ESPN's Mina Kimes Donates $1M Celebrity Jeopardy Win

When ESPN's Mina Kimes took home the Celebrity Jeopardy crown, she already knew exactly where every penny would go.

The NFL analyst won the latest Celebrity Jeopardy competition in May 2026, beating fellow sports media personalities including Katie Nolan. Her prize was a life-changing $1 million, and she's donating it all to help people experiencing homelessness in Southern California.

Kimes announced she's giving the full amount to SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition, calling them "amazing people" who do "essential, life-changing work" in Los Angeles. The organization provides comprehensive support to people experiencing homelessness, from shelter to job training and mental health services.

The announcement sparked an outpouring of support across social media. Fans called the donation "incredible" and "beyond amazing," while ESPN colleague Adam Schefter praised her generosity, writing, "Like her Seattle Seahawks, Mina is a champion."

Why This Inspires

Kimes could have easily kept the prize money or split it between charity and personal use. Instead, she chose to maximize her platform and her winnings to address one of Los Angeles's most pressing challenges.

Her choice highlights how celebrity competitions can create real community impact. By leveraging her sports media fame on a game show, Kimes transformed trivia knowledge into tangible help for people who need it most.

The donation also shines a light on SELAH's work at a crucial time. Los Angeles continues to grapple with homelessness, and organizations like SELAH rely on donations to continue their essential services.

As Kimes gears up for the 2026 NFL season, she's already scored the biggest win of her year off the field.