Stephen Colbert Challenges Donald Trump to Donate $1 Million to NYC Nonprofit
Back in September, Donald Trump demanded CNN donate the proceeds of the GOP debate to charity. Now, the high-end dress shoe is on the other foot as “The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert recently challenged Trump to donate $1 million to The Harlem Children’s Zone.
The outspoken Trump isn’t one to shy away from professing his wealth, but last week, during an NBC-sponsored town hall meeting in New Hampshire, he discussed the early, rougher stages of his road to success. “It has not been easy for me,” he said, noting his business shift from Brooklyn to Manhattan was aided by a “small loan of a million dollars” from his father.
Colbert was quick to jump on this “small loan” comment—which Trump tried to put into perspective, saying $1 million isn’t much compared to what he’s built today. “Clearly this is an inspiring tale of a young man made good, the classic story of riches to richer,” Colbert quipped during his show, launching into a humorous rendition of how Trump ended up where he is today.
In light of Trump calling $1 million a small amount of money, Colbert brought out a giant $1 million check from Trump, made out to Colbert’s choice of charity—The Harlem Children’s Zone—dated Oct. 28, 2015 and marked with the memo, “no big deal.”
The Harlem Children’s Zone is a New York-based nonprofit that gives kids and families in Central Harlem “the individualized support they need to get to and through college and become productive, self-sustaining adults,” according to the organization’s website.
“Now Mr. Trump, all you have to do is come here and sign [the check], proving that a million dollars really is a small amount of money,” Colbert wrapped up the segment. “Especially when it’s helping other people get a start in Manhattan. Who knows, the kids you help might one day be so rich they can blow their cash on a presidential campaign.”
It would be wise for Trump to take Colbert up on the challenge. According to The Associated Press, the presidential candidate, who has said he’s donated $102 million to philanthropic and conservation groups in the last five years, has provided little documentation for most of these donations, and his foundation’s tax filings show it hasn’t made a single charitable contribution since 2008.
Watch “The Late Show” clip below:
Allison Ebner is content editor for Promo Marketing, NonProfit PRO and Print+Promo. Reference any animated movie, "Harry Potter" character or '80s band and you'll become fast friends.
