** Marilyn Monroe: The Philanthropic Star Behind the Silver Screen**
Marilyn Monroe, the timeless Hollywood icon and symbol of 1950s glamour, is universally recognized for her platinum blonde hair, signature red lipstick, and magnetic charisma. Yet, what often goes unmentioned is her substantial philanthropic contributions to a variety of worthy causes.
Born Norma Jeane Mortenson, Monroe was known for her compassionate nature, always willing to lend a hand when needed. Her close friend and fellow actress, Jane Russell, frequently called upon Monroe’s generosity for various causes, and Monroe was invariably prepared to assist.
In 1955, at Russell’s request, Monroe became involved with WAIF, an organization dedicated to finding homes for abandoned children. Having spent her own childhood in foster care after her mother was institutionalized, Monroe felt a deep connection to this cause.
In 1957, Monroe donated a pair of earrings she wore to the premiere of ‘The Prince and the Showgirl’ to The Milk Fund for Babies, a charity devoted to providing milk to impoverished areas of New York City. She had a soft spot for children and actively supported the March of Dimes, an organization committed to promoting baby health.
Early in her career, when Monroe was named “Miss Cheesecake of 1951” by the army publication Stars & Stripes, she showed her gratitude by interrupting her honeymoon with Joe DiMaggio to perform for troops in Korea in February 1954. Despite the cold temperatures, she performed ten shows in four days, later stating that it was the highlight of her career.
In 1962, Monroe visited an orphanage in Mexico, initially intending to donate $1,000. However, she tore up the check and instead wrote one for $10,000. She later stated that the night after her visit was one of the rare nights she slept peacefully without the aid of sleeping pills.
Monroe’s last public appearance was at a Muscular Dystrophy benefit on her 36th and final birthday in 1962. Her most significant charitable donation came from her will, wherein she left 25% of her estate to her former psychiatrist, Dr. Marianne Kris, for the benefit of psychiatric institutions. In honor of Monroe’s love for children, Kris donated the funds to the Anna Freud Children’s Clinic in London.
While Monroe’s celebrity status often overshadowed her humanitarian efforts, her legacy as a philanthropist is significant. Even though it’s been over half a century since her death, Monroe remains a revered cultural icon. Her posters continue to sell, and her name is still widely recognized. However, it’s crucial not only to remember Monroe for her star power but also for her generous spirit and commitment to aiding those in need.
Beyond her glamorous public persona, Monroe demonstrated a profound commitment to helping others, particularly children, and supporting various charitable causes throughout her lifetime.
**A Heart for Children**
Monroe’s compassion for children was deeply rooted in her own challenging upbringing. As a child who spent time in foster homes and orphanages, she understood the plight of abandoned and underprivileged children. She worked with WAIF, an organization that placed abandoned children in homes, showcasing her desire to provide these children with the stability she lacked growing up[^1^].
**Support for Health Causes**
Monroe also extended her generosity to health-related causes. She supported the March of Dimes, a foundation dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies. Additionally, she donated time and money to St. Jude’s Hospital, a leading children’s hospital that advances cures and prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases.
**Advocacy for Peace**
Monroe’s philanthropic work wasn’t confined to children’s and health causes. She was a member of SANE, an organization dedicated to eliminating nuclear weapons. This involvement reflects her broader concerns for global peace and safety.
**Legacy of Generosity**
Even after her untimely death, Monroe’s legacy of generosity continues. The Marilyn Monroe Foundation, established by her family and the Paris-based JRP collection, carries forward her passionate cause to support those in need.
**Conclusion**
Marilyn Monroe’s philanthropy is a testament to her character. Despite her personal struggles and the pressures of fame, she remained committed to helping others. Her humanitarian efforts reflect a side of Monroe that the public rarely saw but which added depth to her enduring legacy. Monroe once said, “I just want to be wonderful.” Through her philanthropic work, she was indeed wonderful – not just on the silver screen, but in the lives of those she touched with her generosity.