Ryan Seacrest donates his fee to Idol Gives Back

Ryan Seacrest proved he's a charitable kinda guy Sunday night -- after donating his fee for hosting Fox special Idol Gives Back to the cause, which helps children and young people in extreme poverty in the U.S. and around the world.

A source close to the radio/TV star said Seacrest wanted to show fans that he was serious about the cause.

"When he and Simon went to Africa last year and saw the children, it was really life-altering for him," the source tells People magazine. "He just knew he had to do his part and be willing to put his money where his mouth is."

Idol Gives Back, which also features appearances from Brad Pitt and Miley Cyrus, airs Wednesday on FOX.