Gina Davis, [email protected], 202-864-2934
Washington, DC — Matthew Melmed, executive director of ZERO TO THREE, a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life, released the following statement today in response to the devastating deaths of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele:
“All of us at ZERO TO THREE are saddened by this loss, and we extend our deepest condolences to their family, friends, and the many people whose lives they touched through their generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to young children and families.
“Rob and Michele were longtime champions for children in their earliest years of life. Through their advocacy, philanthropy, and partnerships, they elevated a simple yet powerful truth: What happens from birth to age three shapes the rest of a child’s life and our society’s future.
“I had the privilege of working with Rob, including in support of the Proposition 10 initiative to tax tobacco to fund early childhood services in California, helping shape his ‘First Years Last Forever’ parent resources and serving on the board of directors of his I Am Your Child Foundation. In every interaction, Rob was smart, strategic, and deeply passionate about the early years. He could describe the brain science as well as anyone, and he used his platform, his relationships, and his credibility in countless ways not only to advance Prop
10 but to elevate the importance of the earliest years in national policy circles. As a result of his advocacy, hundreds of millions of dollars have gone each year to support young children in California, while national programs such as Early Head Start and infant-toddler child care have received new investments.
“In recognition of Rob and Michele’s leadership, ZERO TO THREE presented the ‘Reiner Award’ in 2012 to Rob Dugger, a longtime early childhood advocate and the co-founder of ReadyNation. The Reiners also supported ZERO TO THREE as donors, strengthening this work beyond their public leadership.
“Together, Rob and Michele demonstrated what it means to use influence in the service of something larger than oneself. Their legacy lives on in the countless children and families who are better supported because the Reiners chose to care, to speak out, and to act. We will carry their vision forward with gratitude and resolve resolve.”
