Trio of Women Philanthropic Leaders Honored

Pentagon City, Va. - Behind the Bench, the National Basketball Wives Association, honored Sister to Sister Foundation's founder and chairman Irene Pollin, Washington D.C.'s First Lady Michelle Cross Fenty and human rights leader Dr. Dorothy Height at "An Afternoon of Philanthropy:" lunch on Sept. 20, 2008.

Legendary Human Rights Activist Dr. Dorothy Height (center) chats with fellow honorees Sister to Sister Founder Irene Pollin (left) and Washington D.C.'s First Lady Michelle Fenty. Photograph by Tony Powell.

The event, as part of the organization's annual conference, "honored great women who have made a significant impact in the lives of women and children locally and on a national level."

Charrisse Jackson-Jordan, president of Behind the Bench, paid tribute to Mrs. Pollin as a leader "who has committed the last 30 years to community service in Washington, D.C., as well as educating women state-to-state on heart disease, the #1 killer of our gender."

Dr. Height was saluted for her "unwavering dedication to empower and unite women-based organizations across the country." For nearly a half century Dr. Height also has been a leader in the struggle for equality and human rights of all people. She is known for her leadership role with the YWCA and the National Council of Negro Women.

Mrs. Fenty drew praise from Mrs. Jackson-Jordan as a First Lady who "not only represents us with class and grace, but also in her commitment to upgrade facilities that inspire and educate our youth."

"We applaud each of these remarkable women for their tenacity, dedication, and for empowering the meaning of philanthropy," said Mrs. Jackson-Jordan.

Behind the Bench is committed to empowering and financially assisting organizations in the USA that fight for the rights of women and children. At the event held at the Ritz-Carlton, The House of Ruth in DC was presented with a $10,000 check for continuing its work to provide shelter for homeless women and children.