Mid Island Y JCC Announces Historic Naming Gift from Dr. Harvey Manes and the Manes Peace Prize Foundation; Agency to Become Manes JCC

PLAINVIEW, N.Y., Sept. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mid Island Y JCC, Long Island's leading Jewish community center announced last night that it received a transformative naming gift from longtime member Dr. Harvey Manes and the Manes Peace Prize Foundation. In recognition of the gift, the agency will officially be renamed Manes JCC.

The announcement was made Wednesday evening during a community-wide celebration at the agency's Plainview location, drawing members, neighbors, and supporters from across Long Island. The event featured remarks from Mid Island Y JCC CEO Rick Lewis, board leadership, and Dr. Manes, along with the unveiling of the agency's new name.

"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," said Rick Lewis, CEO of the agency soon to be known as Manes JCC. "We have grown and flourished for 70 years because people who believe in this community have chosen to invest in it. This gift from Dr. Harvey Manes and the Manes Peace Prize Foundation is the newest, and one of the most significant chapters in that story."

Dr. Manes is an orthopedic surgeon, attorney, author, and philanthropist. A longtime member of Mid Island Y JCC, his relationship with the agency began in an exercise class and deepened over time. He previously supported the naming of the agency's Arts and Culture Center, and that growing commitment has now culminated in this landmark gift from Dr. Manes and the Manes Peace Prize Foundation, which he oversees with his children.

"This organization has given so much to this community for so long, and I have felt that impact firsthand," said Dr. Manes. "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 for our community and those who need it most."

The gift will fund a combination of immediate capital improvements and longer-term investments in the agency's facilities and programs. Three projects are already underway: resealing and restriping the parking lot ahead of members' return in September, installing a new floor in the group fitness studio, and replacing fitness center equipment that has been in place since the facility's 2012 renovation.

"These three projects are just the beginning," said Vicki Diamond, President of the Manes JCC Board of Directors. "In the coming weeks and months, our board and leadership will determine how the remainder of this extraordinary gift will be put to work, and we cannot wait to share those plans with our community as they take shape."

Agency leaders regard the gift as transformative while recognizing the ongoing generosity that has always sustained the organization.

"We are beyond grateful to Dr. Harvey Manes and the Manes Peace Prize Foundation," Diamond added. "This gift is not a finish line. It is fuel for a community that has always shown up for itself and one that we are counting on to continue showing up."

The name change represents an investment in the organization's future, not a change to its mission. Manes JCC will continue to operate as a Jewish Community Center serving individuals and families of every age, background, and faith. Its programs and services span early childhood education and daycare, camp, school-age enrichment, fitness and aquatics, adult and senior services, memory care, special needs programming, and community-wide events.

About Manes JCC

Formerly known as Mid Island Y JCC, Manes JCC is a nonprofit Jewish Community Center whose programs, services, partnerships, and community impact reach individuals and families throughout Long Island. For 70 years, the agency has provided programs and services spanning early childhood education, camp, school-age enrichment, fitness and aquatics, adult and senior services, memory care, special needs programming, and community-wide events. Manes JCC welcomes members and neighbors of all ages, backgrounds, and faiths.

For more information, visit miyjcc.org.

Wendy Klonsky [email protected] or (516) 822-3535, x338

SOURCE Mid Island Y JCC