Celebratory Farewell to Reed

After more than two decades as the public face of the Unity Shoppe Executive Director Tom Reed, 76, hosted a retirement bash at the Kenny Loggins Pavilion, where much of the 105-year-old charity’s work is based.

“It’s time to enjoy some new activities with my wife and grandchildren,” says Tom, who joined the popular organization in 2002, helping the late Barbara Tellefson grow the sustainable year-round charity, providing needy families with clothing, food, and toys, as well as disaster relief, job training, school supplies, and special gifts for seniors.

Tom, a former U.S. Air Force pilot in Vietnam before relocating to the West Coast, says joining the Unity Shoppe, which has its 36th annual TV telethon Unity in the Community on Friday (December 9), gave him a new direction.

The charity has 1,700 volunteers who help annually, as well as 18,000 clients referred by 300 social service agencies.

Tom is being replaced by Angela Miller-Bevan.

Among those turning out to wish him well were Dana Newquist, Bob Bryant, Randy Weiss, Jonatha King, Michael Baker, and Susan Rodriguez.