A “Wheel of Fortune” contestant who scored big on Thursday night decided to donate his profits to two charities close to his heart.
Scott Kolbrenner of Encino, Calif., walked away with $145,000 in winnings after playing the game.
Per TV Line, he won $45,000 in cash and prizes during the regular rounds. He then correctly guessed the bonus puzzle and added on the $100,000 Grand Prize.
“I guess playing deliberately pays off,” longtime host Pat Sajak commented after congratulating Kolbrenner on his feat.
Instead of hanging onto the money, Kolbrenner decided to split it between two organizations.
“While I hoped I would do OK on the show, I never thought that anything like this could happen,” Kolbrenner said post-win.
He donated a total of $72,500 to Uplift Family Services and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
“I got lucky that day and knew right away that I wanted to share my good fortune. So, I decided to contribute all of my winnings to Uplift Family Services and Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, whose services support thousands of families. The fun and memories from the day will stay with me forever, but the urgent need in our community cannot wait," he added,
The contestant has worked with Uplift Family Services, a behavioral health treatment provider, for two decades. Per the publication, he volunteers his time while also serving as a member of the Board of Directors.
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He also supports The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, an organization that helps distribute food to those in need.
Kolbrenner, who was chosen following a virtual audition, said that while he’s been watching the program “his whole life." It has since become a show his whole family enjoys together.
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