Smith didn't know any of the victims of the July 20 shooting in Aurora, which left 12 people dead and 58 injured. But the news hit home because he says his oldest son Peyton was at a similar midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Returns" in Charlotte that same night.

Smith says "I can't imagine getting someone severely injured, one, and then, two, trying to figure out how to pay for it."

Smith made the donation to the city of Aurora.

Smith says he made the donation public because he wanted to challenge others in high-profile positions to step up and contribute to the cause.