Jimmy Kimmel has launched two charitable fundraisers in memory of his lifelong friend and bandleader Cleto Escobedo III, who died on November 11, 2025. The initiatives support UCLA Medical Center and The Animal Foundation, honoring Escobedo’s compassionate spirit and love for animals.
Kimmel announced the fundraisers on Instagram on November 14, sharing photos and heartfelt messages about Escobedo. He described his friend as always kind and eager to help others, and the fundraisers are intended to celebrate his life and give back to causes that were important to him. The post included links to both fundraising pages, which Kimmel also added to his Instagram bio for easy access, encouraging followers to contribute in Escobedo’s name.
The first fundraiser is for UCLA Medical Center, where Escobedo received exceptional care during his illness. According to the fundraiser description, it aims to thank the medical staff and help vulnerable patients and families facing financial hardships. The message reads, ‘In memory of our friend Cleto, we’d like to thank all the hardworking specialists, doctors, and nurses at UCLA. They worked tirelessly and generously to give him the best care.’ It continues by emphasizing Escobedo’s generous spirit and the goal of assisting others in his name.
The second fundraiser supports The Animal Foundation, a nonprofit in Las Vegas that cares for over 20,000 animals annually through sheltering, adoption, and veterinary programs. Escobedo’s family shared that he was a compassionate animal lover who adored his rescue dogs. The fundraiser’s title, ‘In Loving Memory of Cleto,’ includes a family statement: ‘Cleto was a compassionate animal lover. He loved each of his rescue dogs like they were family. Please consider making a donation to The Animal Foundation in his hometown of Las Vegas. Cleto would have loved his friends and family helping to provide safety, healing and homes for pets in need.’
Cleto Escobedo III, 59, was Kimmel’s childhood best friend and the bandleader for ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ since the show’s premiere in 2003. His group, Cleto and the Cletones, provided the music for the program, and Kimmel often spoke of their deep bond, noting they had been inseparable since age nine. Escobedo’s father, Cleto Escobedo Sr., also performed in the band, highlighting a family legacy of musicianship that enriched the show’s dynamic over the years.
Kimmel confirmed Escobedo’s death on Instagram, calling him a ‘great friend, father, son, musician and man’ and expressing that the loss has left everyone heartbroken. In a touching tribute on the November 11 episode of his show, Kimmel opened in tears, describing it as the hardest monologue he has ever delivered. He canceled the following shows on November 12 and 13 to mourn, emphasizing how much everyone at the show loved Escobedo and calling the situation unfair.
The fundraisers have quickly gained attention, with fans and colleagues expressing support and making donations. This charitable effort not only honors Escobedo’s memory but also continues his legacy of kindness and generosity. By supporting medical care and animal welfare, Kimmel and Escobedo’s loved ones are ensuring that his positive impact endures, helping others in need as he always did.
