An American man in a straw hat and a young girl in Ethiopia pause for a photo together in a field.

Remembering Dr. Charles Caravati Jr.

Throughout his leadership on our Board and his many years of sponsoring children, Dr. Caravati never wavered in his commitment to helping young people grow up healthy, educated, skilled and safe, no matter their background or circumstances.

Posted On 07/28/2025 | 1 minute

Dr. Charles Caravati Jr.
May 9, 1937 - June 5, 2025

An elderly man in a hat smiles while holding a young girl in a denim jacket, both posing outdoors.

Dr. Charles Caravati Jr. was a passionate advocate and beacon of hope for children worldwide. Through his many years of leadership on ChildFund’s Board – as well as the many lives he touched through the children he sponsored – he dedicated much of his life to helping ensure that the future was bright for young people.

A man interacts playfully with a young girl held by a woman, surrounded by others in a casual outdoor setting.

A native of ChildFund’s hometown of Richmond, VA, and a beloved doctor within our community, Dr. Caravati first began sponsoring children through ChildFund in 1989. In 2002, he stepped up to serve on our Board – a decision that would help shape our work in the decades to come.

A woman and a man pose with a young girl in a white wrap, outdoors with tents in the background.

Over the years, Dr. Caravati assumed many different roles on the Board, culminating in his serving as Chair from 2009 to 2010. Through it all, he put children first in every conversation he had and every idea he put forward to increase our impact. He believed a better world for children was possible, and he inspired those around him to believe it too.

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To honor his memory with a gift to children, you can donate online or contact Brandy Haneke, our Philanthropy Director, at 804-545-3663 or bhaneke@childfund.org.