Robin Williams donated proceeds to Seattle food bank

Eric Wilkinson | KING-TV, Seattle-Tacoma, Wash.

Show Caption Hide Caption Robin Williams quietly donated proceeds to food bank Volunteers at the West Seattle Food Bank are feeling empty after the death of Robin Williams. They remember him not just as an actor and comedian, but a selfless person who helped quietly raise nearly $50,000 for the organization.

SEATTLE — As they filled bags and boxes with truckloads of groceries at the West Seattle Food Bank Tuesday, volunteers couldn't help but feel a bit empty.

"It's threefold, actually," said volunteer Mike Cervino. "One because he was a great comedian. Two, because he donated here, and three because people really rely on that here."

In 2004, Robin Williams performed stand-up comedy at the Showbox nightclub in Seattle, and without telling anyone, donated all of the proceeds to the food bank.

"I was just astounded," said Executive Director Fran Yeatts.

Yeatts said Williams also performed shows in 2007 and 2008, raising nearly $50,000 for the organization, just as the economy was collapsing and need was skyrocketing. Never once did Williams ask for any recognition.

"Robin Williams is the type of person who really understands there are a lot of people who are really, really struggling," Yeatts said.

It's an inspiring story, especially to food bank volunteers like Bill Bacon, who struggles with bipolar disorder and understands the darkness that can come with depression. For him, it isn't how Williams ended his life, but how he lived it that continues to inspire.

"In spite of the problems that some people have, they can still aspire to great things," he said. "I think Robin Williams is a classic example of that."

Aaron Ellis was volunteering at the food bank when Williams first came to town in 2004, and got to meet the comic legend backstage at the Showbox. He had no idea the two would have so much in common.

"He was this real guy, this regular Joe that had the same issues," Ellis said.

Like Williams, Ellis suffered from depression and addiction. Ellis said it was Williams' humanity, his willingness to openly admit his shortcomings and relate to a regular guy from West Seattle that made those few minutes so special.

"He said it was an honor for him to be able to do these things, to give back," said Ellis. "That meant the world to me. It solidified my sobriety to this day."

A decade after his meeting with Robin Williams, Ellis is still sober. He hopes to return to volunteer at the food bank, and he prays that others suffering silently with the deadly demon of depression get help. He also hopes society will try harder to understand, not judge.

"I realize it makes no sense, but it's what happens," he said. "This is our reality."