James Holzhauerhad no idea just how much his life was going to change after his 32-game winning streak onJeopardy!
Now, two months after he was finallybested on the showon June 3 (in which 14 million viewers tuned in), James — who is the fourth highest-winning contestant in the show’s 35 years — says life hassomewhatsettled down. “I’d say my phone never stops ringing, but it’s more like my email now never stops pinging,” he tells PEOPLE with a laugh.
Still, he and his wife Melissa, 37, suddenly found they had to decide what to do with their newfound platform.
“We knew we wanted to do a big philanthropic push,” says Melissa of how to handle the sudden fame — and yes, money — and parlay it into something good.
The couple asked around about local charities, and soon learned ofProject 150,a foundation that helps homeless teenagers in Nevada attend and finish high school. “Las Vegas has to be one of the most inhospitable places to not have a place to sleep at night,” says Melissa of the area’s climate. “I went to the website and watched their videos, it broke my heart. I knew I wanted us to really get involved to help them out.”
She adds that for most kids going to school, “there are things most of us don’t have to think about — like showers, toilets, hygiene products, food, clothing. Project 150 is providing all of that.” She notes that the foundation’s next push, after getting kids through high school, is to help them with tutoring, mentoring and financial literacy programs so they can also attend college.
“Can you imagine going from being a teenager who doesn’t even know where they’re going to sleep at night to being able to go to college?” she says. “It’s incredible the work they’re doing.”
James Holzhauer and Melissa Holzhauer.Courtesy James Holzhauer
As for what’s next for the trivia whiz, other than returning toJeopardy!this fall for its Tournament of Champions, Holzhauer says he’s still mulling over what he wants to do.
“There are lots of doors opening for me,” he says. But for now, he’s content to continue raising awareness, donating and fundraising for Project 150. “It’s nice to be able to have a voice,” he says. “Especially for people who need it.”
To donate to Project 150 or learn more, please visitProject150.org
source: people.com
