Ann and Harper Garrett joined the Board of Directors of Riis Settlement in 1968 and served for many years before moving out of New York City. When asked in a recent phone interview why they still make financial contributions to the organization, Mrs. Garrett said, “We haven’t lost our feeling that it’s a really good organization that’s doing really good work.”
As Riis Settlement celebrates its milestone 125th year of service, it’s important to recognize those who played a significant role in helping the organization become what it is today. Mr. Garrett served as president of Riis Settlement’s Board from 1972-1978, and Mrs. Garrett was active with helping to organize benefit dinners that served as fundraisers for the organization.
As President of the Board, Mr. Garrett was responsible for composing annual appeals to inspire supporters of Riis Settlement to make a donation around the Christmas holidays. He often got inspired on return flights from business trips.
“I’d be up there in the clouds with these beautiful sunsets, I might have had a martini with dinner on the plane, and I would start getting these thoughts and I’d start jotting them down, and I would start writing these things … and they were soaring.” “I used to look forward to writing those,” Mr. Garrett said.
Board meetings in the 70s were serious, but rewarding. Always held at 5pm, Board members met at the home of “Mr. Loengard” and closely followed the approved agenda. Then, after the meeting Mr. Loengard invited board members for cocktails. (see our spotlight on Ms. Janet Loengard). Mr. Bob Miner, who was Executive Director of Riis Settlement at the time, would come to the meetings having done research on various charitable funds that might be willing to support Riis Settlement’s programs. The Board would weigh the prospects and work on developing proposals and programs.
It was a task of utmost importance because there were changes happening in the community surrounding Riis Settlement in the late 70’s, and they weren’t all good. Mr. Garrett worked closely with Mr. Miner to help provide resources to build up local youth. He recalls that Mr. Miner took a personal interest in making sure Riis Settlement offered a safe haven for kids.
“Bob would always step in because he knew the kids and they knew him, and they’d go to him if they were in any trouble. He just formed a relationship with the authorities around there, people like the police or anybody who might have wanted to charge the kids or have them taken to juvenile court,” Mr. Garrett said. “Bob would say I’ll take care of it, we’ll straighten him out.”
After Mr. Miner retired, he was replaced by Mr. William Newlin as Executive Director. Most recently, Mr. Christopher Hanway became the leader of the second oldest Settlement House in New York City after Mr. Newlin retired. Through all those years, the Garretts have shown their support. Mrs. Garrett says, “We always had this feeling that it’s really important to help NYC and the work that Riis is doing.” “There’s probably not a better way where you could put your money that would do more good.” Mrs. Garrett added.
Riis Settlement would like to thank the Garrett’s for being such dedicated and long-term supporters of our organization. Join the Garretts and build a relationship with Riis Settlement by making a donation that will “do more good” for New York City.
