ABC(LOS ANGELES) — One week after his sister-in-law Kate Spade’s death, David Spade has donated $100,000 to help those afflicted with mental illness.
Spade didn’t announce this; People magazine confirmed the news via his representative.
The donation will support the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Spade tells the magazine, “More people suffer from mental health issues than we may realize but no one should ever feel ashamed to reach out for support.”
He added, “If you or anyone you know is in need of help or guidance please contact the national suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255 or go to nami.org to learn more and help those who may be in need.”
Kate Spade, who was married to the comedian’s brother Andy, took her own life at the age of 55 last week and the Joe Dirt star has been vocal about the shock and grief that comes from losing a family member so suddenly.
This past week, Spade went back to work, addressing the loss further during a stand-up routine in Southern California.
“Thank you for coming. It was a rough week, but I didn’t want to cancel and I appreciate you all coming out here,” he told the audience, according to E! News. “And, if my jokes don’t work then I get sort of a free pass.”
Spade’s brother Andy has also spoken out since Kate’s death.
“There was no indication and no warning that she would do this,” he told the New York Times. “It was a complete shock. And it clearly wasn’t her. There were personal demons she was battling.”
Anyone in crisis, or who knows someone in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.
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