As the son of poor, Russian-Jewish immigrants, Kirk Douglas experienced poverty.

But through his success in the American film industry, he was able to amass a great fortune and was determined to give back. For more than 50 years, The Douglas Foundation has been helping those who might not otherwise be able to help themselves. It was started by Douglas, and his wife Anne, back in 1964. Today, it supports various charitable programs. The couple has pledged $50 million to institutions including Kirk’s private New York alma mater, St. Lawrence University.

The Douglas Foundation also lends support to medical research, programs and equipment. In 2015, the couple donated more than $2 million for a state-of-the-art pediatric surgical robot to the non-profit Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

“Their donation not only saved our program but is allowing us to do new things,” said Dr. Paul Kokorowski, director of Robotic Surgery in the Pediatric Urology Division at the hospital.

 

Much of The Douglas Foundation’s money has gone to subsidize work in the couple’s hometown of Los Angeles, including the Anne Douglas Center for Women, part of the L.A. rescue mission for the poor and homeless.

“I can’t say there are words to convey the beauty, the depth, the generosity, the graciousness of who Mrs. Douglas truly is and I say that with all genuine and authentic feelings,” explained Roxanne Jordan, executive director of the Anne Douglas Center for Women.

Full Frame contributor Sandra Hughes showed us how the contributions of The Douglas Foundation are making a difference and improving lives on a daily basis.