Alex Trebek's family donates his 'Jeopardy!' wardrobe to charity

WASHINGTON (WJLA) — The legacy of the late Alex Trebek continues to live on past his Jeopardy! days as people recount their favorite moments of the beloved TV host.

It was just announced this week that a part of who he was will be donated to charity as his family and Jeopardy! donated "a significant portion" of his wardrobe to The Doe Fund. The organization is known for providing paid work, housing, vocational training, education and social services to 'underserved Americans' who have a history of dealing with addiction, homelessness, and incarceration, according to the show.

"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 Producer, JEOPARDY!. “Donating his wardrobe to those who are working to rebuild their lives is the perfect way to begin to honor that last request.

Alex Trebek's son, Matthew Trebek, is also a supporter of The Doe Fund, the show adds, and he first suggested the donation be made to the organization.

Matthew and Jeopardy! costumer Steven Zimbelman packed up the wardrobe for the donation, including 14 suits, 58 dress shirts, 300 neckties, 25 polo shirts, 14 sweaters, nine sport coats, nine pairs of dress shoes, 15 belts, two parkas, and three pairs of dress slacks.

The wardrobe will be provided to people in the fund's reentry program, 'Ready, Willing and Able', to be used for job interviews.

"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.”

Harriet added that she recently lost her husband, George McDonald, who was the founder and president of The Doe Fund for 35 years.

We understand the enormous loss Matt and Jean are going through, as well as their incredible resilience in the face of hardship," she said. "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.