Andover residents Deb and Steve Rusckowski were given the Service Club of Andover's "Make a Difference" award recently for their tireless work and philanthropy, including "a commitment to providing quality healthcare and education to the sick and the poor in the Boston area and in Haiti, Ireland and Kenya," according to a club release.

Kent Wanzek and Enzo Fossella presented the annual award at the club's 15th annual fund raising dinner and auction at the Andover Country Club. Matt Noyes from NECN served as master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the evening. Favorite causes of the Rusckowskis include the CRUDEM Foundation, which operates a hospital in Haiti; the Pure In Heart program taught by Deb Rusckowski; and the Washington, D.C.-based Project HOPE, providing medical relief and support services to developing countries and those affected by natural disasters. The Rusckowskis are committed to educating and helping the youth in these areas to reduce the problems caused by poverty, lack of resources, lack of education and unwelcome foreign influence, according to the club.

The auction raised over $68,000, according to Chairmen Pete Paglia.

The Service Club of Andover is a group of business people and residents of Andover who supports the activities of the youth of Andover and developmentally delayed people in the Merrimack Valley. Visit www.serviceclubofandover.org for more information.