The U.S. Fund for UNICEF Honors the Boston Celtics with its Children’s Champion Award
Event raises more than $740,000 for UNICEF programs in Haiti
BOSTON (March 26, 2010) — Last night, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF honored the world championship NBA team, the Boston Celtics, with its Children's Champion Award. The Celtics were recognized for their off-court efforts to raise money for children in Haiti who were affected by the January 12 earthquake that devastated the small island nation. The evening’s celebration was a fundraiser co-chaired by Tiffany Ortiz and Brandi Garnett that yielded more than $740,000 for UNICEF’s work in Haiti.
Upon learning of the devastation in Haiti, the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, the team owners, players, staff and fans together raised $100,000 through in-game donations to help ongoing relief efforts. Additionally, the Celtics Women’s Group created a public service announcement—featuring all Celtics players and Head Coach Doc Rivers—encouraging people to donate.
The award was accepted by Boston Celtics CEO and co-owner Wyc Grousbeck, and managing partner and co-owner Stephen Pagliuca. In accepting the award the two gentlemen recognized the cumulative efforts of the many people who worked to raise money and awareness for Haiti, by calling the co-chairs and Celtics players to the stage to accept the award with them.
"We will send a picture out to the world showing the Celtics and UNICEF standing together for Haiti," said Boston Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck. "We are accepting this in honor of what UNICEF has done for decades. Thanks to the players and coaches who passed the hat, the ownership group that passed the hat, the fans that passed the hat, and everyone involved with the Celtics. Thank you for honoring us."
The Children’s Champion Award is presented by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to public figures who strive to make a difference for children throughout the world. Past honorees include the late Audrey Hepburn, Nelson Mandela, H.M. Queen Noor of Jordan, Princess Caroline of Hanover and Red Sox star David Ortiz. Most recently President Paul Kagame and First Lady Madame Jeannette Kagame of Rwanda were honored for their achievements in education and gender parity for children of their country.
"The Boston Celtics and the Shamrock Foundation truly embody the spirit of the Children’s Champion Award," said President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Caryl Stern. "Many children look up to professional athletes, so it is encouraging to see the Celtics work and advocate on behalf of all the world’s children."
The evening’s event, A Night for Haiti, featured a performance by R&B group Boyz II Men, who excited the crowd with some of their chart-topping singles like "The End of the Road." Other festivities included a live auction which resulted in hot competition for items like a jersey and pair of sneakers worn and signed by Boston Celtic Kevin Garnett, and the privilege to spend game day at Fenway Park with David Ortiz. Guests included actor Lenny Clarke, and Boston Celtics teammates Kevin Garnett, Rasheed Wallace, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Brian Scalabrine and Glen Davis; Boston Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers; and Celtics coaches Clifford Ray and Coach Armond Hill.
About the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation
The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation benefits our children directly through programs that provide education and support. The foundation currently partners with the Perkins School for the Blind, Boston Children’s Hospital, Horizons for Homeless Children, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC), and Berklee College of Music. For more information on the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, visit the community section on www.celtics.com.
About UNICEF
UNICEF has saved more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States.
UNICEF is at the forefront of efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide. There has been substantial progress—the annual number of under-five deaths dropped from 13 million in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008. But still, 24,000 children die each day from preventable causes. Our mission is to whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.
For additional information, please contact:
Kini Schoop, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.922.2634, kschoop@unicefusa.org
