By JENNIFER ERICKSON
A.J. Liebling, the legendary writer for the New Yorker, once said the following of an ordinary guy turned hero called Mollie whom he wrote about during WWII, “It cheers me to think there may be more like him all around me—a notion I would have dismissed as sheer romanticism before World War II. Cynicism is often the shamefaced product of inexperience.” Well if people find it hard to believe in true heroes, they often find it harder to believe in truly charitable people. For those of you who are cynical about donating to charities, let it be known that you have your own “Mollie” right here in Laguna Beach, and her name is Rosalind Russell. She is a one-woman charity who will knock the cynicism right out of you and allow you to believe once more.
Here is a woman who pours her own blood, sweat and tears (often literally) into the effort to improve the lives of destitute people in rural Nepal – people who would otherwise have few or zero possibilities for economic, social or intellectual advancement. And Russell does it all herself with the help of friends and advisors who donate their time, expertise and energy – there is no bureaucracy.
It all started last year when Russell had the humble goal of going to Nepal to visit her “adopted” son Rabin. She had first met Rabin on a trip there years before when she accepted his services as a guide in return for helping him with his English. In the serendipitous way these tings happen, somewhere over the course of the trip the relationship changed from that of tourist and guide to one of mother and son – a bond that only grew stronger in their years apart.
When Russell finally managed to gather the resources to return to Nepal to visit Rabin last year, she didn’t want to go empty handed. She wanted to offer a gift of something that might be of true use and more than just figurative value to the struggling people of Rabin’s home village. She settled upon goats, because the have milk that can be consumed, made into cheese, or sold; and they reproduce so that offspring can be sold. She decided that upon arrival in Nepal she would buy a few goats for the women in the Rabin’s village and in the village his sister had married into. At a cost of about $125 to place a pregnant female goat, she thought she might be able to get one or two goats for each village.
But Russell must have been destined to help these villages on a larger scale, because friends and acquaintances of hers, upon learning of her intention, saw a way to very directly help needy people in a third world country and they wanted in. Russell was already going to Nepal on her own steam and she was already going to be purchasing a few goats, with Rabin’s assistance, so what could be easier than simply giving her more money to buy more goats? Well, some of you already know the story and some of you may have even donated a goat or two. Word got out, then the Indy helped to spread the word even further, and the next thing you know, Russell departed for Nepal with enough money to buy approximately 87 goats! End of story, right? Wrong!
The first catch was that you can’t just walk into Nepal, buy some goats and start handing them out to people. People, authorities and quasi-authorities take notice. There are rules and curfews to be obeyed and there is possible sabotage from American-hating Maoists to be concerned about. Fortunately, Russell had the help of Rabin, not just her spiritual son, but also a very intelligent young man, well-versed in local politics and armed with the mental scissors to cut through the tangle of red tape so amply supplied by the local authorities, the official government authorities and not-so-official, but oh-so-important Maoist authorities. Together she and Rabin met with the people who needed to be met with, got permission where permission was needed and enlisted whatever help was required to actually buy the goats and to physically deliver them into the hands of the women in the two villages. Somehow the pure, unselfish hearts with which Russell and Rabin embarked on this task touched all those they worked with – from the Maoists, normally hostile to Americans, who offered no resistance to the project, to the livestock traders who, exhibiting generosity not usually encountered in their midst, miraculously stretched the funds Russell arrived with. So instead of getting the 87 goats they had budgeted for, they ended up with 204 goats to split between the villages – enough to give two goats to each woman!
The second catch was provided by Russell herself. This was not just a question of buying some goats and dropping them off, after going through the above-mentioned rigamarole. Russell’s saw her gift of goats as a way of planting a seed for economic and social recovery in the two villages in question. And she really wanted the recipients of the gift to play it forward. This is why she stipulated that the goats would be almost all pregnant females, or females in season. This is why she stipulated that they not be killed for food or sacrifice for at least two years. This is why she stipulated that the women receive the gift of the goats on the condition that they work all together, regardless of caste, to manage the goats and the increased wealth they would bring their families and to the community as a whole. And, finally, this is why she required that the women all sign a document agreeing to her conditions and agreeing to pass on the gift of two goats each to women in need in other villages selected by the group, keeping the project alive and growing.
But most amazing part of the story is not just the incredible gift, not just the incredible achievement in getting women of different castes to act together in an unprecedented way as equals, and not just the fact that the gift will keep on giving. The most amazing part of the story is that a woman from Laguna Beach, California, with the help of her son Rabin and in part through the generosity of many of our readers, was able to make the government and the people of Nepal stand up and take notice of her good works and to actually contribute to the cause!
Because of Russell’s success in these villages, the government has actually contributed vaccinations and the services of vets to help oversee the health of the goats (which is in part what enabled her to more than double the amount of goats purchased during her last trip). They have also built a bridge across a stream that greatly hindered access to the village (Russell and the others had quite a time of it getting the goats across the stream last year – an undertaking that has been captured on tape and will soon be viewable as a DVD news byte on her web site www.therstarfoundation.com.) Furthermore, a nurse has “donated” herself to the project – offering to monitor the health of the villagers free of charge – after learning about it from Rabin and catching his excitement about it.
In fact, Russell and Rabin generated so much interest in their project that an article about them was written for the National Newspaper of Nepal in June of this year. An excerpt from that article, which has been roughly, but endearingly, translated into English, best describes the impact of Russell’s project:
[Russell] was here in Nepal a month, not to enjoy and visit beautiful places, but she was here to exchange herself with all innocent villagers and many people of Nepal and to gift them something from her side of the world. As reporters we had many interviews with many village people and they all refer to her as “MOM” which sounds very nice to everyone’s heart as that is where they hold her.
After they, (Russell and Rabindra), decided to do something new in a Village they headed towards Ojhetar village. With her own personal investment, Russell bought 204 goats for 100 roofs in villages. Rabindra and Russell gathered the women and girls of village and established a project they agreed to which the village women will control. They created the project into four major divisions and they distributed per adult woman, 2 goats, there were some terms and condition that goats can’t be killed or used as a flesh for a certain period of time. (females are not killed but used for breeding). If they have to sell it then they can do that, but they need to fulfill the necessary amount in the project to pass on 2 goats first. And every group member has a responsibility of paying 5 RS per month (dues, about .10 cents American), to the Community so that they can use it in case of urgency in the village while growing the account for other uses. Besides that she (Rosalind), gave 5000 Rs to each of the four groups to use as they vote upon. (loans with small interest which returns to the Community pot of money so as to establish businesses, use for health, for education and what they deem as good for them). We all Nepali are proud of this project and proud of our American Mom. This project is not limited only to Ojhetar as they did the same thing in another remote place called Bakhunde, which is also falls under Kavre District. Russell and Rabindra are now working to establishing a school in Ojhetar at this time as education will help remove the poverty. Regardless of the horrible situation of Nepal, Russell and Rabindra are fully devoting themselves to change the shape of that small village(s). Other villages and villagers are also influenced by the revolution (changes), created by this development. Today Russell is in the heart of all the poor villagers, and many other people. As we have heard Russell and Rabindra are expanding their development again in the coming winter. We feel extremely proud of Rosalind Russell and Rabindra Sitaula for this incredible job, we wish them all the best.
Rosalind Russell started with a plan for a small act of charity. Yet when providence gave her the chance to expand the scope of her charity, she seized the opportunity. She had a vision of what she could accomplish and saw only the possibilities, not the obstacles. Not everyone involved was as optimistic as she was, but she held her ground every inch of the way. The following excerpt from an e-mail that she recently received from Rabin illustrates the fact that in spite of resistance to some of her ideas (such as forcing the different castes to work together), she was right to insist on them:
…I know you are very busy thinking about the women and villages in Nepal and working really hard to bring the change about . You know Mom? what we did last year is really bringing change in the villagers minds and they are now understanding the value of what we did all together. They thank you for all they got form our initiation. I CAN TELL YOU THERE IS A REALISTIC CHANGE. BE PROUD OF ALL YOU HAVE DONE TO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN THE VILLAGES! [emphasis is original] (In our wonderful world) It took long time for me to get this result because at first they were not united and organized, the cast system being part of the why, along with their doubt, now they are getting it just like you said, isn’t it the real change? You were so right that the goats were only a start with how their minds would change.
That was phase one. Now it’s time for phase two. Since Russell has now secured the trust of the people and the government, she is ready to make the most of a good thing and keep on striking while the iron is hot. In addition to carefully monitoring the current projects, she is getting geared up for another trip to Nepal in January and this time she has set her sights even higher. Her goal is twofold. First, based on past success, she would like to raise enough money to buy as many as 450 goats to give to the women of two more (larger) villages that have been selected. The goats would of course be offered under the same conditions as before, thereby encouraging social reform, as well as ensuring a measure of economic stability. What’s more, since the government was so impressed with the success of the first delivery of goats to the original two villages, it will continue to assist in the provision of veterinary care and vaccinations for the livestock.
As for the second part of the goal – brace yourselves – Russell is determined to build a school in Ojhetar, the larger of the first two villages that received the goats. This is not a pie in the sky project, but a realistic plan to provide a modest form of education for the children, who currently don’t go to school at all. It will also serve to provide some adult education, such as basic reading and writing skills, to the women and men after their work is done in the fields.
Russell and Rabin have done their research. For $12,000 they can build one two-story brick building furnish it with desks, books and a chalkboard, and establish a teacher for a minimum of two years. It will take less than a year to build. It is a starting point. Rabin will be there to oversee the work and to release the money as things get completed (not before). The money will be controlled from here by Russell and a group of advisors (one of whom is a professor-dean at ASU who was wowed by the goat project and then was thrilled to be able to help with the plans for the school). They will authorize the bank to release the money to Rabin when necessary. The villagers will also help to oversee the building process and will contribute their labor, wherever possible.
The idea is to start with the one building and expand from there as resources allow. Some Germans have shown a willingness to collaborate, and may be willing to buy the large amount of land needed for the school yard and perhaps provide the additional buildings that will be needed to accommodate the expected 200 children and whatever adults may wish to attend late day classes. The catch is that they won’t begin collaboration until the first building is up. Once they see the first building completed and the project moving forward, they will join in and offer their resources. What’s more, in the spirit of further collaboration, the government is willing to offer college to selected individuals as time goes on.
What Russell has managed to do, beyond the initial gifts, is create an atmosphere of belief in the possibility of change for the better. This is the most precious commodity – more than hope for a brighter future it has provided the proof that a brighter future can become a reality. Such proof wins over the people and institutions usually afraid to sink their money into a hopeless cause. It helps them to see a cause that has the promise of success and suddenly they are ready and willing to contribute to the project. So the villagers are willing to contribute their time and labor, so the Germans are willing to collaborate building the school, so the government is willing to open doors to higher education, and so perhaps might some of you be willing to donate to this incredible project!
There are many ways in which you can help Rosalind Russell move forward with these projects if you so choose. First of all, you can donate money toward the purchase of goats for the two selected villages. The cost of one healthy medium-sized pregnant or in-season female goat, placed in the village, is about $125, and you can give enough for one goat, several goats, or a portion of a goat. Then, of course, you can donate money towards the construction and maintenance of the school. Russell is hoping to raise the full $12,000 for the first school before her trip in January. Failing that, she needs at least $9,000 to get the building physically started.
The third way you can help is with travel expenses. Russell cannot afford the full price of a round trip ticket to Nepal – especially as she will be taking more than an month off from work – unpaid. She was hoping to use bonus miles to purchase the plane ticket, but has run into some difficulties. She needs 120,000 miles for a round trip ticket. She has 85,000 Delta miles from one source and 10,000 Delta miles from another source – technically she is missing only 25,000 miles, but the problem is that she is not allowed to combine the bonus miles into one ticket. Strange, but true. Delta does offer free tickets to certain worthy foundations – but they only offer four of these a year and it’s competitive. The bottom line is that Russell is looking for the assistance of anyone who has some in-depth knowledge about airlines and/or the travel industry who might know about possible ways of getting bonus miles combined or about how to go about cutting through the red tape to get an airline to donate a plane ticket or a full 120,000 miles for a round trip ticket all the way to Nepal on any airline that goes there. She wants all of the money she raises to go toward the school and the purchase of goats, so she needs to find a separate way to procure the plane ticket, a free place to stay for three days in and out of Thailand, and a hotel in Kathmandu, such as a Sheraton or Marriott, since she will have to stay there while attending to necessary meetings with government officials to move the projects forward. Such is the hope, the dream and the very real need.
If you desire to make a donation for the goats or the school, if you have ideas about taking care of the travel arrangements, or if you want more information about the whole process, please contact Rosalind Russell by phone or by mail: Rosalind Russell, P.O. Box 4183, Laguna Beach, CA 92652; Tel: 497-2545. Please also visit the web site at www.therstarfoundation.com (This site is still under construction, so please excuse any loose debris or difficult connections!)
Note that donations are tax deductible since Russell is doing this project through her own 501(c)3 foundation, R STAR Foundation/ Ministries, which she has operated since 1989 and which has had official non profit status since 1998. Please also note that all donations are properly accounted for and go to an account set up exactly for the purpose of the donation. Simply specify whether you want your money to be used to purchase goats or build the school.
And keep in mind when you are trying to find the perfect holiday gift for that person who already has everything – one thing they almost certainly don’t have is a goat donated in their name to a village in Nepal!Lagunan Rosalind Russell has become a beacon of hope for improved conditions in Nepal
By JENNIFER ERICKSON
A.J. Liebling, the legendary writer for the New Yorker, once said the following of an ordinary guy turned hero called Mollie whom he wrote about during WWII, “It cheers me to think there may be more like him all around me—a notion I would have dismissed as sheer romanticism before World War II. Cynicism is often the shamefaced product of inexperience.” Well if people find it hard to believe in true heroes, they often find it harder to believe in truly charitable people. For those of you who are cynical about donating to charities, let it be known that you have your own “Mollie” right here in Laguna Beach, and her name is Rosalind Russell. She is a one-woman charity who will knock the cynicism right out of you and allow you to believe once more.
Here is a woman who pours her own blood, sweat and tears (often literally) into the effort to improve the lives of destitute people in rural Nepal – people who would otherwise have few or zero possibilities for economic, social or intellectual advancement. And Russell does it all herself with the help of friends and advisors who donate their time, expertise and energy – there is no bureaucracy.
It all started last year when Russell had the humble goal of going to Nepal to visit her “adopted” son Rabin. She had first met Rabin on a trip there years before when she accepted his services as a guide in return for helping him with his English. In the serendipitous way these tings happen, somewhere over the course of the trip the relationship changed from that of tourist and guide to one of mother and son – a bond that only grew stronger in their years apart.
When Russell finally managed to gather the resources to return to Nepal to visit Rabin last year, she didn’t want to go empty handed. She wanted to offer a gift of something that might be of true use and more than just figurative value to the struggling people of Rabin’s home village. She settled upon goats, because the have milk that can be consumed, made into cheese, or sold; and they reproduce so that offspring can be sold. She decided that upon arrival in Nepal she would buy a few goats for the women in the Rabin’s village and in the village his sister had married into. At a cost of about $125 to place a pregnant female goat, she thought she might be able to get one or two goats for each village.
But Russell must have been destined to help these villages on a larger scale, because friends and acquaintances of hers, upon learning of her intention, saw a way to very directly help needy people in a third world country and they wanted in. Russell was already going to Nepal on her own steam and she was already going to be purchasing a few goats, with Rabin’s assistance, so what could be easier than simply giving her more money to buy more goats? Well, some of you already know the story and some of you may have even donated a goat or two. Word got out, then the Indy helped to spread the word even further, and the next thing you know, Russell departed for Nepal with enough money to buy approximately 87 goats! End of story, right? Wrong!
The first catch was that you can’t just walk into Nepal, buy some goats and start handing them out to people. People, authorities and quasi-authorities take notice. There are rules and curfews to be obeyed and there is possible sabotage from American-hating Maoists to be concerned about. Fortunately, Russell had the help of Rabin, not just her spiritual son, but also a very intelligent young man, well-versed in local politics and armed with the mental scissors to cut through the tangle of red tape so amply supplied by the local authorities, the official government authorities and not-so-official, but oh-so-important Maoist authorities. Together she and Rabin met with the people who needed to be met with, got permission where permission was needed and enlisted whatever help was required to actually buy the goats and to physically deliver them into the hands of the women in the two villages. Somehow the pure, unselfish hearts with which Russell and Rabin embarked on this task touched all those they worked with – from the Maoists, normally hostile to Americans, who offered no resistance to the project, to the livestock traders who, exhibiting generosity not usually encountered in their midst, miraculously stretched the funds Russell arrived with. So instead of getting the 87 goats they had budgeted for, they ended up with 204 goats to split between the villages – enough to give two goats to each woman!
The second catch was provided by Russell herself. This was not just a question of buying some goats and dropping them off, after going through the above-mentioned rigamarole. Russell’s saw her gift of goats as a way of planting a seed for economic and social recovery in the two villages in question. And she really wanted the recipients of the gift to play it forward. This is why she stipulated that the goats would be almost all pregnant females, or females in season. This is why she stipulated that they not be killed for food or sacrifice for at least two years. This is why she stipulated that the women receive the gift of the goats on the condition that they work all together, regardless of caste, to manage the goats and the increased wealth they would bring their families and to the community as a whole. And, finally, this is why she required that the women all sign a document agreeing to her conditions and agreeing to pass on the gift of two goats each to women in need in other villages selected by the group, keeping the project alive and growing.
But most amazing part of the story is not just the incredible gift, not just the incredible achievement in getting women of different castes to act together in an unprecedented way as equals, and not just the fact that the gift will keep on giving. The most amazing part of the story is that a woman from Laguna Beach, California, with the help of her son Rabin and in part through the generosity of many of our readers, was able to make the government and the people of Nepal stand up and take notice of her good works and to actually contribute to the cause!
Because of Russell’s success in these villages, the government has actually contributed vaccinations and the services of vets to help oversee the health of the goats (which is in part what enabled her to more than double the amount of goats purchased during her last trip). They have also built a bridge across a stream that greatly hindered access to the village (Russell and the others had quite a time of it getting the goats across the stream last year – an undertaking that has been captured on tape and will soon be viewable as a DVD news byte on her web site www.therstarfoundation.com.) Furthermore, a nurse has “donated” herself to the project – offering to monitor the health of the villagers free of charge – after learning about it from Rabin and catching his excitement about it.
In fact, Russell and Rabin generated so much interest in their project that an article about them was written for the National Newspaper of Nepal in June of this year. An excerpt from that article, which has been roughly, but endearingly, translated into English, best describes the impact of Russell’s project:
[Russell] was here in Nepal a month, not to enjoy and visit beautiful places, but she was here to exchange herself with all innocent villagers and many people of Nepal and to gift them something from her side of the world. As reporters we had many interviews with many village people and they all refer to her as “MOM” which sounds very nice to everyone’s heart as that is where they hold her.
After they, (Russell and Rabindra), decided to do something new in a Village they headed towards Ojhetar village. With her own personal investment, Russell bought 204 goats for 100 roofs in villages. Rabindra and Russell gathered the women and girls of village and established a project they agreed to which the village women will control. They created the project into four major divisions and they distributed per adult woman, 2 goats, there were some terms and condition that goats can’t be killed or used as a flesh for a certain period of time. (females are not killed but used for breeding). If they have to sell it then they can do that, but they need to fulfill the necessary amount in the project to pass on 2 goats first. And every group member has a responsibility of paying 5 RS per month (dues, about .10 cents American), to the Community so that they can use it in case of urgency in the village while growing the account for other uses. Besides that she (Rosalind), gave 5000 Rs to each of the four groups to use as they vote upon. (loans with small interest which returns to the Community pot of money so as to establish businesses, use for health, for education and what they deem as good for them). We all Nepali are proud of this project and proud of our American Mom. This project is not limited only to Ojhetar as they did the same thing in another remote place called Bakhunde, which is also falls under Kavre District. Russell and Rabindra are now working to establishing a school in Ojhetar at this time as education will help remove the poverty. Regardless of the horrible situation of Nepal, Russell and Rabindra are fully devoting themselves to change the shape of that small village(s). Other villages and villagers are also influenced by the revolution (changes), created by this development. Today Russell is in the heart of all the poor villagers, and many other people. As we have heard Russell and Rabindra are expanding their development again in the coming winter. We feel extremely proud of Rosalind Russell and Rabindra Sitaula for this incredible job, we wish them all the best.
Rosalind Russell started with a plan for a small act of charity. Yet when providence gave her the chance to expand the scope of her charity, she seized the opportunity. She had a vision of what she could accomplish and saw only the possibilities, not the obstacles. Not everyone involved was as optimistic as she was, but she held her ground every inch of the way. The following excerpt from an e-mail that she recently received from Rabin illustrates the fact that in spite of resistance to some of her ideas (such as forcing the different castes to work together), she was right to insist on them:
…I know you are very busy thinking about the women and villages in Nepal and working really hard to bring the change about . You know Mom? what we did last year is really bringing change in the villagers minds and they are now understanding the value of what we did all together. They thank you for all they got form our initiation. I CAN TELL YOU THERE IS A REALISTIC CHANGE. BE PROUD OF ALL YOU HAVE DONE TO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN THE VILLAGES! [emphasis is original] (In our wonderful world) It took long time for me to get this result because at first they were not united and organized, the cast system being part of the why, along with their doubt, now they are getting it just like you said, isn’t it the real change? You were so right that the goats were only a start with how their minds would change.
That was phase one. Now it’s time for phase two. Since Russell has now secured the trust of the people and the government, she is ready to make the most of a good thing and keep on striking while the iron is hot. In addition to carefully monitoring the current projects, she is getting geared up for another trip to Nepal in January and this time she has set her sights even higher. Her goal is twofold. First, based on past success, she would like to raise enough money to buy as many as 450 goats to give to the women of two more (larger) villages that have been selected. The goats would of course be offered under the same conditions as before, thereby encouraging social reform, as well as ensuring a measure of economic stability. What’s more, since the government was so impressed with the success of the first delivery of goats to the original two villages, it will continue to assist in the provision of veterinary care and vaccinations for the livestock.
As for the second part of the goal – brace yourselves – Russell is determined to build a school in Ojhetar, the larger of the first two villages that received the goats. This is not a pie in the sky project, but a realistic plan to provide a modest form of education for the children, who currently don’t go to school at all. It will also serve to provide some adult education, such as basic reading and writing skills, to the women and men after their work is done in the fields.
Russell and Rabin have done their research. For $12,000 they can build one two-story brick building furnish it with desks, books and a chalkboard, and establish a teacher for a minimum of two years. It will take less than a year to build. It is a starting point. Rabin will be there to oversee the work and to release the money as things get completed (not before). The money will be controlled from here by Russell and a group of advisors (one of whom is a professor-dean at ASU who was wowed by the goat project and then was thrilled to be able to help with the plans for the school). They will authorize the bank to release the money to Rabin when necessary. The villagers will also help to oversee the building process and will contribute their labor, wherever possible.
The idea is to start with the one building and expand from there as resources allow. Some Germans have shown a willingness to collaborate, and may be willing to buy the large amount of land needed for the school yard and perhaps provide the additional buildings that will be needed to accommodate the expected 200 children and whatever adults may wish to attend late day classes. The catch is that they won’t begin collaboration until the first building is up. Once they see the first building completed and the project moving forward, they will join in and offer their resources. What’s more, in the spirit of further collaboration, the government is willing to offer college to selected individuals as time goes on.
What Russell has managed to do, beyond the initial gifts, is create an atmosphere of belief in the possibility of change for the better. This is the most precious commodity – more than hope for a brighter future it has provided the proof that a brighter future can become a reality. Such proof wins over the people and institutions usually afraid to sink their money into a hopeless cause. It helps them to see a cause that has the promise of success and suddenly they are ready and willing to contribute to the project. So the villagers are willing to contribute their time and labor, so the Germans are willing to collaborate building the school, so the government is willing to open doors to higher education, and so perhaps might some of you be willing to donate to this incredible project!
There are many ways in which you can help Rosalind Russell move forward with these projects if you so choose. First of all, you can donate money toward the purchase of goats for the two selected villages. The cost of one healthy medium-sized pregnant or in-season female goat, placed in the village, is about $125, and you can give enough for one goat, several goats, or a portion of a goat. Then, of course, you can donate money towards the construction and maintenance of the school. Russell is hoping to raise the full $12,000 for the first school before her trip in January. Failing that, she needs at least $9,000 to get the building physically started.
The third way you can help is with travel expenses. Russell cannot afford the full price of a round trip ticket to Nepal – especially as she will be taking more than an month off from work – unpaid. She was hoping to use bonus miles to purchase the plane ticket, but has run into some difficulties. She needs 120,000 miles for a round trip ticket. She has 85,000 Delta miles from one source and 10,000 Delta miles from another source – technically she is missing only 25,000 miles, but the problem is that she is not allowed to combine the bonus miles into one ticket. Strange, but true. Delta does offer free tickets to certain worthy foundations – but they only offer four of these a year and it’s competitive. The bottom line is that Russell is looking for the assistance of anyone who has some in-depth knowledge about airlines and/or the travel industry who might know about possible ways of getting bonus miles combined or about how to go about cutting through the red tape to get an airline to donate a plane ticket or a full 120,000 miles for a round trip ticket all the way to Nepal on any airline that goes there. She wants all of the money she raises to go toward the school and the purchase of goats, so she needs to find a separate way to procure the plane ticket, a free place to stay for three days in and out of Thailand, and a hotel in Kathmandu, such as a Sheraton or Marriott, since she will have to stay there while attending to necessary meetings with government officials to move the projects forward. Such is the hope, the dream and the very real need.
If you desire to make a donation for the goats or the school, if you have ideas about taking care of the travel arrangements, or if you want more information about the whole process, please contact Rosalind Russell by phone or by mail: Rosalind Russell, P.O. Box 4183, Laguna Beach, CA 92652; Tel: 949-497-4911. Please also visit the web site at www.therstarfoundation.com (This site is still under construction, so please excuse any loose debris or difficult connections!)
Note that donations are tax deductible since Russell is doing this project through her own 501(c)3 foundation, R STAR Foundation/ Ministries, which she has operated since 1989 and which has had official non profit status since 1998. Please also note that all donations are properly accounted for and go to an account set up exactly for the purpose of the donation. Simply specify whether you want your money to be used to purchase goats or build the school.
And keep in mind when you are trying to find the perfect holiday gift for that person who already has everything – one thing they almost certainly don’t have is a goat donated in their name to a village in Nepal!
