(2007) - The Russell Family Fund has been created as part of
the Philanthropist of the Year Award in honor of Genevieve Russell. It
will benefit the Mother's Fund, which supports disadvantaged women
& children in Washington County.
A review of Mrs. Russell's past and ongoing participation with area charities will illustrate that she is more than worthy of this prestigious award. She has been particularly active with her church, the First Presbyterian Church of Washington where she is a Past Elder and Deacon. Mrs. Russell taught Sunday school for many years, sang in the choir, and was the Chair of the Kitchen Committee. At Thanksgiving time she has worked in the Church's "Feeding of the 500" project to provide a free turkey dinner to the area's needy. And at Christmas time she volunteers for the "Candlelight Service" which is open to the community.
Anyone who has ever lived in Hickory knows that fall is the time for the annual Hickory Apple Festival and for years Gen could be seen working the apple butter stand at the Festival. She is also a Past President and Treasurer of the Hickory Women's Club. Gen currently volunteers on the WCCF's Women of Philanthropy Committee which has worked this year to raise money and awareness of the Foundation's Mother's Fund. You may have seen her working a booth at the Wild Thing's Tribute to Moms this summer or at the Philanthropist of the Year Award, which support the activities of the Mother's Fund.
In addition to volunteering, Gen has also financially supported her church, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Presbyterian Senior Care, United Way of Washington County, and the Washington Hospital Foundation.
Described as an "Angel" by WCCF Trustee, Bill Campbell and his wife Carolyn, Gen is known for her positive attitude and love of life, despite having experienced overwhelming tragedies in her lifetime. Her first husband, Richard Arent, was killed in a plane crash while serving in the United States Navy. She delivered their daughter Pamela two weeks after burying her husband.
Gen returned to the workforce and obtained a position at PNC Bank where she met her second husband, W. Scott Russell. She and Mr. Russell, an Executive Vice President at PNC Bank, had three children, Scott, Ronald and Marianne. Tragically, Mr. Russell and their son Ron, were killed in a car wreck while returning from a fishing trip in Buffalo, NY.