(CNN) — Scott Kolbrenner could buy more than a few vowels with the $145,000 he won on “Wheel of Fortune” last week.
But he doesn’t plan on buying anything. Instead, he’s giving all of his winnings to charity.
The California resident announced that he will donate the money, which includes the $100,000 grand prize, to two California charities — Uplift Family Services and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. “It’s been a dark time,” Kolbrenner told “Good Morning America” on Friday.
“When I went on the show, I was doing it for the fun of it, and I said to my wife … ‘If I do OK here, anything that I get, let’s give it to charity. We’re very fortunate. Let’s see if we can support some others who aren’t as fortunate as we are.”
Charities grateful for his donation
Kolbrenner has long sat on the board of Uplift Family Services, which helps children and their families manage and recover from trauma and related challenges. The organization shared words of gratitude after his win.
“We are so honored and grateful that Scott chose to play for us,” the group wrote on its Facebook page.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank also acknowledged the donation online, writing that Kolbrenner’s act furthers its mission.
“It takes the whole community to fight food insecurity and the critical work that we do is possible with the help of people like Scott Kolbrenner,” the food bank wrote. “We are so grateful to be part of such a supportive community.”
Kolbrenner said that Hollywood, despite being known for its “glitz and glamor,” also has struggling communities that are underrepresented. “What I was hoping with the ‘Wheel’ is to shine a light on them,” Kolbrenner said.
His wife knew about the big win
The words “Flowing white gown” tacked on $100,000 to the $45,000 Kolbrenner had already won.
His wife knew about the big moment before it aired, he said.
“My wife was the only person that knew what happened that night of the taping,” Kolbrenner said. “It was complete and utter shock for everybody in our lives, and they were elated about it.”
The show itself is no stranger to acts of charity.
This year, “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” began airing on ABC on Thursdays. Celebrities of all kinds play to win up to $1 million for charities of their choice.
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