WASHINGTON, DC – The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation and the nonprofit Global Reach announced today that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter will be the inaugural recipient of the Bill Richardson Heart of a Patriot Award, which will be presented posthumously at the James W. Foley Freedom Awards on April 29, 2025, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Accepting the award on behalf of former President Carter will be Paige Alexander, CEO of The Carter Center.
Foley Foundation President and Founder Diane Foley said, “We are pleased that our partner, Global Reach, has chosen to present its inaugural Heart of a Patriot Award at our event. Like the other awards to be presented at the gala, this award honors individuals, such as former President Carter, who demonstrate moral courage.”
The Bill Richardson Heart of a Patriot Award memorializes the life and achievements of the late ambassador, governor of New Mexico, and U.S. Energy Secretary whose actions after leaving public service resulted in the freeing of numerous Americans wrongfully detained or held hostage. The award recognizes individuals who have, after their government service, leveraged their skills and experiences to work to bring home Americans held overseas.
Global Reach CEO Mickey Bergman said, “Governor Richardson would have been the first to nominate President Carter for this award. The work that President Carter did in his post-presidency period was an inspiration to Governor Richardson. Inspiring others is the whole point of this award.”
Tickets to the Freedom Awards are available at www.foleyfreedomawards.org, with proceeds supporting the charitable mission of the Foley Foundation – advocating for American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad and promoting journalist safety.
ABOUT THE JAMES W. FOLEY LEGACY FOUNDATION
Conflict journalist James W. Foley was taken hostage by ISIS terrorists in 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war. His captors tortured and ultimately brutally murdered him in 2014. Inspired by Jim’s moral courage, the Foley Foundation was established within weeks of his death to further his legacy for the benefit of others.
For more information or to learn how you can make an impact, please visit jamesfoleyfoundation.org or contact us here. Charitable donations to support the work of the foundation may be made here.
ABOUT GLOBAL REACH
Global Reach is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing home Americans who are wrongly held abroad – whether by terrorist groups, criminal gangs, or foreign governments. By leveraging private sector resources, experience, and relationships, Global Reach works to fill the gaps in the existing U.S. government and nonprofit approaches to bring home those held abroad. All services are provided at no cost to the families.
Global Reach does not accept donations, or any form of payment, from victims or their families, whether or not we represent them. It does not accept donations from any government or any government-related organization. Additional information can be found at https://www.reach.global/.
