Tim Russert 1950-2008 NBC news anchor Tim Russert shows his charitable side while presiding over a fundraising dinner to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2005. A board member for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (D.C.), he often spoke on behalf of the organization. As host of Meet the Press, Russert was well-known and widely respected by his peers and guests, which often included leading members of Congress, U.S. Presidents and political pundits.

Farewell to a Friend

The Boys & Girls Club Movement mourns the loss of legendary broadcast journalist Tim Russert, who died suddenly in Washington, D.C., on Friday, June 13.

Russert's connection to our Movement was long, personal and enduring. He was a native of Buffalo, N.Y., where his father (immortalized in Tim's best-selling, "Big Russ and Me: Father and Son – Lessons of Life") was a Club kid. The son never forgot what the Club did for his dad.

Tim Russert showed his support for our Movement in a variety of ways. He served on the board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, D.C., for 13 years, and emceed the Club's annual dinner – performing a similar duty in 2005 for Boys & Girls Clubs of America's Northeast Gala in New York.

He was a generous friend – donating book proceeds and directing substantial sums to the Greater Washington organization. His son, Luke, became a Club member there.

Russert often mentioned Boys & Girls Clubs as a worthy cause in his TV appearances, and during on-air interviews would sometimes have guests bet on a particular subject. The guests, if they lost, would be asked to make a donation to Boys & Girls Clubs.

Tim Russert was 58. He will be greatly missed.