Six Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle young adults were celebrated for career-development accomplishments by New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera at a dinner that in part spotlighted his Foundation’s investment in youths’ futures at the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle.
Rivera praised the club youths at the third annual Mariano Rivera Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic at the Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, New York. His remarks highlighted his foundation’s support of the Mariano Rivera Workforce Learning and Career Center, a transformative three-year collaboration between the foundation’s Save 653 program and the Club at the Club’s Remington and Mascaro Clubhouses. Rivera also took time to greet club representatives who attended the dinner.
“I have 652 career saves, but 653 is the one where we help those in need. That’s most important because we’re not saving games, we’re saving lives,” said Rivera, a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame as a dominant relief pitcher. “Someone gave me an opportunity, and I took advantage of it. That’s why we want to create that opportunity for someone less fortunate. Hopefully they take that same challenge and opportunity and run with it. This is something special, we’re always pushing forward to help those in need.”
Executive Director Hallie Lorber said the foundation’s investment in the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle “opens doors and provides resources that match the passions of our students. From culinary arts to law enforcement to the print industry, we’ve seen amazing cohorts thrive. The success of this event means we can reach even more students in the years ahead.”
Laura Probst, the foundation’s deputy executive director and head of programming, said, …”The partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has been central to our mission. Together, we’ve built pathways that help students see what’s possible for their futures. The golf event allowed our supporters to experience that impact firsthand and it was inspiring to see the connections made on and off the course.”
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle CEO Becky Mazzanobile spearheaded a contingent of Club members and administrators who were specially invited to the golf classic and dinner. Club youths were stationed at golf course tees, meeting celebrity guests and sharing how the Mariano Rivera Save 653 Foundation’s investment helps equip them to attain successful careers.
“The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is deeply grateful to Mariano Rivera and the Mariano Rivera Save 653 Foundation for its investment and guidance of our young adults’ career dreams,” Becky Mazzanobile, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle CEO said. “We also are thrilled and humbled that Mr. Rivera publicly commended our youths for their accomplishments during such a high-profile event. We are honored by the foundation’s trust and look forward to a long, fruitful relationship….”
“Meeting Mariano Rivera at the Gala was an incredible honor,” said Boys & Girls Club member Andrew Romero. “I told him how thankful I am for everything he’s done for the club, especially for helping launch the Police Pathway Program. That program changed my life. It gave me the inspiration and tools to pursue my dream of becoming a police officer…. Now, I’m proud to give back by helping out at the club myself. Mariano told me he was grateful to hear that and said he hopes all of us find success in life. That moment made me feel proud and deeply motivated.”
For 95 years, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has been an integral part of the community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership and civics. Today, it is one of Westchester County’s largest nonprofits and a leader in youth development, serving more than 10,000 youths annually at 12 school sites and two clubhouses.
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s impactful before-school, after-school, elective and summer offerings empower members to excel in school, become good citizens and lead healthy, productive lives while effectively bridging the gap between school and home.
