Colbert, known for his sharp wit and warmth, addressed the audience with his signature humor, while emphasizing the purpose behind the fundraising efforts. “If you, much like the FCC, have been paying close attention to my show, then you know we’ve been auctioning off all kinds of great Late Show memorabilia and selling commemorative The Last Show t-shirts, all to raise money for the international aid organization, World Central Kitchen,” he said.
The response from fans and viewers was overwhelming, demonstrating how communities can come together for a meaningful cause. To present the donation, Colbert invited Chef José Andrés, the founder of World Central Kitchen, to the stage.
In classic Colbert fashion, he poked fun at the traditional “giant check” presentation. “José, we want to give you our donation on, you know, one of those giant checks, but it’s hard to find a bank that will cash one of those. So, instead, we have decided to present our donation tonight on the world’s smallest check. And it’s too small to read anything on the check, so I will instead now slip it underneath a microscope,” he quipped, earning laughter and applause from the audience.
The total raised? A staggering $2,497,144.15. The donation promises to support World Central Kitchen’s ongoing mission to provide meals and aid to those in need around the world, from disaster zones to areas affected by conflict and food insecurity.
For Colbert, the donation is more than just a number—it is a celebration of compassion, community, and the idea that even in small gestures, we can make a world of difference. The combination of humor, heart, and generosity made the segment a memorable and touching farewell moment for fans of the long-running show.
As José Andrés accepted the donation, the message was clear: laughter, generosity, and humanity can go hand in hand to create lasting impact.
