of the late Alex Trebek's wardrobe has been donated to The Doe Fund. The organization helps underserved Americans with histories of addiction and incarceration gain vocational training, housing and other life improving services.
"Jeopardy!" Executive Producer, Mike Richards, said in a statement that “during his last day on set, Alex extolled the virtues of everyone opening up their hands and their hearts to those who are suffering. Donating his wardrobe to those who are working to rebuild their lives is the perfect way to begin to honor that last request.”
It was Trebek's son Matthew, a supporter of The Doe Fund, who made the suggestion to donate the legendary quiz show host's TV wardrobe.
The donation included 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, the show said.
The clothing will go to charity participants in The Doe Fund's reentry program called "Ready, Willing and Able," and will be worn on job interviews.
"Jeopardy!" donates Alex Trebek's wardrobe to charity
The Doe Fund's president, Harriet McDonald, said the organization is so grateful to the Trebek family's "commitment to lifting up the most vulnerable among us"
She added that her husband George McDonald, Doe Fund's founder and president for 35 years, passed away last week, so she understands the personal loss Trebek's children, Matt and Jean, are facing.
"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," Harriet McDonald said.
The Doe Fund has been in operation for more than 30 years and has served over 28,000 formerly homeless and incarcerated people in New York City. The group's "Ready, Willing and Able" reentry program has been modified for seven communities around the U.S., the organization said.