From Hall of Fame Pitcher to Community-Building Auto Dealer
New York is one of the most vibrant cities in the country, with an estimated population of 18.9 million people. The lyric from Frank Sinatra, "If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere," is true and motivates people to keep going even when the going gets tough.
Mariano Rivera is one of the renowned philanthropists who inspires people not only in New York but across the globe. Born in Panama in 1969, Mariano Rivera's hardships when growing up couldn't have foreshadowed the legendary status he would achieve. He didn't allow his challenges growing up in Puerto Caimito, a Panamanian fishing village, to hold him back and define him.
On the contrary, early difficulties motivated Rivera to use his skills, passion, and talent in baseball to become the best in the sport. He rose to fame when he was signed by the New York Yankees in 1990.
Also nicknamed Mo or Sandman, Rivera has been the Rolaids Relief Man in the American League and Delivery Man of the Year Awards.
Today, in 2023, Rivera is still “walking the walk” off-field, using Mariano Rivera Toyota and Honda to infuse his charities with capital and play an active role in local NY community building. After retiring from baseball IN 2013, Rivera turned his attention to business. He and partner Ken Hicks established the Mariano Rivera Autogroup, launching two car dealerships, Rivera Toyota in Mt. Kisco, and Mariano Rivera Honda in Port Jefferson Station.
Giving portions of profits to local charities and other community building efforts, the Mariano Rivera dealerships are a reflection of Rivera’s philanthropic philosophies. Recently, Mariano Rivera Honda partnered with the SOMOS community care team to do a clean-up campaign in New York. The theme of this public service campaign was "Keep the City Clean." Rivera Toyota partners with Neighbor's Link, a local community-building charity group, to provide over 2,000 meals and hosted 100 breakfast events in the past year.
The Mariano Rivera Foundation
The Mariano Rivera Foundation was created in 1998 with the mission of offering financial assistance and support to underprivileged families and children. Part of the revenue from the two car dealerships is channeled into the foundation.
The main areas of focus are:
1) Education
2) Health
3) Well-being
The core values of the student mentorship program are:
1) Faith: Helps children become confident and work towards their dreams and aspirations.
2) Commitment: Provides scholarships to students to enable them to achieve academic excellence.
3) Integrity: Nurtures transparency, honesty and character development.
4) Achievement: Equips youth with the resources they need to realize their full potential and succeed in all facets of their lives.
5) Community: Through Mariano Rivera Learning Center, the foundation provides the resources and mentorship to help students get the best higher education and succeed in their careers.
6) Stewardship: Through donations from well-wishers and car sales, the foundation provides students with the supplies they need for school. This support boosts their morale and their self-esteem in school and at home.
Mariano Rivera Learning Center
One of the main challenges students from impoverished families face is accessing the resources they need to succeed academically. The Mariano Rivera Learning Center is committed to solving this problem by providing students with everything they need to succeed in academics and life.
By donating or buying a car from Mariano car dealerships, you are helping the center grow and positively impact the lives of youth with a zeal to make it in life. With your help, the foundation provides STEM learning opportunities, vocational training, and mentorship programs.
Mariano Rivera Mentor Program
This mentorship program is specifically tailored for high school male students aged 16 – 20. It provides mentorship, tools, and the skills they need to succeed in their education, career, and other areas. MRF has partnered with Ricoh and Konica Minolta, The Atlantic, and Tomorrow's Office to provide vocational training, which includes digital design, Adobe, and Copier Technology courses. Teens also interact with mentors and take identity, etiquette, college, and career readiness courses.
Fiserv, a multinational financial and tech company based in Brookfield, Wisconsin, also shares the foundation’s vision for the young generation and the community. It recently donated modern equipment and other resources that have been instrumental in helping the foundation offer the best mentorship programs and learning environment.
The skills and experience they acquire prepare them for the job market. MRF also hosts monthly outings and sporting activities to broaden their skill set and help them network.
Events and Sponsorship
Mariano Rivera Foundation hosts monthly and annual events to help create awareness and bring more well-wishers and students on board. Two of the upcoming events that you can participate in are:
1)The Cannata Gala
2)Delta Gold Benefit
You can also participate in the Save 653 program. Your donation will support the daily running of the learning center, student sponsorships, and expansion to reach more youth and families.
As a Rivera Toyota and Mariano Rivera Honda dealership customer, you will also be part of The Intellizeum initiative. It’s a modern interactive STEM museum focusing on technology, science, history, fine arts, and math. The museum advocates for hands-on exploration and learning methods. Classroom learning is supplemented with in-person mentorship sessions.
The Take Away
Buying a car from the Mariano Rivera Honda or Rivera Toyota, is “local support” at it’s best. Not only is the auto group’s staff part of the Port Jefferson Station and Mt. Kisco community, but the businesses double down by investing profits in community building. Buy local, support businesses that support the community -- and feel good.
Today, in 2023, Rivera is still “walking the walk” off-field, using Mariano Rivera Toyota and Honda to infuse his charities with capital and play an active role in local NY community building.
