#United States #Peace Prize #Plainview #Manes JCC #Harvey Manes

A Transformative Gift for Mid Island Y JCC

In an impressive display of community engagement and philanthropy, the Mid Island Y JCC, a prominent Jewish community center in Long Island, has announced its official renaming to Manes JCC. This significant change honors the transformative naming gift provided by Dr. Harvey Manes and the Manes Peace Prize Foundation. The grand announcement took place on the 3rd of September 2026, during a vibrant community celebration at the agency's Plainview location, which brought together members, local residents, and supporters from across Long Island.

Dr. Harvey Manes, an esteemed orthopedic surgeon, attorney, author, and dedicated philanthropist, has a longstanding connection with Mid Island Y JCC that began in an exercise class and has flourished over the years. His previous contributions include support for the naming of the agency's Arts and Culture Center. However, this recent gift marks a significant milestone in his ongoing commitment to the center, which will now help elevate the facilities and programs offered to the community.

During the celebration, CEO Rick Lewis expressed gratitude: "Philanthropy is not an add-on to what we do at Mid Island Y JCC; it is the reason our programs, spaces, and services exist today. We have flourished for 70 years thanks to those who invest in our community. This gift from Dr. Manes is one of the most significant chapters in our story." This sentiment was echoed by Vicki Diamond, President of the Manes JCC Board of Directors, who emphasized that this remarkable gift is not merely a conclusion but rather a catalyst for future growth within the agency.

As part of this transformative gift, three immediate projects are already underway, including the resealing and restriping of the parking lot, installation of a new floor in the group fitness studio, and upgrading fitness center equipment, all of which were last renovated in 2012. Dr. Manes articulated his strong belief in the agency's mission, stating, "This organization has given so much to this community for so long, and I have felt that impact firsthand. The Manes Peace Prize Foundation and I are proud to be part of the next chapter of this agency, and we hope this gift will help it do even more for the people in our community and those who need it most."

Looking into the future, leaders at Manes JCC see this gift as foundational for ongoing investments in both facilities and programming, allowing the center to continue serving individuals and families of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to providing vital community resources, offering services that range from early childhood education and daycare to fitness facilities, adult, senior, and memory care services, special needs programming, and community-wide events.

As Vicki Diamond noted, "These projects are just the beginning. In the coming weeks and months, our board and leadership will determine how the remainder of this extraordinary gift will be put to work, further enhancing our community services."

In conclusion, the renaming to Manes JCC not only represents a new chapter for the agency but also reflects a commitment to investing in the future of community service. This transition ensures that Manes JCC will continue to operate with its original mission intact, serving individuals and families while further enriching the Long Island community for many years to come. Learn more about Manes JCC and its offerings at miyjcc.org.