Russell Family Continues Legacy of Giving Back to Broken Bow

Russell Family Continues Legacy of Giving Back to Broken Bow
Custer County Foundation receives check from Mark and Pat Russell Estate. (L to R) Chris Smith, Deb Girardin, Lindsay Divan, Dr. John Russell, Connie Hagerty, Joe Hagerty, Rusty Kluender

BROKEN BOW—On behalf of the Mark and Pat Russell Estate, the Custer County Foundation received $124,000 this weekend. During half time at Friday night’s basketball games, Dr. John Russell and family members presented two checks to benefit the community of Broken Bow.

The late Pat and Coach Mark Russell were former Broken Bow educators, having taught in the community for nearly 40 years. According to their son Dr. John Russell, Mark and Pat established two funds about 10 years ago: the Mark Russell Field fund for maintenance and special projects, and the Mark and Pat Russell Coaching Scholarship available to Broken Bow High School seniors.

Dr. Russell practices dentistry in Beatrice but says the family estate will continue giving back to the community.

“This is just part of our philanthropy, we’ll keep adding, as a family, we’ll keep adding to these funds as a thank you to Broken Bow,” Dr. John Russell said.

Two $62,000 checks were presented to the Foundation to benefit the school, and another donation was made to benefit the Broken Bow United Methodist Church, according to Dr. Russell.

Foundation Executive Director Lindsay Divan appreciates the family’s generous support.

“The donation received from the Russell family is a major gift for the Foundation and a great example of giving back to your community. Mark and Pat felt Broken Bow gave so much to them in their lifetime that they wanted to do something to give back. The way they set up these funds they will be giving back to the Broken Bow community in perpetuity,” Divan said.

Mark and Pat’s daughter Connie Hagerty also attended the check presentation as well as their grandson Joe Hagerty.

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