Ryan Seacrest was in a charitable mood Sunday night: In addition to hosting FOX's Idol Gives Back special, the host also handed over his paycheck for the evening.

A source close to Seacrest tells PEOPLE that he 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," says the source. "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.

[tvw]