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Board Member
Spotlight: Kevin Reilly
By
Sehzad M. Sooklall
Kevin P. Reilly Sr., a respected philanthropist and outstanding
civic leader in Baton Rouge, has been a generous benefactor to
O’Brien House ever since its inception back in 1971. Reilly’s
support was pivotal when Paul S. "Pat" O’Brien pioneered a movement
to help men and women fleeing drug and alcohol abuse. And today,
more than three decades later, Reilly’s unwavering support stands as
a living testament that backs up O’Brien House’s purpose, cause and
mission.
O’Brien founded the halfway house when
Reilly was serving as the manager of Lamar Advertising. As Reilly
strongly believed in O’Brien’s commitment to help the needy, he
always offered his personal support and has also tremendously helped
in lobbying for further assistance from the government and from his
own company and clients as well.
Besides his generous contributions,
Reilly also serves as an active member on the board of directors.
Reilly played a key role in the O’Brien House expansion project. He
contacted several building consultants and also provided a $ 100,000
gift through the Reilly Family Foundation. Personal and dedicated
involvement with O’Brien House quickly led Reilly to recognize the
real need for an upgrade of the existing facility.
“We were being nickeled and dimed to
death with the old building,” Reilly said. Reilly understands the
significance and impact O’Brien House can have on the community. He
firmly believes it is in public interest to help people who are
trying to escape addiction.
“Many of these people don’t have
alternatives,” Reilly said. “It is in our own benefit and that of
the community as a whole to help them rebuild their lives and become
productive.”
Reilly thinks community service is “an
essential component in the making of a well-rounded person.” Besides
his business leadership, Reilly has also served in the Louisiana
Legislature for 16 years and was appointed as the state’s secretary
of economic development in 1992. He has always encouraged his own
children to get involved in the community.
Reilly is married to Ann Lamar Switzer
Reilly, and they have four children, Kevin Jr., Wendell, Sean and
Anna.
The Reilly Family is involved in
numerous other nonprofits all across Louisiana. Kevin Reilly Sr.
currently serves as a member on the boards of Pennington Biomedical
Research Foundation, the National D-Day Museum, Louisiana Resource
Center for Educators, Our Lady of the Lake Foundation and the
Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.
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