NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (October 9, 2025) — New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera praised six young adults from the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle for their career-development achievements during the 3rd Annual Mariano Rivera Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic at Metropolis Country Club in White Plains, N.Y. The event highlighted the Foundation’s support for the Mariano Rivera Workforce Learning and Career Center, a three-year partnership with the Club’s Remington and Mascaro Clubhouses.
Rivera, a National Baseball Hall of Fame relief pitcher, emphasized the importance of his Foundation’s Save 653 program, which funds the career center. “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,” Rivera said. “Someone gave me an opportunity and I took advantage of it. That’s why we want to create that opportunity for someone less fortunate.”
The career center, supported by a Foundation grant, offers seven innovative career pathways for 800 young adults aged 18-24 over three years. Programs include the New Rochelle Police Department Career Pathway Program and the Culinary Career Track Program, providing resume development, job and internship placement, and hands-on training. The police program has graduated two cohorts, while the culinary program recently celebrated its first graduates.
Executive Director Hallie Lorber noted the Foundation’s investment “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.” Laura Probst, the Foundation’s Deputy Executive Director, said the youths’ testimonials were “a powerful reminder of the importance of this work.”
Club CEO Becky Mazzanobile, who led a contingent of Club members at the event, expressed gratitude for Rivera’s support. “We are deeply grateful to Mariano Rivera and the Mariano Rivera Save 653 Foundation for its investment and guidance of our young adults’ career dreams,” she said. “We are honored by the Foundation’s trust and look forward to a long, fruitful relationship.”
At the golf classic, Club youths shared their experiences with celebrity guests. Andrew Romero, a senior at New Rochelle High School and police program graduate, said meeting Rivera was “an incredible honor.” He credited the program with giving him “the inspiration and tools to pursue my dream of becoming a police officer.”
Culinary program graduate Cameron Mack, a sophomore at New Rochelle High School, said, “This program taught me so much more than recipes. I learned about teamwork, time management and leadership.” Tylek Saunders, another culinary graduate, added, “It reignited my passion for cooking and reminded me of my father’s dream to be a chef.”
Other Club representatives included Cesar Vargas, who gained confidence in public speaking through the culinary program; Ryan Gustas, who returned to college after the police program; and Vianney Godinez, who now pursues a law career. “The program didn’t just prepare me for a future job; it prepared me for life,” Godinez said.
For 95 years, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has served over 10,000 youths annually, with 97% of members expecting to graduate high school and 54% of alumni crediting the Club with saving their lives. The Club’s diverse programs, supported by 250 volunteers, empower youth to excel academically and become productive citizens.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.