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Jack Riege Honored by the Connecticut Council of Philanthropy

May 11, 2006

Jack Riege of Bloomfield has been named recipient of the 2006 John H. Filer Award by the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy. 

“I can’t imagine a more deserving recipient,” said Nancy Roberts, president of the Council, “Jack sets a wonderful example and “infects” others in the business community with his vision and spirit. He has had a profound impact on the Hartford region as a result of his leadership, creativity and hard work in volunteer, charitable and philanthropic activities.” 

The award honors the life and work of the late John H. Filer, a national leader in encouraging private action for the public good. Each year, the award recognizes one individual who embodies an entrepreneurial spirit and leadership in promoting the field of philanthropy, and has demonstrated a creative response to solving societal problems.

Jack was instrumental in forming Riverfront Recapture, Inc. an organization which stands today as one of the most successful examples of public-private partnership in the Hartford region.  He has served as its president, chairman, Executive Committee member and director. 

Through the efforts of Jack Riege and others at Riverfront, Interstate 91 and the Founders Bridge were rebuilt, a platform was constructed over the highway, parks and amenities were built on both banks of the river, a community boat house was erected and scores of programs which engage the community with the river are now in place.

Further proof of Jack Riege’s contribution to the community is the Asylum Hill Boys & Girls Club.  Jack was largely involved in developing this program and facility where children from the Asylum Hill neighborhood of Hartford can now retreat to a safe, healthy and educational environment.

Jack served on the first board of directors of the then Coordinating Council for Foundations, or the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy.

Jack has been involved with countless other local and statewide philanthropic and charitable activities including the State Board of Education, Hartford Seminary, the Knox Foundation, St. Joseph College, Watkinson School and the Roberts Foundation, among others.

The Connecticut Council for Philanthropy is a nonprofit membership association of grantmakers committed to promoting and supporting effective philanthropy for the public good in Connecticut.  The award was presented to Mr. Riege at the Council’s annual meeting May 17 at the AquaTurf. The award is named for John H. Filer, former chief executive of Aetna Life & Casualty Company, who was known for his bold support of corporate citizenship and who helped reassert the American commitment to private philanthropy in the 1970s.

Previous recipients of the John H. Filer Award include Anne Tyler Calabresi, of the Carolyn Foundation; David E.A. Carson formerly of People’s Bank; Carlyle “Hap” Barnes, of the Barnes Foundation; Paul Aicher of the Topsfield Foundation, William Graustein of the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, Emily Tow Jackson of The Tow Foundation, Robert Merriman, formerly with The Main Street Community Foundation, F. Peter Libassi, The Children’s Fund, and Leo Nevas, Fairfield County Community Foundation and Nevas Family Foundation.