“The U.S. Fund for UNICEF notes with sadness the passing of Abe Pollin. Mr. Pollin was a true humanitarian who steadfastly worked to advance humanity both in his community and around the world. We will fondly remember him as a champion for vulnerable children everywhere. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family at this sad time.”
Caryl M. Stern, President and CEO
Anthony Pantaleoni, Chair
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| © Lansdale Associates | |
| Abe Pollin (left) and Jack Valenti honoring Audrey Hepburn at the UNICEF Ball. |
On November 24, Abe Pollin passed away at the age of 85 in Washington, D.C. Mr. Pollin perhaps was best known locally and across the country for being the owner of the Washington Wizards NBA Team and for his development work, including the construction of the Verizon Center in downtown Washington.
But we at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF remember him best for chairing the Washington Committee for UNICEF and for his tireless work to save and improve the lives of vulnerable children around the world. Abe Pollin’s interest in UNICEF’s work was stimulated when he read in The Washington Post in 1984 that 40,000 children were dying every day from preventable causes. He found that overwhelming—and unacceptable. He contacted Jim Grant, the UNICEF Executive Director, and offered to be part of the solution to this challenge. He journeyed to Uganda to see firsthand how UNICEF was working to save children. Once engaged, he never turned back.
Today, thanks to the efforts of committed individuals like Abe Pollin, that number of children dying daily from preventable causes has dropped to 24,000. As we celebrate his outstanding life, may his inspiration encourage all of us to follow his lead to work to save more children from needless death and suffering.
