'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek donates $100,000 to help Los Angeles-area homeless charity

By Carson Blackwelder

Despite an ongoing battle with pancreatic cancer, Alex Trebek is proving that giving back is something that will always be important to him.

The "Jeopardy!" host recently donated $100,000 to the Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, a Los Angeles-area organization with a mission to prevent, reduce and eliminate poverty, hunger and homelessness, according to its website.

"It demonstrates what a truly selfless man he really is," Ken Craft, the president and CEO of the nonprofit, told "Good Morning America" in a new interview. "He recognizes that we are in a homeless crisis and he wanted to help. He wanted to make a difference."

"Normally when we go through moments of pain, our focus turns inward -- but not Alex," he added. "He continues to demonstrate compassion and care for those in need."

Craft said Trebek and his wife, Jean, have been supporters over the past three years, contributing around the holiday season. This time, though, he was taken back with "shock and joy" when he opened an envelope to find a check of such a substantial amount -- an amount that will help many people.

"As a relatively young nonprofit, we lack the cash reserves and surplus to grow and expand. Alex's gift will allow us to continue to grow and expand," Craft said of the organization, which was founded in 2009. "In 2020, we will go from 182 year-round beds to 367 year-round beds. This would not have been possible without Alex's generosity."

To top it off, Trebek even invited him to the "Jeopardy!" set. During his visit, Craft said it became abundantly clear why the Emmy winner is so beloved.

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Recently I was sitting in my office and I received a phone call from Alex Trebek. He said he would like a tour of our new shelter being built. I gave him a tour of the NoHo shelter and the navigation center. Two weeks after that, he asked if I would come to his house. I went to his house and he said he wants to contribute to the homeless crisis and he handed me a check for $100,000. I gave him a hug and asked if I could have a picture, he said you’ll have to come to @jeopardy , so my wife and I went to Jeopardy and got a picture with Alex a couple weeks ago. What an incredibly kind, gracious and generous man. We continue to pray for his health and healing. Thank you Alex and Jean Trebek! #jeopardy #alextrebek #hopeofthevalley #grateful #payitforward

A post shared by Ken Craft (@hopeofthevalley) on Mar 1, 2020 at 3:28pm PST

"I was overwhelmed with the love and respect everyone on the set and in the stands has for Alex," Craft said. "He is far more than a game show host -- he is an ambassador for good and kindness. He is deeply loved and appreciated by all."