Wizards Chairman, Jordan Make First Contributions

Washington, D.C. - Abe Pollin, Chairman of Washington Sports and Entertainment and the Washington Wizards, have developed the Washington Sports and Entertainment Education Fund to benefit the children who lost a parent or guardian in the Pentagon tragedy on September 11th.

"Our country and specifically our Washington area community has been profoundly affected by the events of September 11," said Pollin. "Perhaps no one will be affected more than the children of those lost in this terrible tragedy. Historically, our organization has focused on education as a community outreach program and we feel that assisting the children of the victims of this tragedy with their future education expenses is the best way we can contribute to the relief efforts."

Fans can donate to the Washington Sports and Entertainment Education Fund by calling (202) 628-3200, ext. 3596. You can also e-mail us to receive more information on how to make a donation.

Irene and Abe Pollin made the first donation of $100,000 to the fund. Wizards star Michael Jordan has matched the Pollins' contribution in as part of his pledge to donate his 2001-02 salary to the relief efforts.

"Obviously our country has changed forever, but nothing has changed more than the lives of the families of the victims of this tragedy," said Jordan. "This fund is one of several wonderful efforts that will benefit the victims of the September 11th attacks."

Jordan donated the remainder of his salary to other organizations involved in the September 11th relief effort.

Wizards Head Coach Doug Collins donated $500 for every Wizards win during the 2001-02 season, totaling $18,500. Wizards forward Christian Laettner donated $25,000 to the fund, while guard Chris Whitney donated $100 for every three-point field goal he made during the season for a total of $6,600.

Monies collected for the Washington Sports and Entertainment Education Fund will be donated to the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund and designated for Pentagon employees and visitors. This fund was created by and will be managed by the Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America, the nation's largest nonprofit administrator of private scholarship programs. For more information, go to www.familiesoffreedom.org or www.csfa.org.