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.
“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.”
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.
PAST RECIPIENTS
MISSION:
Aid in maintaining and extending constitutional and other fundamental rights, liberties, privileges, and immunities, and to take all legitimate action in furtherance of that object without political partisanship.
MISSION:
Connect more people to community service in Columbus through education, service projects and city-wide drives, thereby increasing awareness and investment in community needs.
MISSION:
Empower women to achieve economic independence by providing the career development tools, professional attire, and a network of support to help women thrive in work and in life.
MISSION:
To be the gateway to good health for those at risk of or affected by HIV, for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community, and for those seeking a welcoming healthcare home.
MISSION:
Protect, promote, and provide empowered health care for generations of women, men, and families across Ohio.
MISSION:
Create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children.