Ben Affleck celebrated winning on “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire,” hugging his partner, former “Jeopardy!” champion Jamie Ding, during the show’s final round. They successfully answered a question about U.S. presidential turkey pardons, specifically identifying names that were not associated with pardoned turkeys. Their victory was particularly meaningful as they were playing for charity, with winnings designated for the Eastern Congo Initiative, an organization co-founded by Affleck to aid Congolese communities. During the episode, Affleck highlighted the ongoing Ebola crisis in the region and the initiative’s efforts to address it. The episode aired shortly after the passing of Affleck’s mother, Christopher Affleck, who died on June 2, 2023, following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Why It Matters
Affleck’s participation in “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire” and his charitable focus through the Eastern Congo Initiative underscores the importance of celebrity involvement in humanitarian efforts. The nonprofit aims to improve the lives of communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a region facing significant challenges, including health crises like Ebola. Affleck has been actively engaged with the organization since its founding in 2010, emphasizing the need for support in areas heavily impacted by disease and poverty. His win on the game show not only raises awareness but also contributes to ongoing relief efforts during critical times for those in the region.
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