Viktor Kasyan, the Head Physician of the Vladivostok Orphanage for Infants, is only smiling while signing on paperwork. He understands the need for accountability and reporting. The luxurious washing machine is well worth the paperwork effort; a little bit of cash is also helpful, for the Orphanage's needs are uncounted. The gifts are delivered by Valentin M. Bogouslavski-the father of the Foundation's President Kirill Bogouslavski. Valentin is a researcher at the Pacific Research Institute for Inorganic Chemistry, and an aid to the Foundation's President. Photo: Viktor Kasyan is happy to accept the gift, and Valentin Bogouslavski is equally happy to deliver it just in time for the New Year celebration.

One may wonder by now: What is this Foundation? Why in America? And who is this Kirill Bogouslavski? By today's standards, he is not an ordinary man. He grew up in Vladivostok, with parents who worked as researchers. This meant paycheck-to-paycheck existence with little money to go around. His summers were spent in field research expeditions where survival was the name of the game; he has learned to light a fire in the rain and subsist on local plants. The difficulties did not frustrate, but made him a seasoned outdoorsman, attached to of our beautiful land and to the sea.

Kirill's other love was for the computer science. In 1994, he graduated from the Far East State University with the major in computer systems. As a student, he worked odd jobs, and diligently studied English. In the area, a joint Russian-American company was then involved in construction business. An American staff member Randy needed an interpreter; besides, he was looking for a child to adopt. Thus the connection between Kirill and Viktor Kasyan, the Head Physician of the Vladivostok Orphanage for Infants. This was the beginning of one Russian-American friendship. Randy did not adopt a child right away, but came back in three years. Now our Russian Misha is the center of attention in his new American family. On Randy's invitation, Kirill visited the U.S., and took an English test (TOEFL). He applied and was accepted at several American universities.

Of course, nothing comes free, and paying for school seemed out of reach. However, friends came to the rescue. Randy helped to setup an interview and the university offered Kirill an assistantship. In 1997, he graduated from the largest in America Ohio State University with a degree in business management. As a very successful graduate, he received job offers from some of the most respected American and European companies. As they say, the Russians have landed!

Several years have passed since that time. Kirill acquired a reputation; he became a head of the computer technology division at a large company called "Diamond Hill". He bought a house and was making good money. Suddenly, in just three days, he quickly sold all possessions with the exception of a backpack with a few things, and skateboards, and quit the job. Valentin, who had learned about his son's decision over the telephone, was so perplexed, he could only ask "Why?" "I want to be free; money is not the most important thing in life,"-replied the grown son. He left for Maui in the Pacific Ocean, where still does not own a house. He became a vegetarian, does not drink alcohol, not even beer. Kirill committed his time to charity, created a website and the Foundation with the aim of helping Russian orphans. He remembered Viktor Kasyan, and asked his father to go to the Orphanage and get a list of most urgent needs. The first thing to arrive was the washing machine. Photo: Kirill Bogouslavski, "Ascent" President

On the last day of the last year, when Kirill called to our newsroom, I asked the same thing: "Why?" "In America , charity is cultivated from childhood,-he replied,-it is a part of their culture, their life. There are people who will help out of principle and their good heart; they do not care whom to help, orphans or veterans." His Vladivostok friends obtain information on who needs help urgently. He has found volunteers prepared to help. As Val entin remarked, "My son surpassed me spiritually." Of course, I was curious to know, why Maui ? "It reminds me the coastal areas of the Russian Far East,-explained Kirill,-the beaches, the harbors, the breathtaking sunsets, and the blue sea." Here is one more curious detail: the President of "Ascent" is a regular participant of Russian-American festivals bard-singer festivals. The 32-year old philanthropist is always with his guitar.

Some time ago, the Soviet people used to contribute to various foundations: the Peace Fund or the Red Cross. It wasn't burdensome, because of the minuscule amounts of contributions, but it was irritating, because of the vague statements of purpose, and the absence of specific beneficiaries. Now this sort of charity is all but gone. This is too bad though, because Americans, for instance, are doing the same. The "Ascent" foundation sometimes receives very small contributions, which add up to a significant sum. One woman, according to Kirill, sends $23.70 every month. Such an exact amount is easily explainable: she simply decided to contribute a certain percent from her income. Can we all do the same?