Kim Kardashian donates thousands to families affected by separation at the U.S.-Mexico border

Kim Kardashian put her money behind a high-profile humanitarian cause over the weekend, pledging $50,000 during a glamorous Los Angeles fundraiser supporting families and children affected by immigration issues at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The 45-year-old reality star and entrepreneur attended This Is About Humanity’s 8th Annual Soiree on Saturday, August 29, joining approximately 400 guests for an evening that mixed celebrity glamour, fine dining and fundraising.

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Kardashian’s contribution came during the live auction, when her paddle was reportedly the first to go up with a $50,000 pledge. The moment prompted host Henry Winkler to praise Kardashian from the stage, telling her, “Kim, you are an angel in every way.”

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The substantial donation went toward the work of This Is About Humanity, an organization founded in 2018 that focuses on separated and reunified families and children at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Kim Kardashian Pledges $50,000 During Live Auction

Kardashian attended the fundraiser in support of the organization and her childhood friend Zoe Winkler Reinis, Henry Winkler’s daughter and one of This Is About Humanity’s three co-founders.

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Reinis established the organization alongside Elsa Marie Collins and Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade.

Kardashian’s $50,000 pledge became one of the night's standout fundraising moments, with her paddle reportedly shooting up first when Winkler opened the auction.

The money raised at the annual event supports This Is About Humanity’s fiscal sponsorship fund at the International Community Foundation, programs involving Immigrant Defenders Law Center and food-relief efforts at the border.

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According to the nonprofit, its broader work includes providing essentials, access to legal services, mental-health assistance, and support for shelter projects.

Inside the Star-Studded This Is About Humanity Soiree

The serious fundraising mission was an outdoor gathering at a Brentwood estate which attracted approximately 400 supporters, with Kardashian joined by celebrities including Wilmer Valderrama, Katharine McPhee Foster, Annie Gonzalez and Constance Marie.

Guests were treated to an elaborate culinary showcase featuring oysters, ceviche and dishes prepared by a roster of notable chefs. Javier Plascencia led the culinary lineup, with chefs including Dominique Crenn and Ray Garcia also involved.

Kardashian brought a fashion moment to the fundraiser as well, wearing a cropped cream cardigan styled off one shoulder with a visible black strapless bra, paired with a butter-yellow satin maxi skirt and white strappy heels.

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But beyond the celebrity arrivals, food and fashion, organizers kept the focus on families affected by immigration and deportation.

Attendees heard personal accounts involving detention, deportation, and attempts to reunite families before the evening moved into its awards and fundraising program.

Wilmer Valderrama Honored for Immigration Advocacy

Wilmer Valderrama received This Is About Humanity’s Humanitarian Award during the event. The actor, who immigrated to the United States from Venezuela as a child, used his acceptance speech to discuss the role the community can play when families are facing separation and uncertainty.

“Because when a family is separated, when a kid is sitting in a shelter, when someone needs a meal, a lawyer or someone to talk to, it’s pretty simple: People need people,” Valderrama told the crowd.

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He also reflected on growing up in an immigrant family and the help that allowed him to build his own life and career in America. “One of the greatest gifts I was given was the understanding that you don’t build a life by yourself,” Valderrama said.

He later summed up his approach to advocacy by telling guests, “My whole life has been about making sure that there’s another chair at the table.”

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Valderrama has previously supported organizations and initiatives including the USO, Voto Latino and Harness, which he helped establish with America Ferrera and Ryan Piers Williams.

Ahead of receiving the award, Valderrama said he had long admired the work of This Is About Humanity’s founders and their commitment to families. “The fight for good in this world can feel never-ending,” he said, adding that he was proud to support the organization’s work.

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What Does This Is About Humanity Do at the US-Mexico Border?

This Is About Humanity describes itself as a community of allies and advocates working to raise awareness about separated and reunified families and children at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The organization says it supports people through essentials for daily living, legal assistance, mental-health services, shelter projects, and educational trips designed to give participants direct exposure to conditions at the border.

Its partners include Immigrant Defenders Law Center, Fundación Tijuana Sin Hambre and organizations providing education and shelter services.

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Fundación Tijuana Sin Hambre, one of its partner organizations, prepares more than 3,500 meals for 33 shelters, according to This Is About Humanity.

The nonprofit has also funded mental-health initiatives. One program reported providing services to more than 300 families through 1,400 individual or group sessions, while related outreach reached thousands of children and teenagers.