Dr. Harvey Manes is hosting the Manes-American Peace Prize Gala gala to honor Peace nominees and ambassadors including Kim DePaola, star of the Bravo hit series, “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.” The Gala will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 27th.
Dr. Manes, who established the Manes-American Peace Prize five years ago, decided that his purpose in life was to help those in need and to make the world a better place for future generations. For over twenty years, he served as a clinical instructor of orthopedic surgery. Dr. Manes also served as an attorney, philanthropist, art collector, and sculptor. He created the Peace Prize for those who are active in areas of health, education, and welfare, including community safety, fighting poverty and helping undeserved people rise to their potential.
Unlike the Nobel Peace Prize, which is open to any country, the Manes-American Peace Prize focuses only Americans who contribute to the promotion of peace between nations, races, religions and people.
Manes explained, “I don’t believe the Noble Peace Prize promoted people who necessarily promoted peace. I believed American individuals or institutions who promote peace should receive a Peace Prize, and I also believe politics should not be involved, so I created the foundation.”
All the money for the foundation has been donated by Manes himself, and over the years he has helped it grow. Manes explained,” I thought there were other people who would like to participate and become what we call ambassadors for peace.”
Over the years he donated money to recent Peace Prize recipients such as the New York Botanic Garden, Crime Stoppers of Suffolk County, N.Y., Guardian Angels, Hope for the Future Ministries, Jewish Museum of New York, Shaman David Cloud, Woodstock Film Festival, and the Woodstock Museum. Recent nominees have included President Bill Clinton, Mia Farrow, Angelia Jolie, and Yoko Ono.
The $1 million fund is accepting applications for awards up to $50,000 to people and organizations that promote peace in the United States.
The Gala will be a peace promoting and fun event, which will include art by Dr. Manes, silent auctions, a Peter Max signed print, Andy Warhol and Fernando Botero prints, gift bags, a variety of new beverages and delicacies including Pirate Booty Inventor, “Robs Really Good” new flavored drink called “Zero” and Lenz Wine.
The Gala is being held at the home of Dr. Harvey Manes (14 Stacy Drive, Westhampton.) For more information call 631-394-5538 or visit www.manesamericanpeaceprize.com.