In Memoriam - Tim Russert

[zanth]

I was quite moved by the “NBC's Meet the Press anchor Tim Russert has died” thread, seems there are so many people on this board his life's work touched.

Needless to say at NBC his loss was taken very hard by so many. We have been receiving many emails about the specials, memorial services, and the like. In a communication that recently came out, it listed three charities designated by the family where donations could be made. I wanted to share these with you, but first I wanted to tell you a little story.

I went to a prep school in North Philly. Somewhat related to high school (ran by the same order of priests) is an elementary school. The elementary school's enrollment was all local kids, and for those of you that don't know Philly, the Northern area is, to be kind, economically challenged. My high school had several community service programs that revolved around supporting the elementary school; I recall remodeling the cafeteria with my father on weekends and my family even celebrated Christmas Eve mass one year with the students and their families. So, this elementary school has a very special place in my heart, even though I didn't go there.

There was an article in the Philly Inquirer earlier this year telling about Tim's involvement with this elementary school on their Board of Trustees and in charity drives. I was so delighted that Tim was helping the school so much (honestly I didn't know about his work until the article) and promptly emailed him after reading the article, telling me of my connection. He replied back and his words clearly showed he shared my zeal for helping out the school. That’s just the kind of guy he was, plain and simple. In the other thread the term “class act” was used more then once, and fittingly so, I must say.

Should any of you desire to throw a few extra bucks to some groups in memory of Tim, here are the charities that were sent to the NBC folks:

Foundation of the RC Diocese of Buffalo
http://www.frcdb.org
795 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14203

Archdiocese of Washington Russert Memorial Fund
http://www.adw.org/news/news.asp?ID=558&Year=2008
PO Box 29260
Washington, DC 20017-0260

Boys and Girls Clubs of America
http://www.bgca.org
http://www.bgca.org/news/scoop.asp - Farewell to a Friend

I'm sure Tim would offer his sincere thanks for any contributions you offer...

[flipflopgirl]

Thanks for posting this Darren!

[ph4ever]

Thanks Darren!! Miss seeing you around goat dude!!

[SMLCHNG]

Thank you, Darren.