‘Survivor’ Winner Donates Entire Million-Dollar Prize to Veterans

'Survivor' winner donates entire million-dollar prize to veterans (CBS Entertainment/CBS Newspath)

HOUSTON, Texas (WKRC) – The Season 43 winner of the reality competition show “Survivor” revealed on Wednesday he is donating his entire prize to veterans — all $1 million.

Mike Gabler, 52, is a heart valve specialist from Houston, Texas and the second-oldest winner in the show’s history.

He made the announcement during the “Survivor” after-show, telling host Jeff Probst, “There are people who need that money more.”

Gabler says he’s making the donation in honor of his late father, Robert Gabler, who was a Green Beret, to help veterans suffering from psychiatric problems.

“We’re going to save lives and do something good,” he told cast and crew. “Season 43, all of us did this. A million dollars is going to them. We made history, guys.”

Probst called the choice to give up all of the money a “beautiful gesture,” and asked about Gabler’s financial situation at home. He told the host that he’s not particularly wealthy.

“I’ve worked very hard. I’ve been fortunate, but you know, I realized being through this experience, I am rich at home. I have an amazing life at home. I have an amazing family. I have amazing friends. I need to be a better husband, I need to be a better father, I need to be a better brother, I need to be a better son,” Gabler said.

The money is going to the Veterans in Need Foundation, a nonprofit that helps provide support and assistance to veterans and their families.