ATLANTA (October 5, 2000) -- CARE named Ben and Luanne Russell its 2000 Philanthropists of the Year during ceremonies Wednesday.
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| CARE President Peter Bell (left) presents the award to Luanne and Ben Russell. |
"I cannot tell you how impressed we were with the CARE people," said Mr. Russell. "I still, to this day, cannot comprehend people making the sacrifices we saw CARE personnel making in those countries."
CARE Alabama is the only statewide campaign that raises and matches funds before sending them to CARE.
The Russells set aside a fund each year from which they match dollar-for-dollar donations made to the campaign; 200 percent of every contribution goes directly to CARE. The Russells pay CARE Alabama's overhead and salaries.
In the past 13 years, the Russells have helped raise more than $6.1 million.
"That's what CARE is made of. It is made not of big donors, not of corporations. It is made up of individuals," Mr. Russell said.
"Ben and Luanne Russell have committed themselves in an extraordinary way to CARE's mission," said Peter Bell, president of CARE USA. "Their generosity and steadfast support have helped CARE to change for the better the lives of thousands of individuals and families in some of the poorest communities around the world. We are delighted to honor the Russells' inspiring efforts with this award."
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