Nina West, the drag persona of Andrew Levitt, has grown into a legendary figure, creating a platform to lift up and support LGBTQ organizations. He’s done thousands of shows, participates in hundreds of appearances each year, and has given generously in time, talent, and treasure to the community. The charity performance he does at the end of each big show averages about $1,500—an incredible testament to his passion, and the generosity of his audience.

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“It's mind-blowing to know how giving people are. It’s just amazing to me. Columbus is a really giving community and it speaks to how close-knit and tight our LGBTQ community is. One of my favorite things about what I do, now more than ever, is making a connection with families, kids, and LGBTQ families and their children,” Andrew said. "Giving families access to the art of drag is pretty powerful and awesome."

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While he loves his life onstage, Andrew also appreciates the role he plays in the broader community. In 2015, Andrew established The Nina West Fund at The Columbus Foundation to support local nonprofits that provide services for the LGBTQ community, including Kaleidoscope Youth Center, which has a special place in Andrew’s heart. The fund has also raised money to send an LGBT family on a Disney cruise through Make-A-Wish, surprise another family at the Ronald McDonald House with a trip to Disney World, and help make a fitting room renovation possible at Dress For Success.

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This fund is a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). Pursuant to the tax law, donations to DAFs are not tax-deductible for individuals taking the new above-the-line charitable deduction for non-itemizers, and distributions from Individual Retirement Accounts to DAFs do not qualify for the Qualified Charitable Distribution treatment. Please consult your tax advisor with any questions.