Robin Williams quietly helped Seattle food bank
by ERIC WILKINSON / KING 5 News
Posted on August 12, 2014 at 5:37 PM
Updated Tuesday, Aug 12 at 8:02 PM
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In 2004, Robin Williams performed stand-up at the Showbox nightclub in Seattle, and without telling anyone, donated all of the proceeds to the food bank.
"I was just astounded," said Executive Director Fran Yeatts.
Yeatts had no idea about the comedian's plan until someone called her asking for tickets to the show. Confused, she began calling around and found out that Williams would indeed be making people smile in ways that transcended comedy. He performed more shows in 2007 and 2008, raising nearly $50,000 for the organization, just as the economy was collapsing and need was skyrocketing. Never once did Williams ask for any recognition.
"Robin Williams is the type of person who really understands there are a lot of people who are really, really struggling," said Yeatts.
It's an inspiring story, especially to food bank volunteers like Bill Bacon who struggles with bipolar disorder and understands the darkness that can come with depression. For him, it isn't how Williams ended his life, but how he lived it that continues to inspire.
"In spite of the problems that some people have, they can still to great things," he said. "I think Robin Williams is a classic example of that."..
