CLEARWATER, Fla. — Former President Jimmy Carter, who is currently in hospice care, has dedicated much of his life to giving back to others through organizations like Habitat for Humanity.
Mike Sutton, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity for Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, fondly recalls meeting Carter.
“He’s dedicated his life and he’s dedicated so much of his work to help others,” he said.
He even took a photo with Carter that he still keeps as a memento.
“His generosity, his smile and his desire to see the world be a better place,” said President and CEO of @HabitatPWP Mike Sutton, as he recalls the moment he met former President Jimmy Carter. @BN9 pic.twitter.com/VNZNaFaSZM
— Lizbeth Gutierrez (@LizbethGNews) February 20, 2023
On a trip to Plains, Ga., Sutton volunteered alongside Carter for Habitat for Humanity, and was even able to tour Carter’s childhood home. Sutton traveled with a group of Carter's colleagues and got to meet his wife, Rosalynn.
Carter dedicated more than 30 years to Habitat for Humanity, where he helped to advocate, raise money, and even physically helped build homes.
Throughout his time volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Carter held gatherings for volunteers and donors, assisting in building over 4,000 homes around the world.
“There’s hundreds of families here locally that would likely not be in their home if it wasn’t for President Carter’s involvement,” said Sutton.
Sutton said Carter's life is an inspiration.
“We can only live a life like his — 98 years he’s made such an impact in the world," Sutton said.
Sutton said he hopes others will take up Carter’s mission to help people and pay it forward.
As an organization, Habitat for Humanity even has a project in the Carters’ name, one that brings together thousands of people to build and repair homes in 14 countries.