Hello, I'm Russell Schuster. My roots are deeply planted in Ridgefield, CT, a town that shaped much of who I am today, beginning with my graduation from Ridgefield High School in 1991. My high school years were transformative, particularly the year I spent studying abroad in Argentina. That experience sparked a lifelong interest in different cultures and a dedication to helping others.
Following high school, I pursued higher education at High Point University, majoring in International Business and Spanish. My career began at Western Union, which took me to Central America and the Caribbean. The profound poverty I witnessed there moved me to action and set me on a path of service and aid.
While living in Florida, my wife and I immersed ourselves in volunteer work. We supported many homeless shelters and coached a soccer team of underprivileged boys, experiences that enriched our lives immeasurably.
After completing my MBA, I returned to Ridgefield with my wife to raise our three daughters, who all attend local public schools. Even with a busy family life, I found time to help the elderly in Stamford through charity work, providing much-needed assistance and companionship.
The years that followed brought a whirlwind of corporate relocations — California, Canada, Texas — each offering unique opportunities to give back to the community. I refereed youth soccer games, participated in NDSS Buddy Walks, served meals at homeless shelters, and assisted Hurricane Harvey victims.
Now, I'm back in Ridgefield permanently and more determined than ever to contribute to meaningful causes. The persistent issues of racism and inequality in our country are particularly troubling to me. Inspired to make a difference, I reached out to a few friends to see how I could get involved with the Ridgefield ABCorganization. I joined as a board member for a short time and considered it a privilege to help the organization. The greatest gift was learning from the girls and making a positive impact together .
My Recent Charity Work
- Board member and Donor of A Better Chance of Ridgefield from 2020 to 2021
- Donor for the expansion of the Boys & Girls Club in Ridgefield, CT
- Donor and supporter of the Girl Scouts of America
- Member and donor to the Ridgefield Congregational Church
- Donor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and many additional charities focused on ridding the world of cancer