December is marked as a time for reflection, gratitude, and caring for neighbors and loved ones all over the world.
In Miami, where The Leesfield Family Foundation is headquartered, things are no different.
“Mostly, our Leesfield Family Foundation is trying to set an example for other potential donors and philanthropists to help make a difference, no matter where or how much,” The Foundation Chair, Ira Leesfield, said in a previous interview with Authority Magazine.
Over the last year, the Founder and Managing Partner of Leesfield & Partners has lived out this example, keeping firm to his organization’s motto of “generosity, warmth, and reassurance.”
‘Make a Difference’
The Foundation has spread its reach far beyond South Florida from providing disaster relief following harrowing wildfires in California, the tragic Fourth of July floods in Texas and ongoing relief efforts to World Central Kitchen in Ukraine. Closer to home, The Foundation has faithfully supported the work of organizations such as Live Like Bella, Amigos for Kids, the Fatherhood Taskforce of South Florida, and Monroe County food banks as a part of a decades-long tradition.
“You don’t have to be a giant charitable organization to make a difference,” Mr. Leesfield said.
Other organizations being supported by The Foundation include Friends of The Underline, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the previously unused land underneath Miami’s Metrorail system into a 10-mile linear park and urban trail.
On Dec. 2, 2025, Mr. Leesfield and The Leesfield Family Foundation celebrated the debut of Estrella de Luz, a bronze sculpture by Uruguayan artist Pablo Atchugarry to mark the official opening of The Leesfield Family Garden. The space, located directly across the street from the Leesfield & Partners personal injury law firm on South Dixie Highway, has been a project over a year in the making, involving collaboration between Mr. Leesfield, the Piero Atchugarry Gallery, and The Underline.
“We got to change our front yard …. We got to change our view,” Mr. Leesfield said about the opening of the space. “And I said, ‘this is a natural fit!’ And we got to make a difference.”
‘An Admirable Goal’
With an emphasis on women’s and children’s initiatives, Mr. Leesfield has also sponsored numerous academic and athletic scholarships and organizations providing essential services such as housing, meals, medical care and financial assistance to those in need.
Next month, Key West High School will launch the second annual Dexter Butler College Scholarship sponsored by Leesfield & Partners and The Leesfield Family Foundation. The scholarship began last year as a tribute to Dexter Butler, a teacher and close friend of the Leesfield family, who died in March 2024. Since his death, Butler is perhaps best remembered for leaving a profound mark on the lives of his students, particularly the young athletes he coached and guided.
In speaking about the group of applicants — all of whom were college-bound athletes on the Key West High School’s basketball team — Mr. Leesfield said he was impressed by their kindness and unwavering support of their communities.
“These young men aspire to live out the example left behind by Dexter Butler — an admirable goal,” he said. “I commend their efforts and encourage them to continue this work going forward.”
For more information about the Dexter Butler College Scholarship, or how to apply, please call 305-854-4900 or email Sanchez@Leesfield.com.
