Alex von Furstenberg and helping transform the High Line

Alex von Furstenberg Photo credit: Davidberko​witz

Transformation plays a vital role in improving lives. Alex von Furstenberg and the Diller – von Furstenberg Family Foundation (DVFFF) played a huge role in transforming High Line from an illustration of disuse and dilapidation to a colorful garden—an example of meaningful change right at the western part of Manhattan.



The High Line was formerly an elevated railroad that ran along Manhattan’s West Side. Built in the 1930s, it was meant to raise trains up to 30 feet above ground-level traffic to avoid accidents. In the 1950s, the interstate trucking industry developed, greatly reducing rail traffic in the High Line. Its use gradually waned until the tracks were used for the last time in 1980.

Alex von Furstenberg Photo Credit: lensepix

Two decades later, Alex von Furstenberg and the DVFFF donated $20 million to the City of New York—the largest single donation made for a public park. The sum was to be used for the completion and maintenance of High Line Park, now a colorful aerial garden overlooking Manhattan’s West Side, a far throw from the old railway that almost got demolished had concerned individuals not interfered. The railway’s gravel had given way to flowers of different hues, and most of the tracks disappeared beneath mats of verdant grass and low plants.



The High Line is proof that with proper support, change and progress are possible. With help from concerned individuals and entities, what was once an eyesore became a place of beauty—inviting more and more people as additional sections of the park are developed and opened to the public.

Alex von Furstenberg Photo credit: Davidberko​witz

Learn more about Alex von Furstenberg and his philanthropy at www.alexvonfurstenberg.org.

Alex von Furstenberg: Enriching the lives of people suffering from autism

Alex von Furstenberg certainly knows how to enjoy life. In his free time, he partakes in exciting outdoor activities like the extreme sport kite-surfing. He loves the said activity because he believes that the ocean can effectively act as a site of respite and empowerment—something that he learned when he interacted with the organization Surfer’s Healing and the autistic children that it helps.

Alex Von Furstenberg Photo Credit: Vivint.com

Surfer’s Healing is a non-profit institution based in California that was founded with the main objective of enriching the lives of those suffering from autism by exposing them to the thrilling experience of surfing. The organization, which is fueled by donations and run by volunteers, hosts different surfing camps and trainings nationwide.

Alex Von Furstenberg Photo Credit: Autisable.com

Alex von Furstenberg was inspired by how the institution started. Surfer’s Healing was initiated in 2000 by a couple whose son was diagnosed with autism. For some reason, when their son was exposed to the sport—despite suffering occasionally from sensory overload—he felt entirely calm. Because of this, the couple decided to host day camps at the beach where autistic children can experience the calmness that their son had felt.

Alex Von Furstenberg Photo Credit: Hamptonroads.com

Strongly believing in the cause that’s being endorsed by the institution’s founders, Alex von Furstenberg pledged an amount of $10,000 for the further development of surfing camps. With the amount that he offered, Surfer’s Healing had been adequately supplied with wetsuits, surfboards, rash guards, life vests, and other required equipment to continue its charitable functions.




More information about Alex von Furstenberg is available at www.alexvonfurstenberg.org.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.