Former President Jimmy Carter is calling for all donors to stop sending money to the Carter Center, but to redirect those funds to local organizations working to treat and stop the spread of the coronavirus “health crisis.”
In a letter to supporters, signed by Carter, his wife, Rosalynn, and Jason Carter, the chairman of The Carter Center’s board of trustees, the 39th president wrote: “Forgo your next gift for the work of The Carter Center and direct it to a local group that is reducing the suffering caused by this pandemic.”
“Though the behaviors of COVID-19 are not fully known, what we do know makes it a global threat to our physical and economic health,” Carter wrote. “We all have every confidence that we will come together as a nation and overcome this invisible threat. This virus and its impact must be addressed at every level of government and society. Each of us is gratified at the examples of volunteers and community organizations that have quickly mobilized to help those in need.”
About now is when the Carter Center would be gearing up for its annual summer retreat.
Since the retreat’s inception in 1992, the auction portion alone has raised over $40 million toward The Carter Center’s global outreach. Last year at the retreat in Virginia, supporters spent more than $4 million in a lively auction, money that helped fund the Carter Center’s work in promoting peace and eliminating disease.
“Each of us asks you to concentrate on the needs of your family, friends, neighbors, and all in your community,” Carter said. “Your commitment will help stop this threat.”
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