Nissequogue River State Park Foundation Celebrates 10 Years And The Reicherts

Surrounded by family, friends, elected officials and well-wishers IGA owners Helen and Charlie Reichert were honored for their support of the Nissequogue River State Park (NRSP) on October 10th. The event, marking the 10th anniversary of the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation (NRSPF), was held at the Pavilion at Sunken Meadow. 

The Reicherts are the owners of the IGA in Fort Salonga. They are committed to giving back to the community and have a long history of philanthropy. They have generously given to many causes across Suffolk County.  On this night they were recognized for their generous $1 million donation to remediate the administration building at the the NRSP as well as their commitment and sponsorship of the  many NRSPF’s activities.

The Reichert sponsorships include the foundation’s Turkey Trot, Regatta, Healing Garden and Sunset Run. They have donated to Smithtown’s 350th Anniversary celebration and to the Smithtown Historical Society’s preservation of the Obediah Smith house.

In Huntington they have supported Huntington Hospital and pledged support to Huntington’s Women and Children’s facility. Fees paid for bags at their two IGA stores in Northport and Fort Salonga go to the facility. Charlie Reichert was The Suffolk Times’ 2016 Person of the Year. He was recognized for his philanthropy In Southold Town which included donations to local schools and to the police departhment. 

The Reichert’s generosity has touched the lives of people all over Suffolk County from Greenport to Huntington.

Charlie is not only generous he is a smart businessman who understands the power of the purse. The $1 million donation came with a strict time table for the State to meet benchmarks prior to the distribution of funds.

Honoring the Reicherts were NYS Senator John Flanagan, Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, Deputy Regional Director at NYS Parks Brian Foley and NRSP Director Bill Purtill. Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta presented the Reicherts with a proclamation. John McQuaid, president of the NRSPF,  was the master of ceremony and Michael Rosato, former president of the NRSPF, gave an emotional presentation of a placque on behalf of the foundation members and park attendees who benefit and will continue to benefit because of the Reichert’s generosity.

The remediation of the Administration Building project is ongoing with a contracted completion date December of 2020.

From the left—Valerie Reichert-Brandon Beierle-Charles Reichert-Helen Reichert-J.C.Beierle-Allison Ceriello.