The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation is proud to support the Alpha Omega Foundation, an organization committed to advancing dental research, supporting education, creating access to dental care for underserved populations, and improving care throughout the world. Their history is impressive.

In 1953 a group of Alpha Omega Fraternity leaders embarked on a mission to establish a top-tier dental school in Israel. Collaborating with the Hadassah Hebrew University, Alpha Omega integrated a school of dentistry into the University’s structure in Jerusalem.

The objective was to replace retiring immigrant dentists, offering modern services to the growing population resulting from an influx of refugees. In 1964, this vision materialized, and Alpha Omega proudly became the founder of the Hadassah-Hebrew University School of Dental Medicine in Israel.

Seeking to broaden their impact, Alpha Omega members founded the Alpha Omega Foundation US in 1969, serving as the US charitable arm of the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity. The Foundation’s commitment to Dental Medicine’s advancement continued with its instrumental role in the establishment of the Tel Aviv University School of Dental Medicine in 1970.

In 2012, when the Tel Aviv University School of Dental Medicine teetered on the brink of closure, the Foundation, along with the American Friends of Tel Aviv University, Dean Adam Stabholz of the Hadassah/Hebrew University Dental School, Israeli government and other notable dental professionals in Israel embarked on a $3 million fundraising campaign to renovate the school’s facilities, establish specialized care for individuals with unique needs, and the cultivation of new revenue streams from both higher tuitions paid by students training to be specialists in the fields of endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics and the care they provide.

Today, the Alpha Omega Foundation continues to support both of these dental schools and additional dental healthcare centers in Israel and around the world.

On December 12, 2024, the Alpha Omega Foundation US will honor Dr. Allen Finkelstein at The Legacy and The Future Gala, The Angel Orensanz Foundation, 172 Norfolk Street, New York, NY.  Dr. Finkelstein’s legacy of generosity, vision, and dedication to advancing dental education and oral health has profoundly impacted countless lives.  Funds raised at the gala will support the creation of The Allen Finkelstein Scholarship Endowment. The Scholarship will perpetuate his vision of advancing dental education, providing access to care, and developing new oral health initiatives.  

“Our founder, Claire Friedlander, was a Holocaust survivor and held a deep connection to Israel.  As stewards of Claire’s legacy, it’s important to the Foundation to fund organizations like the Alpha Omega Foundation,” said Peter J. Klein, Claire Friedlander Family Foundation President. “We look forward to celebrating Dr. Finkelstein’s legacy in December and thank him for a lifetime of service to the field of dental health.”

For more information about The Legacy and The Future Gala can be found here.

The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation has made possible the Friedlander Upstander Awards, now in its 14^th year, in partnership with the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC.) The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC) annually honors middle school and high school students on Long Island who confront intolerance, prejudice, or other forms of social injustice with the Friedlander Upstander Award. Winners receive a $5,000 scholarship.

The Friedlander Upstander Awards competition is open to students enrolled in a middle school or high school on Long Island. In order to be eligible, a teacher, guidance counselor, or another adult who is not a family member submits a brief letter of nomination in addition, the student is asked to write to a 500-word essay on what actions they have taken that make them upstanders.  Winners were recently announced at the HMTC’s annual dinner. 

Foundation President Peter J. Klein said “now, more than ever, it is essential to recognize students who make a difference in their communities and schools by acting as upstanders against hate crimes, bullying and hate speech.”  Klein continued, “our founder, Claire Friedlander, was a Holocaust survivor and an upstander herself, so it’s critical that we support HMTC’s efforts to reward and recognize Long Island students for setting examples of tolerance and understanding.”

Click here to learn more about how you can support HMTC.

The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation is proud to support the work of ASHRAE NYC, the New York Chapter of ASHRAE, a global society founded in 1894 dedicated to advancing human well-being through sustainable technology for the built environment. The Society and its members focus on building systems, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, refrigeration and sustainability within the industry. Through research, standards writing, publishing and continuing education, ASHRAE shapes tomorrow’s built environment today. ASHRAE was formed as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers by the merger in 1959 of American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE) founded in 1894 and The American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASRE) founded in 1904.

ASHRAE NYC will host their annual Earth Day event of Monday, April 15, 2024, 7:30am-1:30pm, at the Fordham University/Lincoln Center McNally Amphitheater, NY, NY.  The theme of this year’s event is “Challenge Accepted: Tackling the Climate Crisis.”  This half-day seminar includes panel discussion and presentations from guest speakers who are leading the sustainability movement in the industry. 

Click here to register and for more information.

“The foundation recognizes the critical nature of the climate crisis and is pleased to have the opportunity to work with ASHRAE NYC as they strive toward a healthy and sustainable build environment for all,’ said Claire Friedlander Family Foundation President Peter J. Klein.  “I am honored to participate in their upcoming Earth Day event as a speaker and look forward to sharing perspectives with industry experts,” said Klein. 

ASHRAE NYC is dedicated to providing high quality programs and education for all levels of their members, from experienced engineers to our students and young engineers. Each year they develop a thorough series of lectures, all day seminars, round tables presented by industry leaders.  In addition, a large portion of their programs are delivered at monthly chapter meetings.

Click here for more information about ASHRAE NYC.

The NYC Imagine Awards was created to offer formal acknowledgement to some of NYC metro’s most effective and innovative nonprofit organizations.  Over 300 of the region’s top nonprofit and corporate executives attended the event where the winner in each category was announced LIVE at the 3rd annual awards gala on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Guastavino’s.  WABC-TV reporter Sonia Rincón served as the events Emcee. 

$5,000 was awarded in each of the following six categories: *NEW* DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and/or Accessibility); Arts & Culture; Innovation; Leadership Excellence; Rising Star; & Social Impact. All finalists were entered into our Fan Favorite award where the public votes for their favorite finalists, the winner of the Fan Favorite Award received $3,000. In addition, each of the 24 finalists, 4 in each category, received $1,000, thanks to Webster Bank’s Diamond Sponsorship, and a professionally produced video, which was showcased the night of the event.

Foundation board members Kelly Klein and Courteny Klein presented the Claire Friedlander Family Foundation Arts and Culture Award. “I love attending and being a part of the NYC Imagine Awards because it is an incredible opportunity to highlight the meaningful work that nonprofit organizations are doing in the community, said Kelly Klein. “The NYC Imagine Awards serves as a chance for nonprofits to connect with funders as well as their peers in this work, fostering collaboration and giving organizations greater exposure, said Courtney Klein.” 

Click here to view the full show recording.

The 3rd Annual NYC Imagine Awards Winners are:

• Aetna Rising Star Award: Emma’s Torch
• Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. Leadership Excellence Award: exalt: Gisele Castro, Executive Director
• Cerini & Associates, LLP Social Impact Award: LiveOnNY
• The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation Arts & Culture Award:  The Center for Fiction
• JPMorgan Chase DEIA Award: Center for Employment Opportunities Inc. (CEO)
• OneGroup Innovation Award: Hear Your Song
• Flushing Bank fan Favorite Award: Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund

Applications for the 4th Annual NYC Imagine Awards open in January 2024. Additional information about the event can be found here www.NYCimagineawards.com. 

The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation is proud to support the 12th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 6-10pm at the Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury, NY. The Long Island Imagine Awards was created as a way to showcase the nonprofit sector and all the good work that it does, as well as provide opportunities for deeper collaboration within the sector. The event serves as an opportunity to meet new people, discover new organizations doing business on Long Island, develop new relationships, and learn from the organizations that are being honored.

Long Island based nonprofits are invited to apply and compete against each other in 6 categories – Arts & Culture; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility (DEIA); Innovation; Leadership Excellence; Rising Star; & Social Impact, with the winner in each category winning a $5,000 grant. In addition, the 24 finalists, 4 in each category, each received a professionally produced video, which was showcased the night of the event, and two free tickets to the event. Applications are due on November 27, 2023.

Foundation President Peter J. Klein states “As sponsors of the Arts & Culture Award, we honor the legacy of our founder, Claire Friedlander, and her love of all things artistic.” “Long Island has a vital arts community and we are very proud to help showcase and support their efforts, said Klein.

Click here for applications and additional information.

The Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center (HMTC) located in Glen Cove, NY, will honor Claire Friedlander Family Foundation President Peter J. Klein at their 14th Annual Golf Outing on Monday, July 31, 2023. The event will take place at the Meadow Brook Club, Jericho, NY, with funds raised supporting the important work of the HMTC.

“The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation is proud to be longtime and dedicated supporters of the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center,” said Peter J. Klein. “Our founder’s family perished in the concentration camps and while Claire witnessed the terrible atrocities at the hands of intolerance and bigotry, she and her parents survived thanks to the kindness and righteousness of a peasant family. These strangers put their own lives on the line to help others. Claire never forgot this lesson and I am pleased to represent her commitment to promoting tolerance and fighting injustice.” Klein stated.

Foursomes are sold out but tickets are available for the evening cocktails, buffet dinner and awards. Click here to register or for more information, contact Tania Dolan at taniadolan@hmtcli.org or 516.571.8040. 

The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation is pleased to continue our support of the 11th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards which was held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 as a hybrid event, with over 450 guests in attendance and a live stream simulcast of the event.

Over 190 nonprofit applications were submitted to win $5,000 grants in each of six categories: Arts & Culture, Innovation, Leadership Excellence, Rising Star, Social Impact, and NEW for 2023 – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Of this pool of worthy applicants, 24 were selected as finalists, each of which will receive $1,000, and one in each category was announced as the category winner.

Watch the recording of the event here: https://youtu.be/ssCED1xCC7g.

“Although we have been supporters of the Imagine Awards since its inception 11 years ago, in 2017 we decided to sponsor the Arts & Culture Award in recognition of Claire’s deep appreciation for all things artistic, said foundation President Peter J. Klein.” It’s been our pleasure to recognize the important work of Long Island’s arts organizations, who often have to go above and beyond just to compete for fundraising dollars amongst so many other charitable causes.”

2023 Long Island Imagine Awards Winners

Claire Friedlander Family Foundation Arts & Culture Award

• The Long Island Children’s Museum

Bethpage Federal Credit Union Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA)

• The Viscardi Center, Inc.

Cerini & Associates, LLP Social Impact Award

• ECLI-Vibes

Certilman Balin Leadership Excellence Award

• Eileen Minogue, Executive Director – Book Fairies

Flagstar Bank Innovation Award

• ACLD (Adults & Children with Learning & Developmental Disabilities)

Vanguard Benefits Rising Star Award

• Hair We Share

Nerds That Care Fan Favorite Award

• Family and Children’s Association

For more information https://imagineawardsli.com/

For the 13^th consecutive year, the Claire Friedlander Family Foundation has made possible the Friedlander Upstander Awards, in partnership with the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC.) The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC) annually honors middle school and high school students on Long Island who confront intolerance, prejudice, or other forms of social injustice with the Friedlander Upstander Award. Winners receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Applications are due March 27, 2023 and are open to students enrolled in a middle school or high school on Long Island. A brief nomination letter from a teacher, guidance counselor, or have another adult who is not a family member is required as well as a 500-word essay on what actions they have taken that make them upstanders.  Winners will be presented at HMTC’s 13^th Annual Friedlander Upstander Awards Event on Monday, May 15, 2023, at Westbury Manor, 1100 Jericho Turnpike, Westbury, NY 11590.

Foundation President Peter J. Klein said “It is in the spirit of Claire Friedlander, a Holocaust survivor who was saved by an upstander, that we support HMTC’s efforts to reward local students for doing what’s right.”  Klein continues, “Students who act as upstanders and make a difference in their schools and communities are essential now more than ever due to the local and national rise of antisemitism, hate crimes, bullying and hate speech.”

HMTC defines an upstander as a person who stands up for others and does not allow bigotry, hatred, or intolerance to happen without intercession. Each year HMTC honors middle school and high school students from across Long Island who have demonstrated the actions of an upstander. The student’s action could be one of intervention or prevention, big or small.

For more information, contact Gayle Peck at gaylepeck@hmtcli.org or visit https://www.hmtcli.org/

The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation is proud to support the Mental Health Association of Nassau County (MHANC) as they are an organization dedicated to improving mental health in our community through advocacy, education, program development and the delivery of direct services.  MHANC’s “The Gone, But Not Forgotten Walk” is an annual walk that takes place in October at Jones Beach to commemorate those who have lost their lives due to overdose which is the primary cause of accidental death.

The goal of the walk is to increase community awareness and request participants’ involvement through action and donations. This support will expand the implementation of MAT- Medicated Assisted Treatment, Narcan training as well as harm reduction and education services.  This educational component is geared towards individuals struggling with opioids, their families and loved ones.

“So many families are impacted by tragic overdoses and it’s important to the foundation that we assist MHANC with their work towards increasing community awareness, providing overdose prevention education, training and peer services to those who struggle with opioids,” said foundation President Peter J. Klein.

Click here learn more about the work of MHANC

The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation has established the “New Investigator Fund,” which would enable Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to utilize this fund immediately for driving the most innovative ideas from trailblazing young scientists. With these funds, they can test novel ideas that would not qualify initially for government grants given the high-risk nature of this work. The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation “New Investigator Fund” provides researchers the resources to think out of the box during the critical peak period of innovation as they start up their labs at CSHL.

“It is important to the foundation that we support the cutting-edge research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory,” said President Peter J. Klein. “We created the “New Investigator Fund” to directly offer resources to scientists as they sow the seeds of their research which could ultimately lead to life-changing discoveries.”

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory recently broke ground on a new, $57 million Neuroscience Research Complex, which will allow its lab scientists to further advancements in the areas of neurodegenerative diseases, brain-body physiology, quantitative biology, and neuro-artificial intelligence. Since being founded in 1890, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory located in Cold Spring Harbor, NY, has won eight Nobel Prizes for its breakthroughs in molecular biology and genetics, most notably for James Watson’s and Francis Crick’s discovery of the double helix structure of DNA.

Learn more about what’s happening at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory