Last week, northern Nevada lost a partner, a champion and a friend. Known in our community as the President of the Board and Executive Director of the Nell J. Redfield Foundation, Jerry helped Nell Redfield form the foundation in 1974. Throughout the years, Jerry and the Board significantly grew the Redfield endowment and, today, the Redfield Foundation supports over 90 non-profit agencies, including The Children’s Cabinet.
For those of us in the non-profit arena, we knew Jerry to be a great supporter of causes that benefitted so many in the Reno-Sparks community. He was a sounding board, a voice of reason and he held a deep belief in the power and importance of partnership.
The Children’s Cabinet is honored that our on-site high school is named the Redfield Academy. Recognizing the need for alternative education options for youth, the Redfield Foundation was the original funder for this program more than 15 years ago. Jerry’s commitment to providing youth with opportunities to succeed was unwavering and the Redfield Foundation has continued to support the Redfield Academy year after year.
There are several buildings in town that bear the Redfield name, when you see them, please take a moment to remember Jerry and the positive impact he has had.
He made us better. He made our community better. Jerry Smith will be greatly missed and remembered warmly.
