#SPOTTED: ALEX TREBEK IN TORONTO FOR FAMOUS PEOPLE PLAYERS FUNDRAISER

Toronto got a hero’s welcome home as famed Television personality and host of long-running (1964 to be exact) game show Jeopardy!, Alex Trebek, came home to do some good.

Although we know Trebek for his outstanding Emmy Award-winning work on that Program, many don’t know that he is an ardent supporter of Famous PEOPLE Players in Etobicoke. The organization aims to help individuals with physical and learning disabilities the proper experience and training to go out into the world as fully- contributing members of society.  They also are known for celebrity-inspired puppet shows featuring these individuals.

Trebek was here for two days of press and fundraisers for Famous PEOPLE Players’ Exceptional Achievement Program, hosting the lunch and dinner also in celebration of  Co-Founder and President Diane Dupuy‘s mother Mary Thornton‘s 100th birthday.

Thornton, a Queen’s Jubilee Medal winner created the organization’s Visual Art Effects Department which created the vibrant props, costumes and concepts brought to life by the Players. She still works with the organization today.

While introducing the lunch, Trebek thanked fans for their many years of support and loyalty. On Jeopardy!‘s many network changes in Canada from Global to CHCH and more, he jokes, “I wouldn’t be surprised if Jeopardy! winds up airing next on some XXX Porn channel!”.

Before bringing-out Mary Thornton, a dear friend of hers came onstage to sing Happy Birthday beautifully, wowing the audience and Trebek himself. He joined the two for a Photo Op in a touching moment as cameras flashed and TV crews filmed in the charming local venue.

Many don’t know that Trebek also used to breed and own thoroughbred race horses out in California! Super-cool.

See some Snaps from the Event:

#Jeopardy host and Television icon #AlexTrebek in #Toronto today fundraising for #FamousPeoplePlayers. The event also celebrates the 100th birthday of Queen’s Jubilee Medal winner Mary Thornton. #The6ix

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Jan 30, 2016 at 9:57am PST

Such an honour meeting and chatting with TV icon, #AlexTrebek as he helped raise money for #FamousPeoplePlayers. He jokes that he wouldn’t be surprised if #Jeopardy winds-up airing on a XXX channel, the number of networks it has gone through in Canada! LOL He tells me he hates Selfies, but doesn’t mind posed photos. 📺

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Jan 30, 2016 at 9:57am PST

 

More on Famous PEOPLE Players here.

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)