For the week of July 18 - July 24, 2001

Holy donations, 
Batman!

Adam West gives $250,000 
to children’s fund

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By TRAVIS PURSER
Express Staff Writer

No doubt anyone associated with the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund disagrees with Adam West’s proclamation that he "ain’t no real-life hero."

Adam West. Express photo by Willy Cook

West, a.k.a. Batman from the original 1960s television series, spoke to the fund’s board of trustees Monday after donating $250,000 to help protect Idaho’s children from abuse and neglect.

West won the money when he appeared on an episode of the "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" television game show in March.

"I know you’ll have good use for the money," he told the board during a meeting at St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center.

With the money, the ICTF set up the new "Be a Hero to Idaho Children" grant Monday.

ICTF director Carolyn Beaver said the grant would go to programs that build self-esteem in children, and to mentoring programs.

Grants will range from $1,000 to $5,000 with $200,000 remaining in a trust account to guarantee the grant’s future.

"Our basic purpose is to improve family functioning and parenting skills," Beaver said.

West said he decided to donate his game-show winnings to ICTF after seeing Gov. Dirk Kempthorne’s wife, Patricia, discuss the fund on television.

West said the most difficult question he faced on the television show concerned the color of socks Donnie Osmond always wears.

The answer: Purple.

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