SOURCE OF WEALTH: Actor
FUNDING AREAS: Healthcare, Religious, Human Services
OVERVIEW: Kevin James, his mother Janet, and sister Leslie conduct their philanthropy through the JVK Foundation, which made around $232,000 in grants in a recent year. The family’s grantmaking through their foundation prioritizes healthcare and religious causes.
BACKGROUND: Kevin James was born Kevin George Knipfing in Mineola, New York. He played football at SUNY Cortland, where he majored in sports management. He also pursued a burgeoning career in comedy. He first appeared as Doug Heffernan on The King of Queens in 1998, a role that would launch him to fame. James later starred in films Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Hitch.
ISSUES:
HEALTHCARE: Leslie suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, an eye disease in which the back wall of the eye is damaged. Leslie and James have worked to raise awareness of the disease. Via their foundation, the family has supported Columbia University Medical School, NY-Presbyterian Hospital, and Steven & Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center.
RELIGIOUS: James grew up in a Catholic household and has spoken about the importance of his faith: “I was born and raised Catholic and absolutely love my faith and learn more and more about it all the time. It’s nice to have that going into whatever you do, whatever part of life you take upon yourself.” The family has supported St. Therese Catholic Church, St. Peter and Paul Parish, and Ramona Friends Church, among others.
HUMAN SERVICES: The family has more modestly supported human services organizations The Foundling, a “New York-based charity that empowers thousands of children and families to live independent, stable and fulfilling lives”; and Part of the Solution, which works for the hungry and needy.
LOOKING FORWARD: James is only in his early 50s and very much active in Hollywood but perhaps his grantmaking will increase in the coming years.
CONTACT:
The JVK Foundation does not provide a clear avenue of contact but below is an address:
JVK Foundation
c/o Savitsky Satin & Bacon
10880 Wilshire Blvd 2100
Los Angeles, CA 90024
LINK: Kevin James Website
