Mike Gabler emerged as a celebrated victor in Season 43 of the reality television series, Survivor, which premiered in September 2022. As one of many contestants sharing the name Mike, he distinguished himself not only through his gameplay but also through his philanthropic endeavors following his win.
Unlike fellow Survivor alumnus Mike White, who made his mark in directing, Gabler has channeled his passion into charitable work. At the age of 51, he became the second-oldest contestant in the show’s history to claim the coveted $1 million prize, which he decided to donate entirely to support various causes.
Gabler’s altruism led him to select ten veteran organizations as beneficiaries of his donation. These impactful organizations primarily focus on assisting individuals dealing with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and suicidality. Furthermore, many also prioritize educational needs, catering to children necessitating special care and addressing the needs of military veterans.
Mike stays actively involved with these charities, using his social media platforms—especially Instagram—to promote events and raise awareness. Additionally, he shares glimpses of his adventurous lifestyle, depicting activities such as fishing, hiking in nature, diving, and traveling.
Mike Gabler’s Commitment to Veterans
In the realm of celebrity philanthropy, Mike Gabler stands out as a vocal advocate for military veterans. In an interview with the VA’s Veterans Experience Office published on March 27, 2023, Gabler elaborated on the significance of charity in his life.
“I’ve had the opportunity to serve but never the honor of serving,”he stated.
He emphasized that citizens, having benefited from the sacrifice of veterans, bear a responsibility to support them in return. Describing his engagement as “special,”Gabler articulated the profound impact that even saving a single life through his contributions holds for him. He expressed confidence that his donation will lead to significant transformations in the lives of many.
Interestingly, Gabler remained tight-lipped about his intentions to donate his Survivor winnings while competing on the show. Even during the Final Tribal Council, he refrained from revealing his philanthropic plans. Reflecting on this decision, he noted,
“I immediately shied away from that because I didn’t want in any way, shape or form to be using Veterans, using the population I care about deeply, to help me win.”
He believed that disclosing such intentions would not only be inappropriate but could lead to accusations of exploiting veterans for personal gain.
Inspiration Behind Mike Gabler’s Philanthropy
With over a decade of experience as a heart valve specialist at Edwards Lifesciences, Gabler’s background in healthcare plays a significant role in his commitment to aiding veterans. This professional experience gives him unique insight into the challenges veterans face regarding their health.
Moreover, Gabler’s familial ties to military service deepen his motivations. His father served in the Army, and multiple uncles fought in the Vietnam War. Witnessing the struggles of veterans who returned with both physical and mental scars has left a lasting impression on him.
Gabler shared his early influences, stating:
“Growing up, we would always take our hats off and stand for the National Anthem… I have a very patriotic family because so many people have served. In fact, I’m one of the few who didn’t. So, this is my contribution.”
He concluded his interview by expressing that even though he had personal obligations like needing a new car for his wife, the choice to donate his winnings felt overwhelmingly right as a contribution to a cause greater than himself.
For those interested in following Mike Gabler’s ongoing journey, updates are available on his official Instagram account, @gablermike.