Introduction
Alec Cabacungan and Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres are two recognizable faces from the heartwarming commercials produced by Shriners Hospitals for Children. Their charm, authenticity, and compelling personal stories have helped these advertisements resonate deeply with viewers across the United States. But beyond their roles as ambassadors for the nonprofit, there’s a growing curiosity: how much do Alec and Kaleb earn from their commercial appearances? This article breaks down their estimated earnings, career timelines, and the structure of compensation in nonprofit media campaigns.
Quick Facts: Alec & Kaleb
| Attribute | Alec Cabacungan | Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Alec Cabacungan | Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres |
| Date of Birth | May 8, 2002 | 2009 (exact date undisclosed) |
| Age (2025) | 23 years old | Approx. 16 years old |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA | Canada |
| Nationality | American | Canadian-American |
| Education | Attending college (as of 2025) | High school student |
| Relationship Status | Single | Single |
| Children | None | None |
| Profession | Media personality, student | Child actor, advocate |
| Current Residence | Illinois, USA | North America (exact unknown) |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $500,000 – $1 million | $1 million – $2 million |
Commercial Earnings Breakdown
Do They Get Paid for Commercials?
Yes. Despite the charitable nature of the organization they represent, Alec and Kaleb are considered on-screen talents, and they receive compensation in accordance with industry standards for recurring commercial appearances.
How Much Do They Earn Per Commercial?
While their exact contracts are private, industry estimates and talent agent insights suggest:
- Flat Appearance Fee: $5,000 – $30,000 per commercial
- Residuals (Re-airing Royalties): Additional payouts for repeated national airings
These figures are standard for nationally televised commercials with broad reach and high emotional impact, especially for recurring personalities.
Estimated Career Earnings
| Earnings Type | Alec Cabacungan | Kaleb De Melo Torres |
|---|---|---|
| Per Commercial | $10K – $25K | $5K – $20K |
| Total Appearances (Est.) | 5–10+ | 5–8+ |
| Cumulative Commercial Pay | $75K – $250K+ | $50K – $150K+ |
| Residuals / Bonuses | Yes (assumed) | Yes (assumed) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $500K – $1M | $1M – $2M |
Note: Net worth includes media appearances, interviews, public speaking, social media presence, and scholarships/donations.
Career Highlights
- Alec became the face of Shriners Hospitals around age 12, gaining fame for his confidence and communication style.
- Kaleb joined the campaign in early childhood and quickly became a fan-favorite due to his spirit, optimism, and relatability.
Both have appeared in:
- National TV and web ads
- Interviews and daytime talk shows
- Nonprofit fundraising galas and live appearances
How Their Contracts Work
Though the campaigns are nonprofit, Alec and Kaleb operate as professional actors in commercial media:
- Session Fees: Paid per shoot
- Residuals: Based on ad airtime (TV, streaming, web)
- Usage Rights: The organization pays for their continued image usage
- Agent Representation: Likely managed by family with industry advisors or agents for contract negotiations
Public Perception & Fan Support
The public has long supported the idea that both boys deserve compensation for their work, considering:
- The emotional and physical energy required
- Their contributions to nonprofit growth
- The personal stories they share, often involving medical treatments and recovery journeys
Many viewers consider Alec and Kaleb heroes of their generation, not just for their commercial fame but also for being role models for children with medical conditions.
What Alec & Kaleb Do Outside Commercials
Alec Cabacungan:
- Pursuing college studies in sports journalism or media
- Passionate about becoming a sports broadcaster
- Active in public speaking events and interviews
Kaleb De Melo Torres:
- Continuing school
- Enjoys video games, music, and community engagement
- Potential future in acting or advocacy
FAQs
Do Alec and Kaleb get paid for their commercials?
Yes, they are compensated like other professional commercial actors through flat fees and potentially royalties or bonuses.
How much have Alec and Kaleb made from commercials?
Estimates range from $50,000 to $250,000 or more each, depending on contracts and commercial frequency.
Are they involved in other media or paid work?
Alec has appeared in interviews and aspires to a media career. Kaleb may also pursue more public appearances in the future.
Are their families paid too?
In commercial settings, parents of child actors often receive a portion of earnings for guardianship and travel-related costs.
Why are Alec and Kaleb so popular?
Their authenticity, positive outlook, and deep connection to the cause have endeared them to millions.
