TV Icon Bob Barker Gives $3 Million to Military Brain Injuries Hospital

Oct. 7, 2009— -- Bob Barker, famed TV icon and former host of "The Price Is Right," has given $3 million to finish funding the construction of a new hospital in Bethesda, Md., to care for the brain injuries of military personnel.

Barker, a naval aviator who served during World War II, contacted the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund last week after learning that it was struggling to come up with the last $3 million for the new treatment center.

Bill White, president of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, got on the phone with Barker. The two spoke for 40 minutes about Barker's service experiences and the difficulty of raising money in a recession, White said.

For more information on the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund click here.

Barker, 84, said he was motivated to make the donation because of his naval service and his desire to help people in his retirement. Barker ended his TV career after hosting "The Price is Right" for 35 years as well as "Truth or Consequences," The Rose Parade, and The Miss USA and Miss Universe Pageants. He made his film debut in "Happy Gilmore."

Barker has long used his status in the industry to raise awareness about animal rights, and was recently in Canada to draw attention to the plight of elephants.

In this case, he learned about the reputation of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, and that every penny the fund raises goes directly to projects. The trustees absorb the administrative costs with interest from invested funds.