Futures in Education and the Columbus Citizens Foundation co-hosted The Joe DiMaggio Award Dinner May 5 at The Metropolitan Club in Manhattan.

The dinner raised funds to assist with scholarships benefiting high school students in New York City.

Famed New York Yankee closing pitcher, Mariano Rivera, was this year’s honoree. Ed Randall of Talking Baseball on WFAN served as master of ceremonies.

“Although I’ve played baseball for many years, I truly believe in education,” said Rivera.

“Baseball has limitations. Education, though, no one can take that from you. It will remain with you until you die. Thank you for what you guys have done and what you believe in to help us accomplish our dreams.”

Rivera praised the work of Futures in Education and the Columbus Citizens Foundation.

After accepting the award, he thanked all of those in attendance, saying, “Giving back with no return, that’s why I have to congratulate you for the effort and commitment to these organizations.”

Futures in Education is an organization committed to giving the gift of a Catholic school education to financially disadvantaged students in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Futures in Education will direct its portion of the proceeds to its Be an Angel to a Student program for high school students.

The Columbus Citizens Foundation is an organization committed to fostering an appreciation of Italian-American heritage and achievement. The Columbus Citizens Foundation will direct their portion of the proceeds to their Adopt-A-Scholar program.