JCC Manhattan Renamed Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

Manhattan jewish community center changes its name in honor of a generous donation.

By Caitlin Sawicki February 2, 2018

JCC Manhattan unveiled its new marquee at a renaming ceremony on Feb. 2. The jewish community center was renamed as the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan after it received a donation from the Meyerson Family Foundation.

The JCC Manhattan was renamed the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan at a ceremony Friday morning in honor of the late Marlene Meyerson.

The Meyerson Family Foundation donated $20 million to the JCC Manhattan last October in honor of Marlene, who passed away last year after a 16-month battle with ovarian cancer. It is one of the largest donations to a United States Jewish Community Center in history and represents the foundation’s charitable ethics, according to a press release about the renaming.

“Marlene loved the JCC—working out in our pool or attending a lecture or picking up one of her three beloved grandchildren from the nursery school,” said daughter Marti Ann Meyerson, according to a press release. “We are thrilled to make this donation in her name in order to continue the JCC’s important role in our community.”

meyerson family Saskia Kahn

From left: Marlene Meyerson's grandchildren (Sandy Hooper and Hannah Hooper), daughter (Marti Ann Meyerson), and son-in-law Jamie Hooper in front of Marlene's photo, as the community celebrated renaming the JCC

The official naming ceremony took place at 9am, featuring the unveiling of the new marquee, a mezuzah dedication by Rabbi Joy Levitt, and a performance from the Saul and Carole Zabar Nursery School. After the ceremony, guests were able to enjoy free giveaways and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

On Saturday, Feb. 3, from 2-5pm, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan will host day two of the celebration. Guests can enjoy activities such as meditation, yoga, arts and crafts for all ages, and free play spaces. Admission is free.

“We are thrilled to be taking on the name of a very special woman, Marlene Meyerson,” Rabbi Levitt said in the press release. “With this incredible act of generosity, our purpose and mission will only grow as we continue to shape 21st-century Jewish life.”

The Meyerson Family Foundation stated that in 30 years, the Marlene Meyerson JCC will go back to its original name to pave the way for a new donor.

Main image: The crowd cheers as Marti Ann Meyerson and Rabbi Joy Levitt pull the cord to reveal the community center's new marquee.
Saskia Kahn