Faces of Philanthropy - An Interview with Reid P. Secondo

Tell me about yourself:

I am 15 years old and will be in the 10th grade at Rye Country Day School. I play squash, golf and love to ski. I sing and play the piano, perform whenever I can, and enjoy traveling and history. I have sailed since I was 8 years old, and the sport is my true passion. The feeling I have when I sail my Laser, or any other boat, in competition or practice is something I cannot yet describe. My mother has always said two things to me: Be the best you can be and too much that is given much is expected. This is how Operation Reach came to be, I wanted to find a way to give back to my sport, which in turn has given me so much.

What is Operation Reach?

It is a program that can allow less fortunate children the opportunity to experience the thrill, sensation and joy of sailing. I also view it as a learning mechanism so they can be encouraged to grow, try new experiences, and appreciate the variety of activities life has to offer.

The kick off event was on July 10th at Indian Harbor Yacht Club with 12 kids from the Sports Academy Camp hosted at the Convent of the Sacred Heart School. With volunteers from the club, we all enjoyed a great afternoon sailing the club’s fleet of Ideal 18’s around Captain’s Harbor. The weather was incredible and all the kids had an amazing experience. Barely any of them had been sailing before, but as the day came to a close, all of them could steer the boats with confidence and adjust sails and controls as if they have been doing so over many summers. We also went swimming, had a few “friendly” races, and took in the amazing summer day. The excitement in their eyes and eagerness to learn truly made that day an immense success. As they left, all of them could not wait to sail again and return for another time on the water. I too cannot wait either for next summer to roll along as I prepare for Operation Reach to expand even further.

Many thanks to our sponsors for the event, Vineyard Vines and the Small Boat Shop, who provided hats and life jackets. Thanks also to our volunteers for the day: EA Kratzman, John Bainton, Matt Arnold, Lauren Stevens and Karen McClellan. We couldn’t have done it without you!

What are your long-range goals for the program?

I would like it to become a major organization that teaches many levels of sailing on a variety of boats (dinghy to big boats), yearly opportunities to develop skills in seamanship and navigation, and provide scholarship opportunities. I would also like to launch a website and establish a permanent location to base programs and operations. An official sponsor would be ideal too. I plan to present the concept to Indian Harbor again, other Long Island Sound Clubs, and other local camps in the area.

Where will you be in ten years?

I have been asked this question many times, but I’m not quite too sure yet; maybe in the field of law, medicine, or science. But for sure, I know that I’ll being living life to the fullest and keep doing the things I love, especially sailing.