Levitt Foundation

The Mortimer Levitt Foundation, created in 1966 by New York philanthropists Mortimer and Mimi Levitt, donates funds to support performing arts venues that build communities, support diversity and enhance access to the arts. The Levitt Foundation has a strong commitment to contribute to the well being of families through the arts in a learning and entertainment environment outdoors.

Mortimer Levitt was the principal and founder of The Custom Shop, a men's custom shirt store. The Custom Shop, Inc. operated over 80 retail stores through out the US and was under the sole ownership of Mr. Levitt until September, 1997 when the retail and manufacturing operations were sold. The proceeds from this sale were transferred directly to The Mortimer Levitt Foundation, Inc.

From a very early age Mortimer Levitt loved music. His father worked at Coney Island in the upscale neighborhood of Luna Park. Visiting his father during the evenings, 12 year old Mortimer was attracted by the music he could hear emanating from the rides and restaurants. He carried this impression all through his life.

In the early seventies the town of Westport, Connecticut was looking for a place to build a structure where teenagers could listen to music outdoors on Friday and Saturday nights instead of roaming around the streets with nothing to do. It reminded Mortimer of his youth when he spent evenings in Luna Park listening to the music with enchantment.

A site was found in the middle of town along the Saugatuck River and a fund drive began to erect a simple structure. When not enough money was collected, Mortimer was approached and he immediately agreed to fund the balance with the proviso that he could have a say about the design. He wanted to make sure that the new pavilion would fit into the New England atmosphere of the town. And so the Levitt Pavilion was born.

Today, Levitt Pavilions are a family of outdoor performing arts facilities cared for by local citizens as passionate about celebrating cultural diversity as they are about building a strong sense of community.

Levitt Pavilions enrich communities by presenting professional, free concert series that are musically diverse, family friendly and staged in an open lawn setting.

In addition to Memphis, Levitt Pavilions are located in Pasadena and Los Angeles, California, Westport, Connecticut and Arlington, Texas.

To learn more about developing a Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts in your community, contact Elizabeth Levitt Hirsch or Glen Williams at the Mortimer Levitt Foundation, 310-275-4085 or go to www.levittpavilions.org.