For 35 years, Reisenbach Philanthropies has focused on one core mission: finding ways to improve the safety and quality of life of New Yorkers.
The nonprofit organization, which holds its annual fundraiser Nov. 19 at the lighthouse on Chelsea Piers, underwent a major shift two years ago, moving from making grants directly to other organizations to an incubator model. Today, Reisenbach provides resources, talent, and perhaps most importantly, encouragement to a variety of nonprofit organizations with specific goals: education, anti-hunger campaigns, digital literacy for underprivileged populations, and even an ambulance service that patrols Central Park.
Naomi Ryan, president of Reisenbach Philanthropies since 2015, said the move to an incubator model has allowed for deeper relationships with nonprofit entrepreneurs and advocacy groups. Currently, Reisenbach is promoting initiatives such as TechFin, which provides access to technology to low-income households. The Central Park Medical Unit aims to close the gap in ambulance service across Manhattan’s 843 acres of green space. Brooklyn Community Kitchen rescues food waste and provides meals in north Brooklyn. and Safety Saints, an organization that teaches CPR to the general public.
“We’ve basically completed the evolution that started about 10 years ago from a pass-through grant maker to an incubator for emerging nonprofits across New York City that have tremendous potential,” Ryan told Variety. “We still give. We still help raise and donate financial support to the organizations we foster, but we also provide them with a curriculum that essentially teaches them how to run a nonprofit, and it’s tailored to their needs.”
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The annual Reisenbach Philanthropy Benefit has been reimagined as a showcase of the talent and determination exhibited by its incubator nonprofits and their leaders. This year’s event will recognize George Cheeks, head of CBS and TV media at Paramount Skydance, and Nigel Frankson, co-founder and chairman of TechFin.
The John Reisenbach Foundation was founded in 1990 in response to a tragedy that coincided with a spike in violent crime in New York. John Reisenbach was a 33-year-old television advertising executive who was shot and killed while talking on a payphone on a street corner in the West Village. His murder remains unsolved and deeply upset the close-knit television advertising community. Reisenbach’s friends and family came together to create a foundation to honor John’s memory in hopes of leaving a legacy of good work in New York.
Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment, was 11 years old when her brother was murdered. This loss took an unimaginable toll on her family, especially her father. Sanford Reisenbach was the head of film marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures for many years. He devoted his energy to building the foundation as a way to convey his immense sadness.
The longevity of the Reisenbach Philanthropy is a blessing to those who have worked hard to maintain its strong following in New York’s television and advertising industries. It also helped Amy Reisenbach maintain an emotional bond with the brother she lost in horrific violence.
“I respond with the word ‘stunned’ by the fact that the organization is actually growing, because I can’t get over the fact that we are growing in this difficult environment,” Amy Reisenbach told Variety. “It still speaks to the mission of 35 years ago, which is that my brother loved New York very deeply. And I think everyone who loved him loved New York.”
The 35th anniversary event will be a reunion for Reisenbach and his extended family (Sanford Reisenbach died in 2015 at the age of 82). Other honorees this year include Omnicom CEO Ralph Pardo, Future Girl Entrepreneurs founder and president Danya Herman, and Oaklins DeSilva+Phillips partner Joanna Stone. Actor Erika Henningsen (Netflix’s “The Four Seasons”) will serve as host.
“Many of the people who joined 35 years ago are still involved, which is amazing. And it all comes from the fact that no matter where you’re from, everyone knows someone who lives in New York or has family in New York. So it’s a very approachable organization,” Reisenbach said. “I’m very proud of what Reisenbach (the charity) has accomplished, especially since the pandemic. It’s very personal to me.”
The next level of Reisenbach philanthropy will expand its focus beyond New York City to a handful of organizations in Los Angeles focused on recovery from the devastating Altadena and Pacific Palisades fires in January. But Reisenbach’s main focus will continue to be New York. And having the means to extend aid to the West Coast is another source of pride for Amy Reisenbach and Ryan.
“Our fundamental focus remains on New York City and the safety and quality of life within the city,” Ryan said. “There’s a lot of things under that umbrella, and we always try to be a funder where the community tells us what it needs.”
(Photo: Nigel Frankson for TechFin)
