On July 30th, iMentor was honored to be the charity partner alongside the Brooklyn Cyclones, a minor league affiliate for the New York Mets, during their game against the Wilmington Blue Rocks. The collaboration brought together the iMentor community for an exciting day of baseball, unity, and the celebration of mentorship. The introduction of iMentor to the Cyclones was made possible by Mark Caserta of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, setting the stage for a powerful alliance.
The event featured a heartwarming "Field of Dreams" moment, where iMentor mentors, mentees, partners, and staff were introduced to the enthusiastic crowd, embracing the spirit of community cohesion. This special occasion allowed attendees to witness the players take the field, fostering a sense of camaraderie among the participants.
Partnering with the Brooklyn Cyclones provided iMentor with a unique platform to amplify its mission of empowering young minds through mentorship and recruit essential volunteers. The Cyclones' unwavering support demonstrated their commitment to closing the opportunity gap and providing vital support to students across NYC.
A notable highlight was the gracious participation of NYC Councilman Ari Kagan, who threw the first pitch on behalf of iMentor. Councilman Kagan's endorsement and presence reinforced the significance of mentorship in shaping future leaders. He stood proudly with iMentor, wearing an iMentor hat, further exemplifying the unity between the organization and the community.
The event also showcased the presence of the principal and staff from International High School at Lafayette, one of iMentor's esteemed partner schools. This collaboration highlighted the tangible difference that mentorship makes in students' lives, promoting both academic success and personal development. The partnership with schools further strengthened iMentor's commitment to supporting formal education through meaningful mentorship programs.
The iMentor NYC staff took the opportunity to engage with the community about volunteering with iMentor, promoting mentorship awareness, and encouraging critical volunteer support. Their efforts, under the guidance of Managing Director of Corporate and Community Partnerships, Krista Njapa, Senior Manager of Recruitment, Rachel Hutt, Associate Director of Corporate Recruitment Partnerships, Taylor Lewis, and Recruitment Manager, Corporate and Community, Taraun Frontis, played a pivotal role in recruiting potential mentors while also fundraising for the organization.
“We were thrilled to be given the opportunity to be the official charity partner for a Brooklyn Cyclones game this summer, Krista Njapa said. “ Through this opportunity we were able to support one of our school communities, recruit more mentors and offer an important moment of connection for our pairs. It was amazing getting to see the joy on the faces of our community.”
The heart of the event lay in the collective support from mentors, mentees, and community members who gathered to enjoy the game and celebrate mentorship. This shared commitment fostered a sense of empowerment and community among attendees, showcasing the positive influence that mentorship has on both mentors and mentees. From iMentor staff and school partners to corporate partners and supporters, the event was a true representation of a unified community committed to making a difference.
Attending the Brooklyn Cyclones game with iMentor was more than just a day at the ballpark, it was a shared experience strengthened my bond with my mentee, Peter,” said iMentor Mentor John Tamanas. “We’ll remember going on the field for the rest of our lives. It’s always nice having a reminder that mentorship is about more than just guidance — it’s growing together too.
The partnership between iMentor and the Brooklyn Cyclones stands as a testament to the profound impact mentorship can have in shaping a brighter future. As the iMentor community continues its journey, the support garnered from events like this serves as a driving force, empowering the next generation of leaders, and ensuring mentorship remains at the forefront of transformative change.
"It was really exciting to get the opportunity to partner with iMentor and help them recruit critical volunteers. This collaboration allowed us to showcase our enthusiasm for supporting and nurturing young minds,” Steve Cohen, a Vice President for the Brooklyn Cyclones said. “As we look to the future, we're excited to witness the transformational effects of iMentor and the boundless possibilities "
The charity event proved to be an incredible success for iMentor, strengthening the organization's sense of community and aligning with its vision of empowering young minds through mentorship. With esteemed individuals like Councilman Ari Kagan attending and showing support, the event left an indelible mark on the collective dedication to mentorship and community empowerment.
