ABOUT US

The John A. Reisenbach Foundation is the premier charitable organization of New York's
media and advertising communities.  The Foundation  was established in 1991, one year after
the random and senseless murder of John Reisenbach  in Greenwich Village.  John, then 33
years old, was vice president of national advertising sales for what was then All American Television.   To date, The John A. Reisenbach Foundation has given more than $4 million to programs that improve safety and the quality of life in New York City, in honor of John's memory.

Among the Reisenbach Foundation's most visible events and means of fundraising is the
annual presentation of the Reisenbach Award for "Distinguished Citizenship," given to a media
or advertising professional who shares our interest in the quality of life.  Recent recipients
include Bill Cella, Judy McGrath, Irwin Gotlieb, Dick Wolf, Dennis Swanson and, the first,
Gerald Levin.  [See Events]

Since its founding in 1991, the Foundation has raised over $5 million with all but 7% going directly into special programs and projects.

HISTORY

On Monday evening, July 30, 1990, John Reisenbach, a 33-year old advertising executive at All American Television, left his apartment to use a corner phone booth. His home phone was not working and being on the verge of starting his own business, he was preparing for an important meeting the following morning. While on the pay-phone, John was approached by an unknown assailant looking for money.

John Reisenbach was killed that evening; left dead on the street, found by his wife Victoria who happened to be out walking the dog and saw John just 10 minutes earlier.

The killer has never been found; the case is still open by the New York Police Department. A group of John's friends and business associates came together the week following John’s funeral. Partially from shock, partially from anger, and with a strong feeling that they had to do something to preserve John's memory, the idea for a Foundation was born. On July 31, 1991, The John A. Reisenbach Foundation was established, and the group held its first formal fundraising event that fall.

On July 31, 1991, The John A. Reisenbach Foundation was established, and the group held its first formal fundraising event that fall.

FOUNDATION OBJECTIVES

The John A. Reisenbach Foundation remains true to its original charter:

To support programs in John's memory dedicated to making New York City a safer and better place in which to live and work.  As a positive response to John's senseless murder, his friends, associates and family rallied many individuals and companies in the communications and entertainment industries who have generously given more than $4 million to fund programs enhancing public
safety and education.

The John A. Reisenbach Foundation seeks to fulfill these prime objectives:

• To utilize resources within the advertising and media communities

• Provide leadership to mobilize these businesses to create educational, safety and community support programs for
  a safer New York

• Encourage the media industry's newest members to continue the charitable tradition in John's memory

BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN A. REISENBACH  (1956-1990)

John Reisenbach represented the qualities of "every good guy" you've ever worked with or known.  He was, as his friends and business associates emphasize, passionate and stubborn, sarcastic and silly, always caring and always professional.  He managed to enrich the
lives of those around him with his simple incredible affinity for friendship.

John attended Northwestern University where he met Victoria Nelson in 1976.  They moved to New York City when John graduated
in 1978, and married the following year.  John began his career as a media planner at Ogilvy & Mather, quickly moving up to supervisor
in the network programming department.

In 1982, John joined Backer & Spielvogel, where he further developed his contacts in network television, syndication and cable,
earning a reputation for being a savvy and creative agency negotiator.  John joined all American Television in 1987 as senior vice president and director of advertising sales, where he more than tripled sales.

John loved to work hard and play hard.  He loved animals.  He loved life.  Most of all, John loved people.  While he might view the formation of the John A. Reisenbach Foundation with a good deal of amazement, he would be gratified to know that so many have
come together to honor his memory.  And we are sure he would be proud of the many fine things that have been accomplished in his name.

To contribute to the JAR Foundation (using Pay Pal and/or a credit card), please click the "donate" button below and follow the prompts. Thank you.