- November 23, 2024
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Friends and members of the community gathered on Friday, Aug. 23, at Sabal Palms Assisted Living and Memory Care to celebrate Henry Reid, a man whose philanthropic life and efforts have inspired everyone around to support Flagler Schools.
During the Depression years and while living in South Carolina, Henry, then 7 years old, did not have shoes to attend first grade until a teacher noticed his needs and bought him and his friend new shoes.
Reid went on to become a successful football player in high school, then the president of a major insurance company. After he moved to Palm Coast and when he noticed the same needs in the area, he took action and started a shoe initiative to make sure those needs were covered. Henry and his wife, Nan, moved to Grand Haven in 1998.
Joe Rizzo, executive director of the Flagler County Education Foundation, presented an award to Reid, on behalf of the foundation and the thousands of kids he has helped.
Rizzo said Reid's shoe program catapulted The S.T.U.F.F. Bus program (Supplying Things U Find Fundamental) to what it is today.
When asked around about Reid, who now lives at Sabal Palms, friends used words like positive influence, giving, loving, generous, caring, kind, great friend, encourager and amazing. Dozens of people sat close to each other and around him to celebrate his generosity and to enjoy the company of a couple that has transformed the community. A personalized cake and refreshments were provided by Sabal Palms to honor him.
