From Snorkeling Buddies to Changemakers: Andrew E. Sabin's Inspiring Story

By Safina Center Senior Fellow Kike Calvo

Philanthropist Andy Sabin gives a thumbs up to his snorkeling partner, Kike, in Vanuatu. ©Kike Calvo

"I would love to support these communities with my bilingual children's books," I said.

"Let's do it," said philanthropic visionary Andrew E. Sabin.

And that was that.

We had just been snorkeling buddies in the crystalline waters of Vanuatu.

You may be wondering why I was traveling with metal mogul Sabin in the South Pacific in the first place, but I prefer to let your imagination work for a bit. You can even go ahead and check my YouTube channel to satisfy your curiosity.

As time passes by, I am amazed by the way destiny plays its cards. This has been happening for some time now. Ever since I opened my heart to the Universe and used all my creativity to help others, a myriad of magical encounters have happened.

My work ethic and commitment to my mission at The Adventures of Pili, as a Senior Safina Center Fellow, are clear to me. I make things happen, no matter how much personal effort I need to put into it.

The Adventures of Pilli translated into Ukrainian. The Andrew Sabin Family Foundation has done a lot or philanthropic work in Ukraine, and are completing work on their second orphanage. In addition, they have purchased seven ambulances, helped give out eighty-two thousand vials of insulin, and dispensed 1.1 million basal insulin pens. They have also helped rescue lions and tigers from the Kyiv Zoo, and worked with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to feed cats and dogs stranded in Ukraine.

Meeting Andy, as I call him, in Melanesia was one of those unexpected encounters.

Humans tend to have preconceived ideas of others based on external sources and what they read in the media. And many times, we are wrong. We all have multiple personas, and depending on the environment we are in, we showcase different attributes.

In the weeks that followed our Melanesian adventures, Andy and I spoke multiple times. We still do. We never exchanged a word about properties, politics, luxury, or business. We talked about how we could turn the idea of helping those small villages in the Solomon Islands into a reality. I saw a kind and direct person, someone who truly believes in helping others. A proud and straightforward New Yorker with a strong understanding of how lucky he has been and how even the smallest effort makes a difference. He genuinely cares.

 In the upcoming weeks, the children of those communities we visited will receive solar panels, school materials, and a wide selection of books from The Adventures of Pili. Not easy logistics, let me tell you. 

The Andrew Sabin Family Foundation is also finishing their second orphanage in Western Ukraine. In addition, they have purchased seven ambulances, as well as helped facilitate distribution of eighty-two thousand vials of insulin, and 1.1 million basal insulin pens. Further, they’ve aided in the mission to rescue lions and tigers from the Kyiv Zoo and worked with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to feed cats and dogs stranded in Ukraine.

When the Ukrainian crisis started, I translated two of my bilingual children's books into Ukrainian, sharing them with the world so Ukrainian kids could escape their circumstances for a few minutes while immersed in the books. Needless to say, these books, along with a larger selection, will be part of the library at the City of Goodness in Ukraine soon.

Kike and Andy smile from the deck, proving the point that “Every day above ground is a good day.” Photo courtesy of Kike Calvo.

Born in the United States, Andrew E. Sabin developed a strong sense of responsibility toward environmental conservation from a young age. Raised in a modest family, he recognized the importance of preserving the planet and sought to channel his passion into meaningful action.

If you read Andy's speech on philanthropy, certain phrases will undoubtedly strike you and make you reflect on how you can use your wealth, whether big or small, to positively impact others. "I'd like you all to realize that it's not necessary to be the richest person in the cemetery," said Andy. "Realize that your mission on Earth is to enhance the planet and society."

I have to admit, I am hard to impress. I frequently encounter personalities who have access to endless resources and wealth. "People think they are going to take it with them," Andy smiled. "And that ain't going to happen."

The bracelet he gave me when we bumped into each other in Auckland is now proudly attached to my camera bag. It bears the inscription, "Every day above the ground is a good day." And what a powerful truth that is.

During our conversation, we discussed the challenges of starting a small project like The Adventures of Pili. "Kike," Andy said. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." Whether this quote originated from Billy Ocean's song, Joseph P. Kennedy (father of former US President John F. Kennedy), or Norwegian-born American football player and coach Knute Rockne, it has become one of my favorite sayings. It will not replace my saying Never Stop Dreaming, but it is already high on my list of quotable expressions. 

Update: The shipment of educational supplies that Kike and Andy talked about on deck has been sent to remote villages in Melanesia! ©Kike Calvo