Colbert Raises $1M for World Central Kitchen Before Finale
Stephen Colbert is turning the end of "The Late Show" into something beautiful: over $1 million raised for World Central Kitchen through T-shirts and prop auctions. In just two weeks, fans bought more than 33,000 commemorative shirts to support the hunger relief charity founded by chef José Andrés.
When your favorite late night show ends, you might feel sad. Stephen Colbert decided to turn that goodbye into hope for people facing hunger around the world.
Before "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" airs its final episode on May 21, the host launched a "clearance sale" that's actually a charity auction. He's selling props, wardrobe pieces, and memorabilia from 11 years at the Ed Sullivan Theater, with all proceeds going to World Central Kitchen.
"Lately, I've been thinking about trying to get rid of all the wonderful stuff we've accumulated here," Colbert joked during the March 18 announcement. "No particular reason, just spring cleaning."
The auction has already generated over $400,000 from items like Colbert's neckties, interview guest chairs, prop pillows, and even a cardboard cutout of the host himself. But the real fundraising powerhouse came from a simple T-shirt.
The navy commemorative shirt reads "The Last Show with Stephen Colbert" on the front. The back adds a classic Colbert joke: "Thanks for watching! (Unless you watched on YouTube. The network couldn't monetize that.)"
At $40 per shirt, with $20 going directly to World Central Kitchen, fans responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. In just over a week, 33,657 shirts sold, generating at least $673,140 for the charity.
The Ripple Effect
World Central Kitchen, founded by chef José Andrés, feeds people during disasters and crises worldwide. The organization has served millions of meals in war zones, after hurricanes, and wherever communities face hunger emergencies.
Andrés has appeared on "The Late Show" numerous times, cooking recipes and sharing stories of hope from the field. The friendship between the two runs deep, making this final fundraising push especially meaningful.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor, one last time, to thank this man, Chef José Andrés, my friend and yours," Colbert said after Andrés made paella live on air during the March 18 episode.
World Central Kitchen responded on social media with gratitude. "Thank you so much to the entire 'Late Show' community for supporting our mission to serve nourishing meals to communities impacted by disaster," they wrote.
The auction continues through the show's final weeks, giving fans one last chance to own a piece of late night history while feeding people in need.
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Based on reporting by Good Good Good
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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