Thursday, December 15, 2011

Alex von Furstenberg supports Central Park

A magnificent park is the jewel in a great city, and among the most magnificent of these lies at the heart of one of the world’s greatest cities. Befittingly, Alex von Furstenberg, a philanthropist-businessman of New York extraction, has contributed his share in caring for Central Park, one of the city’s greatest treasures, through his family’s charity organization.


Alex von Furstenberg Photo credit: Jquig99


For New Yorkers, Central Park is one of the city’s most iconic monuments. Located at the heart of the city itself, this shining emerald serves as one of the crowning achievements in landscape architecture. It provides the denizens of Manhattan with both a place to unwind from city life and a place to get in touch with nature. This island of green also represents a considerable investment in the environment, serving as a means to stem the city’s pollution.


Alex von Furstenberg Photo credit: Patashley


A neighborhood’s park benefits both the community and the environment, and the Big Apple is no exception. Therefore, for Alex von Furstenberg, maintaining Central Park is a noble service both to the city where he spent his youth. His organization, the Diller–von Furstenberg Family Foundation, has given grants to the Central Park Conservancy , the philanthropic institution responsible for the upkeep of the park.


From Alex von Furstenberg


The foundation believes that improving a community, whether it is a neighborhood or a nation, through lasting changes creates significant improvements in individual lives. More information of this philosophy and Alex von Furstenberg’s other charitable works is available on his official website.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Alex von Furstenberg: Preserving culture through art

Alex von Furstenberg Photo Credit: mannan3



Alex von Furstenberg knows that supporting the arts, such as classical theatrical productions and musical plays, is vital in supporting the culture of a community. The Diller-von Furstenburg Family Foundation, a private family foundation that provides philanthropic support to various 501(c)3 non-profit organizations, was partially founded on such a commitment.



Roundabout Theatre Company, a non-profit theater group that has been around for well over four decades, is one of the many beneficiaries of The Diller-von Furstenburg Family Foundation, also known as ‘The Diller.’ Roundabout is committed to pairing great works of theatre with the finest artists in the industry in order to revitalize classic plays and musicals.


Alex von Furstenberg Photo Credit: d'n'c

Alex von Furstenberg’s The Diller has helped the company immensely. The company’s artistic director, Todd Haimes, is thankful. “It is because of the incredible support of our audiences, our generous donors, and our visionary Board of Directors that Roundabout has continued to thrive.”



Aside from the Roundabout Theatre Company, The Diller-von Furstenburg Family Foundation supports other foundations that focus on promoting the arts, such as the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the CAA Education Foundation, Danielandsomesuperfriends, PEN American Center, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Museum of Television and Radio.


From Alex von Furstenberg
Know more about Alex von Furstenberg and his foundation by visiting his website at AlexvonFurstenberg.com.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Alex von Furstenberg: A fulfilled life built on philanthropy

From Alex von Furstenberg


The business world is one of the most generous sources of charity for the less fortunate. Alex von Furstenberg, a prominent figure in the field of private investment, continues to give back to the community despite his many achievements in his business ventures.


Mr. von Furstenberg is the Chief Investment Officer and Founder of Ranger Global Advisors, a family business that focuses on investment opportunities based on value. Previously, he was also CIO and co-managing member of Arrow Capital Management, LLC, a private investment firm that specializes in global public equities. In 2001, he was the CIO of Arrow Investments Inc., a private office that serves the Diller – von Furstenberg family. Among his other involvements as a board director are the Diane von Furstenberg Studio LP (DVF), IAC, and W.P. Stewart & Co., Ltd.


From Alex von Furstenberg


For Alex von Furstenberg, fulfillment comes in the form of gratitude from the people he extends his goodwill to. He is currently the secretary and director of the Diller -- von Furstenberg Family Foundation, a private foundation built on the spirit of philanthropy that provides support to different non-profit organizations. He is also an active member of the board for Friends of the High Line, a public park located in Manhattan’s West Side, and a non-profit partner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Mr. von Furstenberg is also a member of the National Council of ACRIA.


Know more about the philanthropic efforts of Alex von Furstenberg by visiting
alexfurstenberg.com
.


From Alex von Furstenberg

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Alex von Furstenberg reaches out to cancer patients

The Continuum Cancer Centers of New York, a non-profit health system, is one of the many beneficiaries of Alex von Furstenberg’s philanthropy. The Director and Secretary at the Diller–von Furstenberg Family Foundation, Alex has been able to support various non-profit organizations in the health care sector all over the United States.

From Alex von Furstenberg

According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is a group of diseases that is characterized by uncontrolled and spread of abnormal cells in the body. An estimated 569,490 Americans were estimated to die in 2010 in the study. Although cancer cells can be caused by many factors—heredity, lifestyle, or diet--the American Cancer Society suggests that some cancers like those caused by smoking and drinking alcohol can be prevented. Alex von Furstenberg together with the Continuum Cancer Centers of New York, on the other hand, aim to provide medical treatment to patients already suffering from the disease.

From Alex von Furstenberg

The non-profit health system offers medical care for cancer patients that involve experts in the various fields of cancer treatment such as: radiation therapy, medical oncology, surgery, and clinical research. The organization was formed in 1997 by three medical institutions in New York—Beth Israel Medical Center, St. Luke’s Hospital, Roosevelt Hospital, and later joined by the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary.

From Alex von Furstenberg

Log on to AlexvonFurstenberg.com to know more about the financier and philanthropist and his body of work.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Friends of the High Line: Alex von Furstenberg on protecting urban parks




From Alex von Furstenberg





To create or maintain a belt of greeneries within an urban setting is one of Alex von Furstenberg’s top priorities. The High Line in New York City is one example. Serving as one of the board of directors of the Friends of the High Line, Alex is determined to protect the park and preserve its charm for the benefit of the coming generations.



The High Line is a 1-mile urban park built on a 1.45-mile section of the former elevated railroad called West Side Lane in New York City. Redesigned and planted as an aerial greenway, the park has inspired other cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and St. Louis to develop similar structure. The park is a statement that even abandoned structures can be reused to provide environmental benefits to a sprawling city.


Alex von FurstenbergPhoto Credit: lensepix




Alex von Furstenberg, along with his colleagues from Friends of the High Line, provides over 70 percent of the High Line’s annual operating budget. The organization is also responsible for the maintenance of the park, pursuant to a license agreement with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Through stewardship, innovative design & programming, and excellence in operation, the organization has maintained the charm and orderliness of the urban park.



Founded in 1999, the Friends of the High Line was able to save the abandoned railroad―where the High Line is currently found―from demolition. By redesigning and adding some greenery into the High Line, the organization successfully worked with the city government of New York to prevent the pull down of the structure and preserve it instead. At present, the area is one of the cleanest and safest in New York, visited by city dwellers and visitors alike.


Alex von FurstenbergPhoto Credit: krikrie





More details about Alex von Furstenberg are available at AlexvonFurstenberg.com.


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Crossing all Boundaries: Alex von Furstenberg Believes in the Value of Providing Education to All Children

Alex von Furstenberg supports the view of Exceptional Education Outreach (EEO) that every child should be given learning opportunities to reach his/her full potential.

From Alex von Furstenberg


For more than a decade, EEO has been helping children in Bahamas get the education they need through literacy outreach programs aimed at ensuring children with special needs have access to innovative educational program to help them reach their full academic and personal potential. With the help of the Bahamian and American educational organizations, EEO strives to provide the skills and materials needed by local teachers, parents, and volunteers to be able to assess students and remediate learning challenges.

From Alex von Furstenberg


Alex von Furstenberg believes that learning challenges, from physical and mental disabilities to learning difficulties, should not prevent children from gaining the education they need in order to be successful in life. Through the support of people like him, new opportunities are being brought to children and communities in the Bahamian Family Islands through a resourceful, student-supportive, and sustainable education system.

Mr. Furstenberg helps organizations like EEO through the The Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation, a private family foundation where he serves as Director and Secretary, providing philanthropic support to various 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. Since its inception, which dates back more than a decade ago, The Diller has helped different educational institutions like Brown University, American Friends of the College of Judea, and Friends of Girls Prep, among others.

From Alex von Furstenberg


Mr. Furstenberg is currently the Chief Investment Officer and Founder of Ranger Global Advisors.

Learn more about him by visiting www.alexvonfurstenberg.com.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Honing Extraordinary Talent: Alex von Furstenberg Supports the NYU Tisch School of the Arts

Alex von Furstenberg is a staunch supporter of the arts. He is recognized for his philanthropic activities, supporting organizations that promote health, community building, human rights, education, environment preservation, and the arts. He is a Friend of the High Line and serves on the Board of Directors of the National Council of ACRIA. Through the Diller von Furstenberg Family Foundation, he reaches out to organizations that need financial and moral support in carrying out their noble goals.

From Alex von Furstenberg

The NYU Tisch School of the Arts, more popularly known as Tisch or TSOA, is among the organizations that benefit from the philanthropy of financier extraordinaire Alex von Furstenberg. Founded in 1965, Tisch is one of the 15 schools that make up New York University, best known for its acting and film programs. The school aims to provide rigorous conservatory in film, theater, and dance in the context of a large research university. It was able to quickly establish itself as one of the leading art schools in the country.

From Alex von Furstenberg

From Alex von Furstenberg

Notable Tisch alumni include M. Night Shyamalan, Ang Lee, Martin Scorcese, Roman Coppola, James Franco, Woody Allen, Whoopi Goldberg, Angelina Jolie, Alec Baldwin, Debra Messing, Idina Menzel, Lady Gaga, Oliver Stone, Billy Crudup, Andy Samberg, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, among many others.

Together with the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Alex von Furstenberg helps hone world-class talent. More information on his philanthropic activities may be found at AlexvonFurstenberg.com.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Sustaining Modern-Day Heroes: Alex von Furstenberg Supports Law Enforcers

Alex von Furstenberg is well-known for his business achievements and his philanthropy. Through the years, he has accomplished numerous philanthropic works due in large part to his involvement with The Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation or the DVFF, where he serves as Director. The DVFF is a private family foundation that supports organizations in the community building, education, human rights, arts, health, and environment sectors. The foundation aims to positively impact the world by strengthening communities and improving the quality of the life of the people they support.

From Alex von Furstenberg

Among the organizations that benefit from Mr. von Furstenberg’s generosity are the Beverly Hills Police Officers Association (BHPOA) and the NYC Police Foundation.

In 2010, Alex von Furstenberg pledged $25,000 in support of the Beverly Hills Police Officers Association’s 22nd Annual Black & White Ball, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Proceeds from the charity ball will be used to support the BHPOA’s Medical Trust Fund, which provides medical benefits to retired officers and their families, as well as financial support to active personnel during periods of injury or illness.

From Alex von Furstenberg

Mr. von Furstenberg is also very supportive of the NYC Police Foundation, raising funds in behalf of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The foundation aims to promote excellence in the NYPD and improve public safety in New York City through programs designed to help the NYPD keep pace with the changing times.

“I am proud to contribute to these very worthy causes,” said Alex von Furstenberg. “These officers have dedicated their lives to improving and protecting our community and are deserving of our continued support.”

From Alex von Furstenberg

More information on Alex von Furstenberg and his philanthropy may be found at AlexvonFurstenberg.com.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Alex von Furstenberg: Literacy Advocate

Alex von Furstenberg believes that every person must have the ability to read, as it is essential in living a meaningful, enriched life. He supports the vision of Literacy Partners, an organization that provides hope and opportunity for adults who cannot read. The organization offers high-quality, community-based literacy programs to over 25,000 disadvantaged New Yorkers, empowering them and helping them reach their full potential as parents and citizens. Most of these individuals rely on the programs of Literacy Partners as their last and only opportunity to gain basic reading skills. By helping these functionally illiterate New Yorkers learn to read, key social problems like poverty, crime, poor parenting, welfare dependency, and health and financial illiteracy are eradicated, one step at a time.

From Alex von Furstenberg

From Alex von Furstenberg

Alex von Furstenberg feels strongly about the mission of Literacy Partners, which is to ensure that all community members have access to the education they need to realize their potential as individuals. The organization’s programs have a personal, effective, and enduring impact on its students, enhancing worker productivity and encouraging their children to learn alongside their parents. The organization is considered the gold standard for adult literacy programs in America and is recognized as the only nationally accredited literacy program in New York City. By participating in the organization’s programs, students become capable, committed, and able to enter mainstream society confidently.

From Alex von Furstenberg

More information on Alex von Furstenberg and his involvement with Literacy Partners may be found at AlexvonFurstenberg.com.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Alex von Furstenberg Redefines Nobility

Alex von Furstenberg is born to nobility. Unlike most princes we read about in fairy tales, though, who do nothing much but slay dragons and save princesses from evil stepmothers or poisoned apples, he has accomplished far more, both in his professional and personal life. He made a name for himself in the financial services industry, choosing a career that constantly requires number-crunching, taking risks, and trading. He is responsible for transforming his famous mother’s brand, the Diane von Furstenberg Studio, LP, into the global luxury lifestyle brand it is known for today, restructuring it and successfully increasing its annual revenue from $1 million to more than $200 million. He serves as Partner and Director of the company. Alex von Furstenberg also serves on the Board of Directors of IAC, an internet company with more than 50 brands across 40 countries.


From Alex von Furstenberg

Mr. von Furstenberg is actively involved in a lot of philanthropic endeavors as well. He serves as Director to the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation, which has pledged more than $30 million in grants since its inception. Grantees of the foundation are non-profit organizations that support education, community building and reform, environmental advocacy, disease research, child care, arts and humanities, and human rights.


From Alex von Furstenberg

Indeed, Alex von Furstenberg is a perfect example of the 21st century nobleman – successful, charismatic, and with a good, generous heart. Visit AlexvonFurstenberg.com for more information.


From Alex von Furstenberg

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Alex von Furstenberg Supports Organizations that Promote Community-Building

Alex von Furstenberg believes in the importance of community-building in the progress of society, and is involved in a number of philanthropic activities supporting this cause. He serves as the Director and Secretary of the Diller-von Furstenberg Family Foundation (DVFF), which has committed more than $30 million in grants to a number of non-profit institutions since its inception. He is also on the Board of Directors of Friends of the High Line, a private, non-profit partner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, which aims to preserve the landmark’s entire historic structure. The High Line is located in Manhattan’s West Side, and is an essential piece of the city’s industrial past. He also serves on the National Council of ACRIA, which assists people with HIV and AIDS.


From Alex von Furstenberg

Alex von Furstenberg is passionate about helping organizations that promote community-building. He believes that the heart of the modern society is the community, and its members must therefore always foster solidarity and unity.


From Alex von Furstenberg

Among the organizations he supports are Citymeals on Wheels, one of the largest meals-on-wheels programs in the US delivering 2 million meals to over 16,000 senior citizens each year, as well as the Naked Heart Fund, an organization that builds playgrounds in urban Russia, to give children a secure environment where they can play. He is also an active supporter of The Robin Hood Foundation, an organization that seeks to alleviate poverty in New York City by finding and funding the most effective livelihood programs, and partnering with them to maximize results.


From Alex von Furstenberg

Visit www.alexvonfurstenberg.com for more information on Alex von Furstenberg’s work.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Alex von Furstenberg: Patron of the Arts

Alex von Furstenberg is an advocate of American art. He supports a number of foundations that encourage artistic literacy, and promote the works done by American artists. The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the Roundabout Theatre Company, the CAA Education Foundation, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art are among the foundations that benefit from his patronage of art.


From Alex von Furstenberg

The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers is a non-profit organization that supports teenagers with exceptional artistic and literary talent, and brings their work to a national audience through The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The Roundabout Theatre Company, meanwhile, teams great theatrical works with the industry’s finest artists to re-energize classic plays and musicals, so that younger audiences can easily relate to and appreciate them.


From Alex von Furstenberg

Alex von Furstenberg also supports The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a New York institution, whose building is a well-known landmark on the Upper East Side. More popularly known as the Met, it is one of the world’s largest and finest art museums, with collections that include more than two million works of art spanning five thousand years of world culture. The CAA Education Foundation supports playwrights, tapping into what the foundation cites as its most plentiful and defining resource – popular culture – to create positive and social change.


From Alex von Furstenberg

In 2010, Alex von Furstenberg and The Diller-von Furstenberg Foundation were honored by The Whitney Museum with the American Art Award for their sustained commitment to the artistic and cultural heritage of the arts in America.


More information on Alex von Furstenberg may be found at www.alexandervonfurstenberg.com.