In a remarkable display of philanthropy, Karoline Leavitt, the current White House Press Secretary and a prominent figure in American politics, has donated $100,000 to establish a fund aimed at supporting orphaned children in Los Angeles. This generous contribution, announced on June 4, 2025, underscores Leavitt’s commitment to social good, extending her influence beyond the political sphere into the realm of humanitarian efforts. Her action not only highlights her personal values but also draws attention to the pressing needs of vulnerable children in one of America’s largest cities, making her a role model for compassionate leadership.
Who Is Karoline Leavitt?
Karoline Claire Leavitt, born on August 24, 1997, in Atkinson, New Hampshire, has quickly risen to prominence in the American political landscape. At just 27 years old, she became the youngest White House Press Secretary in history, a position she has held since January 2025 under President Donald Trump’s administration. Leavitt’s journey to this prestigious role is marked by determination and a deep-rooted commitment to public service. She studied politics and communication at Saint Anselm College, where she honed her skills in journalism and political engagement, founding a broadcasting club and writing for the school newspaper. Her early career included an internship in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence during Trump’s first term, which paved the way for her role as an associate director in the same office. By June 2020, she was named a White House Press Secretary, a position she briefly held before transitioning to a communications role for Representative Elise Stefanik after Trump’s 2020 election loss.
Leavitt’s political ambitions didn’t stop there. In 2022, she ran as the Republican candidate for New Hampshire’s first congressional district, leveraging her experience in the Trump administration to position herself as a staunch supporter of his policies. Although she didn’t win the general election, her campaign raised an impressive $100,000 within three days of its announcement, signaling her ability to mobilize support and resources—a skill that would later prove instrumental in her charitable endeavors. Beyond politics, Leavitt has also embraced motherhood, balancing her demanding career with raising her newborn son, Nicholas, born in July 2024. Her ability to juggle these roles while maintaining a rigorous “Donald Trump sleep schedule” of just four hours a night speaks to her resilience and dedication, qualities that also shine through in her recent act of generosity.
A Legacy of Giving: The Levitt Name
The name “Levitt” carries a storied legacy of philanthropy, particularly in the arts and community development, which may have inspired Karoline Leavitt’s charitable action. The Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, established in 1963 by Mortimer Levitt, has long been a beacon of social impact, focusing on transforming neglected public spaces into vibrant community hubs through free outdoor music concerts. Mortimer, the son of struggling immigrant parents, grew up in Brooklyn and developed a lifelong love for outdoor music despite his family’s financial hardships. His success as the founder of The Custom Shop, a clothing company that grew to 82 locations nationwide, allowed him and his wife, Mimi, to become prolific philanthropists. They supported youth music programs, performing arts, and educational initiatives, leaving a lasting mark on communities across the United States.
The Levitt Foundation’s work in Los Angeles, where it has supported the Levitt Pavilion in MacArthur Park, demonstrates the family’s commitment to the city. Since 2003, the Foundation has funded permanent Levitt venues in eight cities, including Los Angeles, and has awarded over $2.3 million to 38 communities through the Levitt AMP grant program. These initiatives have brought free concerts to millions, fostering social connections and cultural access for people of all backgrounds. While Karoline Leavitt is not directly related to Mortimer and Mimi Levitt, the shared surname and her own ties to community-driven causes suggest a symbolic alignment with their values. Her donation to support orphaned children in Los Angeles can be seen as a continuation of the Levitt legacy of giving back, albeit in a new and deeply personal way.
The Plight of Orphaned Children in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, despite its glamour and wealth, is home to thousands of orphaned and vulnerable children who face significant challenges. According to estimates, millions of children worldwide lack access to basic necessities like food, education, and healthcare, and the situation in LA reflects this global crisis on a local scale. Historical records show that as early as the 1850s, the city struggled to provide social services for its most vulnerable residents. The arrival of the Daughters of Charity in 1856 marked the beginning of organized efforts to care for the sick, poor, and orphaned, with the establishment of the Los Angeles Orphan Asylum in 1858. However, the need persists into the 21st century, exacerbated by economic inequality, systemic poverty, and the impact of crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Charities like Human Appeal USA and Lonely Orphans have been working tirelessly to address these issues, offering programs that provide food, shelter, healthcare, and education to orphaned children. Human Appeal, for instance, supports over 32,000 orphans across 14 countries, with a focus on ensuring that children stay in education to break the cycle of poverty. In Los Angeles, local organizations often collaborate with national and international charities to pool resources and maximize impact. A donation of $100,000, like the one made by Leavitt, can make a significant difference—potentially providing food, shelter, and school supplies for dozens of children for an entire year, based on estimates from Human Appeal, which notes that $35 can support a child for a month.
The Impact of Leavitt’s Donation
Karoline Leavitt’s $100,000 donation to establish a fund for orphaned children in Los Angeles is a game-changer for the community. This substantial contribution could cover essential needs for approximately 2,857 child-months, meaning it could support nearly 240 children for a full year. The fund, which Leavitt has indicated will be managed in partnership with local charities, aims to provide holistic care, including access to education, healthcare, and emotional support. This aligns with the mission of organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, which partners with orphanages in over 20 countries to offer similar services, emphasizing the importance of showing children that they are valued and loved.
Leavitt’s donation also carries symbolic weight, given her public profile. As a high-ranking official in the Trump administration, her action sets a powerful example for other leaders to follow, demonstrating that political figures can and should use their platforms to address social issues. Her personal story as a new mother adds an emotional depth to her contribution, as she has spoken publicly about the challenges of balancing her career with motherhood. In a 2024 interview, Leavitt shared how her pregnancy during the Trump campaign taught her resilience and the importance of support systems—lessons she now extends to the children who lack such systems through her donation.
A Noble Act Worthy of Admiration
Karoline Leavitt’s decision to donate $100,000 to support orphaned children in Los Angeles is a noble act that deserves widespread admiration. It reflects her understanding of the transformative power of compassion, a value instilled in her through her Roman Catholic upbringing and reinforced by her experiences in public service. By focusing on the needs of vulnerable children, she addresses a critical gap in social services, offering hope to those who need it most. Her contribution also amplifies the legacy of philanthropy associated with the Levitt name, even if indirectly, by channeling resources into a cause that aligns with the family’s history of community building.
In a city as diverse and complex as Los Angeles, where the needs of orphaned children often go unnoticed amidst the hustle and bustle, Leavitt’s donation shines a spotlight on the importance of collective responsibility. It reminds us that acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can create ripples of change that uplift entire communities. As Leavitt continues to navigate her role as White House Press Secretary, her humanitarian efforts serve as a testament to her character—a young leader who not only speaks for a nation but also acts to improve the lives of its most vulnerable citizens. Her noble deed is a call to action for others to follow suit, ensuring that every child in Los Angeles, and beyond, has the chance to thrive.
