East Hampton's Kevin Reich to be honored by Middlesex United Way

Middlesex United Way has named Kevin Reich, of East Hampton, the recipient of the 2023 Community Service Award. The award honors a person who has shown a commitment to the community through volunteering and supporting the nonprofit’s mission. Reich is well known in East Hampton and the neighboring towns. He spent over four decades as an educator with East Hampton Public Schools, beginning as a teacher and later as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools, a role he held for 31 years.

Even after his retirement from the school system, Reich is heavily involved in the East Hampton community. He served on the East Hampton Town Council for a decade, remains an active member of the East Hampton Rotary Club, having served as President in 2017-2018, and is a member of the St. John Paul II parish finance committee, among other roles.

Reich has supported Middlesex United Way for over 50 years and currently serves on the nonprofit’s Board of Directors. His support goes far beyond the generous financial contribution he makes each year, as Reich is usually the first to volunteer for an event, fundraiser, or to serve on a committee. He’s currently the Chair of Middlesex United Way’s Community Impact Council, a group of volunteers that oversees the distribution of hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to community partners. This year, the Community Impact Council awarded over $260,000 to 16 agencies that align with United Way’s impact areas: housing, youth development, education, financial stability, wellness, and racial equity & inclusion.

“Kevin has been a consistent driving force for Middlesex United Way in East Hampton and as the leader of Community Impact Council,” said Shawonda Swain, Middlesex United Way President and CEO. “Kevin has assisted in establishing new guidelines, reviewed applications, administered funding distribution, and visited funded agencies to have a better understanding of the work they do.”

In addition to his active volunteerism, Reich has been a continuous financial supporter of Middlesex United Way and other nonprofit organizations for decades. This past summer, Reich helped organize a fundraiser for United Way in partnership with the ‘Top Dog’ Hot Dog Stand on Route 66 in Portland. Reich brightened up a dreary day in August by donating a dollar for every hot dog purchased during the busy lunchtime rush. Proudly holding a Middlesex United Way sign while waiving to drivers, Reich greeted patrons at the hot dog stand to share United Way’s mission and tout its good work in the community. Reich donated $250 and raised additional funds through donations onsite.

“Kevin has used his connections, Radio DJ voice, and finances to uplift the work we do every day at Middlesex United Way,” said Swain. “We are grateful for his dedication and commitment to the organization.”

Reich will be presented with the Community Service Award at Middlesex United Way’s 2023 Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the Middletown Elks Lodge. Seating is limited, but tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting: https://onecau.se/23muwannualmtg

Middlesex United Way is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives and creating positive change within the community. Middlesex United Way’s Community Impact Council, made up of volunteers from a variety of backgrounds, awarded more than $260,000 to 16 local agencies as part of the 2023-2024 grant cycle. Middlesex United Way also provided approximately $8,600 in funding for Connecticut’s 2-1-1 Helpline that connects callers with vital resources related to housing, employment, and mental health services. To learn more about Middlesex United Way’s work, you can visit the organization’s website: MiddlesexUnitedWay.org.