Rock On Reikin Memorial Fund
Rock on Reikin Memorial Fund
Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation Establishes New Fund in Memory of 19 Year Old Musician
Photos / CRCF
OLEAN - A gifted guitarist and vocalist from Cuba, New York, Reikin Reynolds tragically passed away at the age of 19 in July 2024. To honor Reikin’s remarkable legacy of kindness, as well as his immense love for music, his family has created a fund to preserve his memory by supporting aspiring musicians with the gift of music. The Rock On Reikin Memorial Music Fund will provide financial support to area youth for instrumental music lessons and music classes, through grants to Strength Solutions, a local nonprofit that provides scholarships to Beat City School of Music participants.
Unbeknownst to his family, Reikin bought his first guitar at the age of 16. His dedication to the instrument quickly took off, and music became his language. Inspired by rock and roll icon Buddy Holly, Reikin enjoyed a wide variety of genres from all decades. He started teaching himself oldies songs and songs by the likes of Green Day and Blink-182 before turning to Beat City Music to fine tune his craft. There, Reikin formed bonds with area musicians and found his own community.
A 2022 graduate of Cuba-Rushford High School, Reikin went on to earn an associate’s degree from the Electrical Construction and Maintenance Electrician program at Alfred State College in 2024. He was also involved in several charitable activities throughout his time in high school and college, including spending his time volunteering weekly at Joyful Rescues, an animal shelter in Allegany County. Reikin took great pride in his employment at Pleasant Valley Greenhouses & Nursery, where he worked since high school.
“This fund is a beautiful tribute to Reikin and his passion for music,” said CRCF Executive Director Kirk Windus. “It not only celebrates his legacy but also ensures that his love for music will inspire and support young artists in our community for years to come. As a musician myself, I know firsthand how critical learning in the arts can be in the development of youth. For many, the arts are where they find their true voice and learn to be the truest version of themself.”
Stemming from the artistic spark that Beat City offered Reikin, the Reynolds family hopes the fund can instill the same level of creativity and happiness in other young musicians looking to learn an instrument. The fund will support various areas of musical education for youth, such as music enrichment classes, private and group instrumental lessons, purchasing instruments available for renting and more.
Christie Reynolds, Reikin’s mother, said that music may be the focal point of the scholarship, but the essence of who he was and what his legacy should be is the driving force behind the fund.
“At his core, Reikin had a beautiful, giving and loving heart,” said Christie. “Compassion ran through his veins, and he genuinely wanted those around him to feel special, accepted and happy. Reikin was just a wonderful, loyal young man who was willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends and animals in need without hesitation.”
The Reynolds family has held multiple fundraisers to support the establishment of this fund, including a special campaign during October - Reikin’s birthday month - to honor what would have been Reikin’s 20th birthday. Their goal is to share Reikin’s love for music to inspire others and provide opportunities for young artists to thrive. Donations can be made to the Rock On Reikin Memorial Music Fund at CRCF, 301 North Union St., or online at cattfoundation.org.
The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is the area’s supportive, responsive and trusted community foundation. Established in 1994, CRCF is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, healthcare, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call 716-301-CRCF (2723), email foundation@cattfoundation.org, or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).