History

Reed Jules Oppenheimer Foundation

History

Reed’s journey began in 1977 as a charter member of the Hunger Project, an initiative taken by a group of visionaries to change the context in which the world viewed hunger and starvation in such a manner that through education, motivation and empowerment, we as world citizens could eradicate the worst effects of malnutrition and hunger on the planet in our lifetime. At that time there were 4.5 billion people on the planet, an estimated 35,000 child deaths per day from the effects of malnutrition, and the condition of hunger was considered Inevitable. Today there are 7.6 billion people on the planet, an estimated 10,000 child deaths per day from the effects of malnutrition, and the condition of hunger is now considered an inexcusable travesty that will end in our lifetime.

While sharing this commitment to ending hunger, Gabrielle’s passion has been focused on invoking the potential of youth through education and the arts with an emphasis on providing educational opportunities/skills to inner city children and working with inner city stakeholders from diverse communities to create a more politically and socially harmonious atmosphere through the arts. Gabrielle served on the Museum Aid Panel of the New York State Council on the Arts, was a reviewer for the National Endowment for the Humanities, was Assistant Director of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and conceptually designed children’s museums in the United States and abroad.

Unquestionably, Reed and Gabrielle's greatest achievement has been in imparting an ethos of discovery and ethical activism to their children - Sophie, Eric, Meaghan and Luke - who have all matured into skilled professionals dedicated to sustaining the planet and improving the human condition.