Throughout his lengthy and esteemed life, Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek did a lot of good deeds and put smiles on millions of people's faces on a weekly basis. Though the Jeopardy! fandom and then some were definitely devastated when he died, everyone can take some comfort in knowing that Trebek is still making an impact and paying it forward even in death, and it involves his classy wardrobe and a charitable cause.
Technically, it's the game show legend's son Matthew Trebek that was partially responsible for this heartwarming display. He and other family members teamed with Jeopardy!'s powers that be to donate a bunch of Alex Trebek's clothes to organization The Doe Fund, which helps out homeless and underserved Americans by providing them paid jobs, housing, vocational training educational lessons and other various social services.
Specifically, Matthew Trebek set it so the clothing is to go through The Doe Fund's "Ready, Willing and Able" reentry program, according to Deadline, meaning the clothes are to be used by the organization's beneficiaries when they go on job interviews. If anyone tries out to be the next Jeopardy! host while wearing one of Alex Trebek's suits, Ken Jennings and the other guest hosts might be permanently replaced. Such is the power of Trebek's debonaire vibe.
All in all, Matthew Trebek and Jeopardy!'s costumer Steven Zimbelman put together over 400 pieces of clothing, with 300 of those pieces being neckties. Beyond those, they rounded up 58 dress shirts, 25 polo shirts, 14 suits, 9 sports coats, 14 sweaters, 2 parkas, 3 pairs of dress slacks, 15 belts, and 9 pairs of dress shoes.
Here's what Jeopardy! executive producer Mike Richards had to say about this donation working partially as a tribute to Trebek's own selflessness:
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.
According to The Doe Fund's president Harriet McDonald, the men in their training program are very often in need of clothing suitable to win over potential employers in job interviews, and thus to keep their confidence boosted. She and others within the organization are very appreciative for the donation. And she shared how much she could sympathize with Matthew Trebek and other family members, as McDonald's husband of 35 years passed away in the week before the donation was announced.
At least there's a silver lining in this story. Or rather, thousands of silver linings making up the suits, shirts, ties and more that Alex Trebek put to good use during his time on Jeopardy! Here's hoping everyone who's a part of The Doe Fund is able to utilize the donations in the biggest and best ways.
