Plainview – September 08, 2026 -- Mid Island Y JCC will officially become Manes JCC after receiving a naming gift from longtime member Dr. Harvey Manes and the Manes Peace Prize Foundation.
The announcement came Wednesday evening at a community celebration at the agency's Plainview location, drawing members, neighbors and supporters from across Long Island. CEO Rick Lewis, board leadership and Dr. Manes spoke at the event, which included the unveiling of the new name.
Three renovation projects are already underway
The gift will fund immediate capital improvements alongside longer-term investments in facilities and programs. Crews are 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.
Dr. Manes' ties to the agency began in an exercise class
Dr. Manes, an orthopedic surgeon, attorney, author and philanthropist, previously supported the naming of the agency's Arts and Culture Center. His relationship with the organization deepened over time, leading to this larger gift from him 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," Dr. Manes said.
The board will decide how the rest of the gift is spent
Vicki Diamond, President of the Manes JCC Board of Directors, said the three current projects are just the beginning, with board and leadership determining in the coming weeks and months how the remainder of the gift will be used.
The name change does not alter the organization's mission. Manes JCC will continue operating as a Jewish Community Center serving individuals and families of all ages, backgrounds and faiths, with programs spanning early childhood education, camp, school-age enrichment, fitness and aquatics, adult and senior services, memory care, and special needs programming.