Despite his success, serving others has also remained important to Russert, who serves on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington.

According to Patricia Shannon, who serves as president and CEO of the Washington chapter, Russert often donates money from speaking appearances to the Boys and Girls Club. Russert donated a $15,000 check from an appearance on "Celebrity Jeopardy" to the organization.

"He is very generous in sending funds," Shannon said last week. "I got a check from him this morning."

Shannon says that Russert's father, himself a member of a Boys and Girls Club, inspired his generosity.

"He comes from humble beginnings," Shannon says. "He deeply admires his father and believes his [father's] character was molded a lot in the Boys and Girls Club."

Russert has served as master of ceremonies for several of the group's fundraising dinners.

"He is an extraordinary emcee," Shannon says. "He is very emotional when he speaks. He can bring people to tears and is usually on the verge of tears himself."