Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle recently announced several innovative youth-development partnerships and honored community champions during its 2025 “Be Great” annual gala at the Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle.
The high-energy sold-out gala on May 27, celebrating the Boys & Girls Club’s 96th year, was attended by community supporters, donors, elected officials from the city of New Rochelle and the region and representatives of corporations as well as the City School District of New Rochelle. The gala celebrated the club’s record-setting 10,000 youths served during 2024 as well as achievement-driven programming encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership and civics.
“A spectacular day was highlighted by exciting announcements regarding how Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle and our supportive, generous community continually invest in and care for our youths’ futures,” said Boys & Girls Club CEO Becky Mazzanobile. “We are preparing youths, in an ever-changing and complex world, to be future leaders.”
A partnership with the Mariano Rivera Public Foundation was a signature announcement. The collaboration will support innovative career pathways for youths from under-resourced backgrounds, aiming to serve up to 800 or more young people over three years.
Funding from The Mariano Rivera Public Foundation has established the Mariano Rivera Workforce Learning and Career Center at the Boys & Girls Club’s Remington and Mascaro Clubhouses. The comprehensive program will provide young adults with career exploration, resume development, assistance securing jobs and internships or acceptance in training programs and higher education.
“This exceptional program will provide hundreds of students with hope, inspiration and most importantly, the tools and concrete supports to secure jobs and build rewarding careers in a variety of areas,” Mazzanobile said.
Hallie Lorber, executive director of the Mariano Rivera Public Foundation, said, …”Our partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle allows us to deliver hands-on, life-changing programs that provide real skills, real support and real opportunity. From personal development and technical certifications to job placement and mentorship, we are committed to helping young people unlock their full potential and build successful futures. We’re proud of the impact we’ve made together so far and we’re just getting started.”
Other honors at the gala were bestowed upon:
- Woman of the Year – Rhiannon Navin, Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle and the New Rochelle Public Library: Navin is a bestselling author, community advocate and dedicated civic leader.
- Man of the Year – Robert Gazzola, police commissioner, city of New Rochelle: A lifelong New Rochelle resident, Gazzola has served the city’s Police Department for nearly four decades.
- Service to Youth Award – Rick Monzon, executive director, The Miracle League of Westchester and Managing Partner, Spar Technologies: Monzon, a longtime New Rochelle resident, has spent decades championing opportunities for children and adults with disabilities while supporting organizations that strengthen the community.
- Service to Youth Award – Justin Sherman, Major League Baseball Youth Ambassador and Founder and a dedicated supporter of youth athletics and the mission of Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle.
- Community Partner – Junior League of Pelham: The Junior League was honored for its dedication to volunteerism and community advocacy.
Sean Merlo, 16, was honored as 2025 Youth of the Year, and was sponsored by the Neil Clark and the Clark Family. A lifelong New Rochelle resident and a member of the Club’s Mascaro Clubhouse for 10 years, Merlo was recognized for his leadership, academic success, empathy, service, mentorship, character and healthy lifestyle choices.
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle partnered with the Westchester Soccer Club (WSC) to provide four $20,000 scholarships to the new professional team’s Soccer Academy, offering Boys & Girls Club members ages 9 to 18 an incredible, unique opportunity to receive elite-level soccer training. The partnership also includes exclusive clinics, mentorship from pro players, internships, game tickets and funding to advance the Boys & Girls Club’s mission of empowering youth through athletic, academic and personal development.
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is proud to be affiliated with Boys & Girls Club of America, widely considered as both the leading youth organization and among the top nonprofits in the United States.
