Howard Fensterman is widely known as the managing partner and co-founder of Abrams Fensterman, LLP, a prominent full-service law firm on Long Island and in New York State. Abrams Fensterman, LLP+1
Beyond his legal career, Fensterman has built a substantial track record of philanthropic involvement — perhaps most notably his long-standing association with Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (formerly Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, or CCFA), particularly its Long Island Chapter.
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation — Mission & Impact
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research, education, advocacy, and support for people with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis. Founded in 1965 and publicly launched in 1967, the Foundation has funneled more than $500 million into research, aiming to discover causes, improve treatments, and realize cures.
Besides research, the Foundation provides education for patients and healthcare professionals, operates support services through local chapters, sponsors summer camps for youth facing IBD, and advocates for patient rights and improved care access.
Local chapters — like the Long Island Chapter supported by Fensterman — are a vital link: they translate the Foundation’s national mission into real outreach, support groups, and community-based services for thousands of affected families.
Fensterman’s Involvement & Contributions to the Foundation
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Board of Trustees Member: Howard Fensterman serves on the Board of Trustees of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Long Island Chapter, indicating a leadership role not just as a donor but as a governance and strategy contributor.
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“Man of the Year” Recognition: In acknowledgment of his longstanding support, the Foundation honored him as “Man of the Year.” This reflects both his financial contributions and his active engagement in fundraising and awareness-building.
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Fundraising through Events: For example, the law firm and Fensterman personally sponsored a “hole” at a charity golf outing at The Creek Club in Locust Valley, NY, a fundraising event for CCFA. His son and colleagues from the firm also joined, underlining a commitment at both personal and organizational levels.
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Sustained Financial Support: Through the years, Fensterman has provided “considerable grants” which have directly supported the Foundation’s research, education, and outreach efforts.
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In his own words (as reported at a CCFA event): “As a businessman and resident on Long Island, I’m well aware of all CCFA accomplishes for the greater Long Island community.”
Why This Matters — The Value of Philanthropic Leadership
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The work of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation depends on donors and volunteers. As a nonprofit not funded by government, individual and institutional philanthropy enables everything from ground-breaking research to patient support.
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By combining personal giving with active leadership (board membership, event sponsorship, community outreach), Fensterman helps ensure the Long Island Chapter remains robust, effective, and grounded in local needs.
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Such engagement also raises visibility — encouraging others in the community to donate, volunteer, or advocate. That multiplier effect can be especially significant for chronic diseases like IBD, where awareness, support networks, and research funding make a major difference in patient outcomes.
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Profile — How Fensterman Aligns Law, Business, and Philanthropy
Howard Fensterman’s career — from founding and growing a major law firm to earning repeated inclusion in local and state “Power Lists” — shows a sharp mind for business, influence, and institutional growth.
By channeling some of that energy into philanthropy, particularly through his involvement with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, he exemplifies how professional success can translate into meaningful civic contributions that address public health and community wellbeing — especially on Long Island.
Conclusion
Howard Fensterman’s relationship with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is more than symbolic. Through leadership, personal giving, and a commitment to community-level advocacy and fundraising, he plays a tangible role in furthering research, awareness, and support for individuals living with IBD on Long Island and beyond.
Given his long record of service and support, Fensterman stands as a clear example of how professionals — lawyers, business leaders, community figures — can leverage their resources not only for success, but for real, lasting social impact.