A benefit concert and the construction of 30 new homes are among the events commemorating President Jimmy Carter’s 100th birthday on October 1. Reflecting his extensive philanthropic legacy, Carter has encouraged any gift-giving to support others instead.
In September, a star-studded concert at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre raised funds for the international programs of The Carter Center, an organization founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in 1982 with goals of promoting peace, combating disease, and fostering hope. The concert will be broadcast on Georgia Public Broadcasting on October 1.
Additionally, thousands of Habitat for Humanity volunteers gathered in St. Paul, Minnesota, to build 30 homes over five days, with country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood leading efforts. The Carters have been involved in Habitat for Humanity for four decades, starting with a build in New York City in 1984.
Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, emphasized the significance of the Carters’ commitment. “The image of a president of the United States sleeping in a church basement and physically helping rehab a tenement building captured the world,” he noted. The Carters have built homes annually for 35 years, with Carter often expressing that his work with the organization reflects his Christian values.
Cleora Taylor, a medical assistant who met the Carters in 2018 during a home-building project in Indiana, recalled how Carter remembered her name and details about her family. “It means so much to me that he knew me,” she said. “He’s just such a good, welcoming, humble guy.”
Cassandra Newby-Alexander, a presidential historian, highlighted Carter’s moral legacy, stating that he has prioritized the needs of the disadvantaged over personal gain. “He’s looking to change things. He’s not out there trying to make money for himself,” she remarked.
Carter’s philanthropy is characterized by his hands-on approach, tackling projects directly from building homes to working on public health initiatives. Newby-Alexander noted that Carter has set a standard for how former presidents can continue to contribute positively to society.
One of Carter’s significant commitments has been the fight against the Guinea worm disease, an effort initiated by The Carter Center since 1986. Under his guidance, the number of reported cases has drastically decreased, and Carter remains actively involved, even after entering hospice care.
Carter has coordinated with health ministries and global leaders to advocate for public health interventions, with the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation committing nearly $50 million to these efforts. Hilton described Carter as “a remarkable man with a deeply compassionate heart,” praising his dedication to humanitarian efforts.
Involvement in projects like building homes has left a lasting impact on many, including Taylor, who was inspired by Carter’s active participation despite his age. “It was just so amazing that he still was out here, outside at that age, working with us,” she expressed.
Reflecting on her experience, Taylor noted, “I never thought that I would be able to do something like that, being a single mother.” She emphasized the incredible support she received and the profound impression made by Carter’s commitment to service.