The Levitt Legacy

During 1932, a time when most businesses were contracting or closing, Mortimer Levitt founded in New York City The Custom Shop, Inc., a manufacturer and retailer of custom-made shirts. At its height, The Custom Shop operated more than 80 retail stores and employed more than 300 people throughout the US. In 1997, at the age of 90 and having successfully operated his company for 65 years, Mr. Levitt decided it was time to “slow down” and he sold The Custom Shop. The proceeds from the sale were transferred directly into The Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation.

The Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation is a private family foundation founded in 1963 by Mortimer and Mimi Levitt to support the arts, culture and education. Today, the main focus of the Foundation is its venture philanthropy program, which partners with individual cities around the country through the development and support of Levitt Pavilions. After playing a pivotal role in establishing a music pavilion in Westport, CT during the mid-1970’s, the family’s Foundation, through Levitt Pavilions, has been responsible for the formation of 7 additional music pavilions in California, Texas, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania, with several additional locations planned for the next several years. Each venue provides to the public at least 50 free, outdoor music performances by a variety of artists ranging from acclaimed, emerging talent to seasoned, award winning performers.

The Levitt family continues to be highly visible and active philanthropists, particularly in the fields of music, theater and the arts. The family remains actively engaged in the Foundation's work, the commercial real estate portfolio, and the administration of Levitt Pavilions.