At least 82 people have died, and 41 others remain missing as of Monday morning, according to reporting from the Associated Press. More than a foot of rain fell in less than 12 hours, causing the fast-moving water to rise 26 feet in under an hour early Friday morning.

Among the missing are a counselor and at least 11 girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp in Kerr County, Texas. Authorities have confirmed that over a dozen campers died in addition to the camp’s director and co-owner, Dick Eastland.

The “father figure,” as he has been described by his friends and community, died during the floods trying to save his campers along the bank of the Guadalupe River, where the camp is located, according to Texas Public Radio. At the time of the flood, there were over 750 people at the camp.

“It’s heartbreaking to see the loss of lives and the destruction in Texas,” said Ira Leesfield, the Managing Partner and Founder of Leesfield & Partners. “When you have the ability and the resources to do something to help amid a tragedy like this, you must act. We stand with Texas.”

Leesfield & Partners and The Leesfield Family Foundation has pledged support to World Central Kitchen (WCK), an organization that is sending teams to support Texas in the aftermath of this tragedy. In the past, The Leesfield Family Foundation has pledged ongoing support of WCK’s mission to provide meals to those in war-torn Ukraine. As part of The Foundation’s involvement, Mr. Leesfield has pledged to match contributions for the organization’s Ukraine efforts coming in from LFF community members dollar-for-dollar.

For any questions or concerns regarding WCK, call 305-854-4900 or email Leesfield@Leesfield.com.

Additionally, The Leesfield Family Foundation has worked to provide swift aid in the wake of mass shootings and natural disasters such as the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Hurricane Harvey, and the California Wildfires in 2025.

Firefighters in the state continue Friday to put out the flames that have raged since Tuesday, costing at least 10 people their lives and destroying or damaging over 9,000 structures. Experts are already estimating this could be the costliest wildfire disaster in U.S. history, according to reporting from the L.A. Times.

Watching with a heavy heart from Florida, Ira Leesfield, the Founder and Managing Partner of Leesfield & Partners, along with his charitable organization, The Leesfield Family Foundation, felt compelled to help. This is not the first time Mr. Leesfield has stepped in amid a natural disaster. He has routinely stepped in to provide disaster relief assistance to those in need.

Most recently, Mr. Leesfield contributed to disaster relief for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which devastated communities and resulted in the death of hundreds of people in 2024. Previously, The Leesfield Family Foundation has supported victims of Hurricane Harvey and the victims and loved ones of those who were killed in the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando.

The Leesfield Family Foundation is also providing aid to World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) ongoing mission to provide meals to those in war-torn Ukraine.

“There are many ways to fight this war,” Mr. Leesfield has previously said. “It’s not only missiles and weapons, but we can do our part by providing food, medicine and supplies to over 3.16 million refugees of this ravaged region.”

As part of The Foundation’s involvement, Mr. Leesfield has pledged to match contributions coming in from LFF community members dollar-for-dollar.

For any questions or concerns regarding WCK, call 305-854-4900 or email Leesfield@Leesfield.com.

How to Help Californians

Organizations such as the Red Cross and supporters of first responders are accepting online, cash and check donations. Supply donations are also being accepted by some organizations, depending on storage capacity. To help to meet the immediate needs of those who have been affected by the wildfire, visit their websites or call the appropriate help centers for more information. Below are only some of the organizations working to help alleviate the strain of lost property, loved ones and services to those in distress.

• The America Red Cross
• World Central Kitchen
• California Fire Foundation
• The Los Angeles Fire4 Department Foundation
• Teladoc
• California Community Foundation
• Friends in Deed
• The Salvation Army
• LA Fire Donation Drive
• LA Food Bank-Food Assistance after Fires, Earthquakes and other Disasters

Over three decades later and that mission has expanded ten-fold. Today The Leesfield Family Foundation sponsors numerous grants, scholarships and relief efforts within the family’s home base of South Florida and all over the world. The family has been recognized for their efforts and devotion to public service by local and national organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League, the Florida Justice Association and The American Jewish Committee. The Leesfields are also proud to have spent the last 23 years working with and supporting the Clinton Foundation and to continue that work via the Clinton Global Initiative, which aims to identify and take action in areas such as climate resilience, health equity and inclusive economic recovery and growth.

Disaster Relief 

Most recently, The Leesfield Family Foundation celebrated its continued support of World Central Kitchen and its efforts to get nutritious meals to families of refugees and troops in Ukraine. Two years after Russia first invaded Ukraine, The Leesfield Family Foundation has helped to feed millions of people whose lives and homes have been uprooted by the conflict. 

The Leesfield Family Foundation is proud to continue supporting World Central Kitchen in its efforts to continue feeding families in war-torn Ukraine.

In reporting from The New York Times, it was estimated via radar satellite data that the two-year war has destroyed around 210,000 buildings across an 800-mile stretch from cities like Ukraine, Kharkiv, Mariupol and Kherson. The once full and operational buildings include over 900 hospitals, churches and schools that made up communities now desolate and shattered. The number of felled buildings, according to The Times’s analysis, is more than if every building in Manhattan was destroyed, four times over. The devastation to these cities, once bustling with children off to school and families sitting around a table for dinner, is wrenchingly evident. In addition to The Foundation’s support, the Leesfield family has also pledged to match every contribution it receives dollar-for-dollar to help World Central Kitchen continue its work feeding Ukrainians in need. For more information on how to contribute, please visit www.LeesfieldFamilyFoundation.org.

Ira and Cynthia Leesfield sit on the host committee for The Underline Sneaker Ball which will take place on Sept. 28, 2024.

Local Support  

On the home front, The Leesfield Family Foundation continues its support of local organizations such as Live Like Bella, the Fatherhood Task Force, Lotus House, Amigos for Kids as well as many others. “We continue our long-term involvement … as part of our ongoing commitment to improve the quality of Florida life for children and families,” The Leesfield Foundation said in a statement describing almost four decades “of caring” within its South Florida community.  

The Underline Sneaker Ball

In March 2023, Friends of The Underline elected Ira Leesfield onto its Board of Directors. In September, The Underline will host its Sneaker Ball, a concept that invites attendees to pair formal attire with a favored pair of tennis shoes, to promote its work on the Underline, a 10-mile linear park below the city’s Metrorail system, a portion of which is located across the street from the Leesfield & Partners office on South Dixie Highway. That land will be transformed into an urban park space and will be named on behalf of the family. Ira and Cynthia Leesfield sit on the host committee for the event which is set to take place on Sept. 28, 2024, at Brickell City Centre. 

Attendees are encouraged to lace up their best, “fashion-forward” sneakers for the occasion. Tickets go for $500, each, with sponsorship packages ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. To register for the event, go to https://www.theunderline.org/sneakerball/.

Scholarship Opportunity

Dexter Butler was known in life for his kindness and dedication to mentoring his students at Key West High School. Via a scholarship, The Leesfield Family Foundation aims to keep that legacy going in his name.

Since it began in 1990, the Leesfield Family Foundation has been dedicated to women’s and children’s initiatives, disaster relief and scholarships. The education of The Foundation’s very own, Ira Leesfield, was achieved with the help of scholarships. 

“Since I was raised in a culture of scholarships and financial assistance, the Leesfield Family Foundation is a natural outlet for my family to now express its thanks to the less fortunate and those in need,” Leesfield said on The Foundation’s website. 

In The Foundation’s tradition of giving back, it is launching another scholarship this time in honor of the late Dexter Butler, a Key West High School teacher and coach who died in March 2024. The $2,500 athletic scholarship will be awarded to a student of exceptional academic standing and will afford Butler’s family the comfort of knowing their son’s legacy of supporting and guiding young students will not be forgotten. 

Butler is described as being “full of life” and who seemed to love those around him with a kindness that left an “indelible impact.” Through this scholarship, Butler’s work to support and guide his students will continue. 

Grant applications and scholarship requests for 2024 and 2025 are now being accepted. For more information, please visit www.LeesfieldFamilyFoundation.org or email Carmen Marrero at marrero@leesfield.com.

Historically, The Foundation has taken an active role in alleviating the hardship and displacement of thousands of Americans who have suffered unpredictable life challenges.

The Foundation immediately responded to the needs of the Bahamas through World Central Kitchen, as the organization prepared to feed and assist the victims of category 5 hurricane. This is consistent with past efforts to alleviate suffering and displaced victims of natural and man-made disasters throughout the United States and the world.

Past efforts include:

• Greater Houston Community Foundation
• Hispanic Federation (UNIDOS Disaster Relief and Recovery Program in support of Puerto Rico)
• OneOrlando Fund (helping families of shooting victims)
• Louisiana Association of United Ways (flood victims)
• Americans for Immigrant Justice (to protect injustice for the undocumented)
• California Fire Foundation
• Dallas Foundation – Line of Duty Fund
• American Red Cross – Tennessee wildfires

“Oftentimes, our help was first on the scene because of the streamline nature of our Foundation,” says Jennifer Leesfield, Trustee.

Our rapid response to the Bahamian disaster put us on the ground at the very earliest opportunity with food, water and life saving material. Founder Ira Leesfield is now working to organize fund raising efforts for World Central Kitchen.

2019 has brought a year marked with an expansion of our community giving to women and children’s support efforts by continuing our long term involvement as well as adding new members to the Foundation’s families in need.

Our newest recipients are Live Like Bella, an organization which offers emotional and financial support to families affected by childhood cancer, and Read to Learn Books for Free Program (Miami-Dade College Foundation) which provides free books to children in under-resourced neighborhoods. These organizations have expressed their appreciation for new support as stated by:

Daniel Leyte-Vidal, Manager of Advocacy, Public Policy
“The Live Like Bella® Childhood Cancer Foundation is so grateful to the Leesfield Family Foundation for its commitment to our mission. Thanks to generous partners like you, we have never had to turn a family away and are able to serve children battling cancer in all 50 states and 23 countries around the world. We are committed to being a recognized leader in childhood cancer research and advocacy while providing financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling cancer. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for joining us in this fight!”

“Thank you to the Leesfield Family Foundation for sponsoring our Read to Learn for Free Program. This will help us buy books for underserved children throughout Miami-Dade County,” Annalisa Damley, Donor Relations

We are fortunate and proud to continue our 25-year community initiative for the protection and betterment of women, children and families with renewed support to:

• Americans for Immigrant Justice – To protect and promote rights of immigrants
• Amigos for Kids – Prevention of child abuse and neglect
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami – Mentoring the youth for better education
• Children’s Home Society – Child abuse protection
• Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida – Advocates father involvement in children’s lives
• Jewish Museum of Florida – Preservation of Jewish culture, history and arts
• Kristi House – Eradicating child abuse and child six trafficking
• Lawyers for Children America – Child advocacy protecting rights of children who are abused and neglected
• The Melissa Institute for Violence Prevention and Treatment – Prevention and assistance to victims.
• Overtown Youth Center – Programs and initiatives to empower the youth through diverse resources
• Voices for Children Foundation, Inc. – Provides court appointed advocates to ensure safe and permanent homes for children.
• YES Institute – Provides dialogue and education on gender orientation

The Foundation has worked closely with Americans for Immigrant Justice as a Gold Sponsor, heavily supporting each event for the overall efforts to secure fairness and justice to American immigrants. “While our work is more challenging than ever, it is clearly more important than ever and the Leesfield Family Foundation’s support enables us to continue working tirelessly to defend immigrants’ basic rights. We are confident that you will serve as an inspiration to others who share our commitment to ensuring justice for all. With appreciation for your gift. . .” Cheryl Little, Executive Director

Similarly, Holly Zwerling, President and CEO of Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida, comments “The Fatherhood Task Force of South Florida congratulates the Leesfield Family Foundation and its Chair, Ira Leesfield as a leader in promoting and supporting schools and communities across Florida and for encouraging the participation of fathers and father figures in support of children’s education and demonstrating civic and social responsibility.” Ira Leesfield has been recognized by the Fatherhood Task Force with the “Citation of Honor Award”, and in 2018 with the “Visionary Leader Award.”

The Foundation’s recent commitments to Lawyers for Children America has been recognized by Carolyn Salisbury, Director of Lawyers for Children America, “Ira Leesfield is an attorney of the highest caliber who is committed to equal justice for children and other defenseless populations,’’ He partners with so many organizations in our community to ensure the protection of our most vulnerable citizens, following the tradition of the work of Janet Reno. In our 20th anniversary year in Miami, Lawyers for Children America is proud to present him with our 2018 Janet Reno Outstanding Community Partner Award in honor of the memory of our organization’s co-founder.”

Foundation Chair, Ira Leesfield, continues to serve as an honorary board member of The Melissa Institute, and maintains an active role in the Lotus House/Sundari Foundation which has now completed the construction of its campus with Leesfield Family Foundation assistance.

The Foundation’s recognition of Scholarship/Educational needs continued with its 30th Leesfield/AAJ Law Student Scholarship presented this past summer during the American Association for Justice Annual Convention (AAJ) held in San Diego. Leesfield Scholars from diverse law schools and locations have expressed their appreciation and support for the civil justice advocacy roles shared by the Foundation and AAJ. Some of the law schools represented are:

• University of Florida Levin College of Law
• Duke University School of Law
• University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
• William & Mary Law School
• Temple University Beasley School of Law
• Suffolk University Law School
• Loyola University Law School
• Berkeley Law-University of California
• Stanford Law School
• University of Denver Sturm College of Law

Alejandra Escobar, 2019 recipient from the University of Illinois The John Marshall Law School says, “I want to thank you one more time for your generosity in awarding me this year’s scholarship. The work you do for the community, and for budding attorneys like myself is truly invaluable and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The scholarship program is not limited to law school scholars, but rather has also recognized community and national leaders such as Thomas H. Henderson, Jr., Daniel S. Pearson and Eileen G. Breier. Trustee Leesfield also had the honor of serving with Florence Griffith Joyner “Flo Jo” on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness in 1993, and established a scholarship in her name.

The Leesfield Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, accepting grants from other charitable and community organizations consistent with its goals.

For further information, please contact:
Carmen Marrero
305/854-4900
marrero@leesfield.com

The organization’s prestigious Trial Lawyers Care Award is presented to the trial lawyer who has made a difference, as has Ira Leesfield and the Leesfield Family Foundation, by funding over 25 law school scholarships around the country, as well as a quarter of a century commitment to women and minority law students, in addition to dedicating financial assistance to dozens of local, national and international women’s and children’s non-profit organizations.

Most recently, the Foundation reacted quickly to the terrorist massacre in Orlando, Florida by supporting OneOrlando Fund, to assist victims and families of the Orlando/Pulse tragedy, followed timely aid to the Dallas Foundation Line of Duty Fund for police officers killed during an attack of a peaceful protest in Dallas, TX.  That effort was consistent with an immediate response to the victims of Hurricane Sandy, victims of the Tennessee floods and the earthquake in Haiti.  In all, over 90 organizations have received financial support to reconcile economic disadvantage.

Leesfield was a scholarship recipient in college and law school, and feels compelled to “pay it forward.”  “When I was a student, people were generous and concerned about me and my future. Without their help, I probably would not have gone to college or law school,” said Leesfield, who worked after-school and weekend jobs to help his single mother in keeping his family together.

To quote AAJ President Larry Tawwater, “Ira has made a commitment to giving back to people who may need some extra help, and he has been there for them for more than 20 years. His dedication and consistency has made a positive difference in so many peoples’ lives.”

Leesfield has been recognized national and international organizations for his Foundation’s low cost and rapid response to those in need.  “It would be inconceivable for me to go through life, do well as a lawyer, and not give others an opportunity to do the same.” Leesfield said. “Trial lawyers work every day with people who are vulnerable. We understand that there are many in the world who are in need, and we want to help.”

About Trial Lawyers Care
Trial Lawyers Care launched on September 24, 2001 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, trial lawyers pledged help the most vulnerable members of our communities.   They promised to provide free legal services to any family who applied for help from a newly created federal fund.  The organization encourages and recognizes trial lawyers who contribute to their communities through volunteer and charitable activities that serve the public good.

In an immediate response to the terrorist massacre in Orlando, Florida, the Trustees of the Leesfield Family Foundation announced their support of OneOrlando Fund, to assist the victims and families of the Orlando/Pulse tragedy, followed by aid to the Line of Duty Fund at the Dallas Foundation in providing financial support to the families of police officers killed during a shooting rampage at a peaceful protest in Dallas, TX. “We are saddened by these horrific events taking place in our country, and wish to extend our deepest condolences to the families of so many individuals who lost their lives in such senseless acts.  It is very moving to witness so many Americans come together to help both of these communities, and are honored to be part of #OrlandoUnited and the Dallas Foundation for their quick action in coordinating much needed assistance. We urge all Americans to extend their support to these wonderful organizations for their very important work to make a difference in our nation .” said Chair Ira Leesfield.

Many are fortunate to have friends and families who were not affected and have offered a safe refuge, but there are others who have fled to makeshift shelters hoping for assistance. LFF was among the first responders to provide financial support through http://www.VolunteerLouisiana.gov   “During challenging times, whether it’s Dallas, Orlando or a natural disaster, Americans have always come together to give a helping hand.  Generosity is in the fabric of our nation, said Chair Ira Leesfield. We urge you to help Louisiana. We did!

President Clinton led a roundtable discussion on the Foundation’s work throughout the world and its current role in Haiti’s relief efforts. The event was attended by prominent members of the South Florida community, raising close to $200,000. The Leesfield Family Foundation continues its partnership with the Clinton Foundation in its efforts to improve global health and wellness, create economic opportunity and growth for communities around the world.