Do Alec and Kaleb Get Paid for Commercials have become recognizable faces across American television, known primarily for their roles in Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials. Their charm, sincerity, and compelling stories have touched millions of hearts. However, many viewers have started asking a common question: do Alec and Kaleb get paid for commercials?
This article dives deep into who Alec and Kaleb are, the impact of their media presence, the legal and ethical considerations of child actors in nonprofit advertisements, and ultimately explores whether they are compensated for their appearances.
Who Are Alec and Kaleb?
Before answering the question “do Alec and Kaleb get paid for commercials,” it’s important to understand who these young stars are.
Alec Cabacungan
Alec Cabacungan became a household name through his work with Shriners Hospitals for Children. Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease, Alec has had over 60 fractures and undergone numerous surgeries. Despite these challenges, he has become a passionate advocate for the hospital, often appearing in national commercials to raise awareness and funds.
Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres
Kaleb, whose full name is Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres, is another young ambassador for Shriners. He was born with osteogenesis imperfecta as well and has endured countless medical procedures from a very young age. With his joyful personality and heartfelt story, Kaleb has won over audiences and contributed greatly to the hospital’s visibility.
The Role of Alec and Kaleb in Shriners Hospitals’ Campaigns
To truly assess whether Alec and Kaleb get paid for commercials, we need to consider their role in the broader scope of Shriners’ outreach.
Both boys serve as patient ambassadors for Shriners Hospitals for Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to pediatric specialty care. Their commercials aim to do more than advertise—they inspire viewers to donate by showcasing real-life stories of perseverance and healing.
Their participation includes:
- Appearing in televised commercials
- Giving interviews
- Attending fundraising events
- Participating in social media campaigns
- Serving as spokespeople for the hospital’s mission
Child Actors and Compensation: What the Law Says
When exploring “do Alec and Kaleb get paid for commercials,” we should consider legal standards. In the U.S., child actors are protected by various child labor laws and guidelines set forth by SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists).
Child Actor Labor Laws
If a child performs in a commercial, even if it’s for a nonprofit, and the work is aired on national television, payment is typically mandated. In many states, part of a child actor’s income must be placed in a Coogan Account, which is a trust that safeguards their earnings until adulthood.
SAG-AFTRA Guidelines
If Alec and Kaleb’s appearances fall under a union jurisdiction and the work meets criteria such as rehearsals, scripted lines, and production by a union-signatory company, they are likely to receive compensation per union rules. However, this varies if they appear as “real people” instead of “actors” portraying roles.
Nonprofits and Volunteer Appearances
In some cases, participants in nonprofit commercials may waive compensation, especially if they have a close relationship with the organization.
Shriners Hospitals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and many of its commercials are considered public service announcements (PSAs). It’s possible that Alec and Kaleb volunteer their time as patients who want to give back to the institution that helped them.
That said, even volunteers may receive stipends, travel reimbursements, or per diem allowances, depending on the organization’s policies and the nature of the campaign.
Official Statements: What Has Been Said?
There is no publicly available statement from Shriners Hospitals confirming whether Alec and Kaleb are paid for their roles in the commercials. However, in various interviews, Alec has expressed how much the hospital means to him and has stated that he wants to be “the face of Shriners” to inspire others.
While this suggests genuine volunteerism, it does not rule out compensation. In fact, many nonprofit ambassadors are both grateful and financially compensated for their time and efforts.
Additionally, Alec has expressed interest in sports broadcasting, hinting at a future professional path influenced by his media exposure. That level of dedication and public engagement may well come with appropriate financial reward.
Ethical Considerations: Should They Be Paid?
Let’s tackle the question from a moral perspective: do Alec and Kaleb get paid for commercials—and should they?
Given their national reach and impact, Alec and Kaleb perform roles comparable to professional child actors. They:
- Promote a major organization
- Help raise millions of dollars
- Are seen across major networks and social platforms
Many argue that such contributions should be fairly compensated, not only to value their work but to protect them from exploitation. While gratitude and advocacy are commendable, payment provides:
- Long-term financial security
- Recognition of professional effort
- Legal protection for minors
Are There Precedents for Payment in Similar Roles?
Yes, there are. Many children featured in St. Jude’s, UNICEF, or Ronald McDonald House advertisements receive compensation, especially if the commercial production involves:
- Unionized crews
- Scripted content
- Recurring national broadcast
In this context, it’s logical to assume that Alec and Kaleb may receive some form of payment or stipend, even if they are not salaried employees or traditional child actors.
The Power of Their Influence
Whether or not Alec and Kaleb get paid for commercials, one cannot deny the immense impact they have made.
- Shriners Hospitals reported a noticeable increase in donations after launching campaigns featuring Alec.
- Kaleb’s infectious energy and resilience have inspired hundreds of thousands of viewers.
- Both boys have become symbols of strength, serving as role models for other children facing medical challenges.
Their influence transcends entertainment—it’s about hope, perseverance, and the importance of medical access.
Conclusion: Do Alec and Kaleb Get Paid for Commercials?
So, do Alec and Kaleb get paid for commercials?
While there is no official public confirmation of their financial arrangements, legal norms, industry standards, and the scale of their involvement strongly suggest that some form of compensation is likely—whether through union-scale pay, stipends, or other financial recognition.
What’s even more important is the value they bring to Shriners Hospitals—not just in donations raised, but in awareness, hope, and community outreach. Whether volunteers or compensated ambassadors, Alec and Kaleb have made a difference that money alone cannot measure.
Their stories remind us that behind every commercial face is a real child with real struggles and triumphs—and that deserves respect, admiration, and fair treatment.