Manes Gives $8 Million to Transform Community Center

A longtime Long Island community center is getting an $8 million transformation thanks to Dr. Harvey Manes, whose latest philanthropic gift is aimed at promoting the ideals of service, inclusion and understanding that have driven his charitable work for years.

Manes, an orthopedic surgeon, attorney, art collector and real estate investor, made the donation through his Manes American Peace Prize Foundation to the Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center in Plainview. The 70-year-old institution, now being renamed the Manes JCC, serves people of all faiths and backgrounds.

“Martin Luther King said the most important question you could ask yourself is, ‘What are you doing to help other people?’” Manes said. “This is a way of helping other people, promoting peace and promoting love between religious groups, ethnic groups, people and community.”

The JCC was founded in 1956 and serves Nassau and western Suffolk counties, with more than 12,000 members and patrons benefiting from its services. Programs include aquatics, fitness, arts, day camps, early childhood education, senior services and programs for people with special needs.

For Manes, the gift is also personal. He began using the center about 30 years ago while living in Huntington and has returned over the years for exercise, pickleball and even stained-glass classes.

“It’s a wonderful facility,” Manes said. “But it was really needing refurbishing. It was an old building and things were falling apart.”

Work has already begun. Manes said foundation funding has paid for a new parking lot and flooring, with additional renovations planned. The center recently reported that renovation of a fitness studio was also made possible by Manes and his foundation.

About 500 people attended a celebration marking the donation and unveiling the new name, Manes said.

The philanthropist said one moment particularly moved him: a video of children and adults repeatedly thanking him for the gift.

“It was so touching,” Manes said. “I wanted to cry. Really, it was just amazing.”

The Peace Prize Foundation supports organizations working to foster goodwill through education, art, health and community service.