Joe Reveman
Fundraiser
United Jewish Appeal
World War II veteran
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: For the past 20 years, Joe Reveman has been a member of the Nassau County Chapter of the United Jewish Appeal (UJA), which also serves the area where he lives - North Shore Towers, a luxury co-op in Floral Park, which has its own zip code, power plant, golf course and many other amenities for the residents of its 1,800 apartments.
The UJA is an international organization that helps people in need regardless of their faith by giving them a variety of services, including guidance, money and food.
This past year Reveman stepped down as UJA’s chairperson, leaving the post to a man he greatly respects, Joe Scheinfeld. But Reveman still chairs a number of committees, does a lot of fundraising, and solicits donations from the residents of North Shore Towers.
Reveman raises money by organizing an annual dinner dance and golf tournament at North Shore Towers. “It’s like a wedding,” he said about the dinner dance. “It’s considered the outstanding social event of the year.” It costs $700 for a husband and a wife to attend both events, Reveman said. Organizing these events allows the UJA to raise between $100,000 and $125,000 a year in North Shore Towers.
PERSONAL: Reveman says he has what it takes to be a fundraiser. “The personality is very important, in not abusing people, but talking to them in a firm and pleasant manner,” he said. “You have to believe in what you’re selling,” he added.
Four years ago, UJA honored Reveman with a plaque for his contribution to the organization, but he said he would not have been able to succeed without the help of the other UJA members.
Reveman is also active in the business world as part of his job. He works for a publishing company in Manhattan, producing an alcoholic beverage holiday catalog for retailers.
Reveman, who refuses to reveal his age, was a man of action even before he joined the publishing business and the UJA. He was a radio operator in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, flying 19 missions over Germany. He survived two plane crashes. “The plane split into two. I got cut up a little bit,” he said, adding that he is a very lucky man. “After that, I was never afraid of anything.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Reveman said his biggest difficulty is persuading people to participate in UJA fundraisers, an effort that can take a long time. But he added, “When they break down, it’s great.”
FAVORITE MEMORY: Every year, the culmination of the day of the golf tournament and the dinner dance turns into a favorite memory. Seeing people enjoy the event and donate for a good cause is extremely gratifying, Reveman explained.
INSPIRATION: What motivates Reveman to volunteer with the UJA is being able to make a difference in other people’s lives. “It’s in the soul of many of the Jewish people to give back,” he explained.
