Friend of Rosie O'Donnell Speaks out Against Donald Trump's Debate Comments

Rosie isn't just a celebrity, she's also a large proponent and donor of charities, particularly arts-supporting ones.

In a recent article, written in light of Donald Trump's questionable comments regarding Rosie O'Donnell, a friend of O'Donnell's took to the Huffington Post to defend THE TALK show host.

"By 2005, she had already contributed well over $60,000,000 to charities focused on the health and well being of children," writes Elizabeth Birch.

O'Donnell founded "Rosie's Theatre Kids," a charity in NYC that uses Broadway to teach underprivileged 5th graders important life values, like leadership and teamwork.

She even invested in her own venue, starting with the basics, "Rosie bought a large old circa 1920s building on West 45th street, gutted it and created a HAVEN for this children in the middle of the theater district." Besides bringing theatre into the lives of children who show leadership potential, the organization also provides them with tutoring and above all, a safe environment to be themselves and spend time after school.

Birch elaborated further on other such organizations funded by O'Donnell's personal bank account, concluding with, "And so today, I am breaking silence. Rosie at her core will always be that kid in the neighborhood that dawns a cape and takes on the bullies." Click here to read the original article, and click here to read the response from O'Donnell herself to Trump.

During this week's Republican Presidential debate moderator Megyn Kelly questioned candidate Donald Trump over misogynistic comments he has made over the past several years, including calling women fat pigs and slobs.

Trump attempted to reflect the negative issue by responding "Only Rosie O'Donnell," referring to the ongoing feud he has had with the former 'View' host over the past several years. He went on to offer, "I've been challenged by so many people and I don't frankly have time for total political correctness, and to be honest with you, this country doesn't have time either."

O'Donnell left her post as co-host of ABC's THE VIEW for the second time back in February. The actress and comedian hosted the Emmy-winning ROSIE O'DONNELL SHOW from 1996-2002.

In 2003, she and Lori Klinger launched the non-profit performing arts organization Rosie's Broadway Kids, now Rosie's Theater Kids (RTKids), an arts education organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children through the arts. O'Donnell, who has hosted the TONY AWARDS several times, has appeared on Broadway in GREASE, SEUSSICAL and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. O'Donnell's HBO special A HEARTFELT STAND UP aired in February.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

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