Stephen Colbert announces $800K donation to South Carolina teachers

Comedian Stephen Colbert delivered a surprise announcement Thursday that he will help fund every existing grant request made by South Carolina public school teachers on the education crowdfunding website DonorsChoose.org.

Mr. Colbert, a South Carolina native and member of the DonorsChoose.org board of directors, raised the funds by auctioning off his desk and set pieces after “The Colbert Report” ended in December, according to a press release. He partnered with Share Fair Nation and ScanSource to fund nearly 1,000 projects at over 375 schools, totaling $800,000, the release stated.

“I’m so excited to announce we are funding all 1,000 South Carolina projects on DonorsChoose.org today,” he said at a conference in New York. “DonorsChoose.org makes it so easy to have an impact and connect directly with the teachers and students you’re helping.”

Greenville teacher Damon Qualls said he was “completely shocked” to learn his five projects would be fully funded.

“This means so much to the teachers and students in South Carolina,” he said at the conference. “What you’ve done by funding these projects will make such a difference in the classroom.”

The event was attended by local and state school officials, including state schools Superintendent Molly Spearman.

“There are going to be some happy, happy teachers across the state,” she said. “This is Teacher Appreciation Week, so what a great way to say ’thank you teachers for what you’re doing every day.’”