Rich’s summer internship program builds students’ professional experience and skillset, while offering a glimpse inside the unique culture that is central to our family-owned company’s ethos. Over the past few years, Rich’s has placed a strong emphasis on enriching our internship program through a thoughtfully designed immersion experience that takes learning outside the office and into the community to see Rich’s values in action. Moreover, the event cultivates camaraderie among the interns and broadens their understanding of the needs in our neighborhood.

“By introducing students to the vibrant community where we live and work, we foster a deeper connection that goes beyond the workplace,” remarked Kelly Reimann, Talent Acquisition Program Consultant. “This exposure helps interns understand the why behind our philanthropic values and the integral role they play in our company culture.”

While building a strong professional foundation is a key component of the internship program, Kelly explained that culture is equally essential to a fulfilling experience. 

“Through immersion, interns gain insight into the heart of our organization, where purpose, people, and community intersect,” said Kelly. 

The 2025 intern immersion experience began at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) where children with special needs enjoy the unique bond between people and horses in a safe and nurturing environment. This meaningful connection has been shown to improve the quality of life for children with emotional, developmental and/or physical challenges, and BTRC has been delivering accredited programming for 30 years.

Rich’s interns got down to business sanding and painting the wooden barriers used to contain horses before enjoying a facility tour to learn more about BTRC’s mission and meet some of the four-legged friends that are the heart of the program.  

After lunch, the interns returned to Rich’s to participate in the ALICE experience, facilitated by a United Way associate. ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained & Employed) households have an income above the federal poverty level but are still struggling to afford basic household necessities. A staggering 42% of households in Western New York meet the ALICE threshold. 

Through the simulation, interns were introduced to the tough decisions ALICE families make daily, bringing to light the realities faced by people who live with financial constraints and the ripple effect this has on our community. In small groups, the interns were assigned a family profile and asked to build a budget within the limitations of their assigned family. 

“The engaging tool challenged their understanding of financial hardship,” explained Daniela Gawel, Associate Manager, Community Impact. “It also revealed an often-invisible need in our community. Despite working hard and doing their best, many individuals in our community face difficult choices for themselves and the families they support. And many of the choices, like quality healthcare and nutritious food, are taken for granted by those who can afford it.” 

Daniela witnessed firsthand just how eye-opening the experience was for Rich’s interns and was moved by their engagement and post-event feedback.

“The immersion day was a really worthwhile way to learn about a lot of the different challenges people in the area are facing,” explained Charlie Berg, R&D Intern. “As a company that’s proud of its ties to the City of Buffalo, it really meant a lot to me to see that Rich’s was involved in helping to tangibly better the community.”

Charlie also enjoyed the opportunity to interact with 14 other interns from across the company, including Jenna Block, Procurement Intern, who said the immersion event was a highlight of her internship at Rich’s. 

 “I got to see a different side of the organization—the philanthropic side,” said Jenna. “It was inspiring to see how Rich’s helps make resources accessible to those who need them most. After this experience, I felt prouder than ever to work for Rich’s.”