Hall-of-fame Yankees closer Mariano Rivera was honored during a gala at Marina Del Ray in Throgs Neck Saturday.

The event raised funds to benefit a learning center that Rivera plans to open in New Rochelle.

The Mariano Rivera Foundation aims to provide opportunities for children who come from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The foundation says 53% of residents living below the poverty line in New Rochelle are minors.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars are expected to be raised for the learning center, which the foundation says will provide invaluable educational, sports and after school programs to students in New York City and Westchester.

"Coming from Panama and getting the opportunity to play here in New York and do right in New York and giving back is what it's all about," Rivera says. "I've been fortunate that since 1998 we founded the Mariano Rivera Foundation exactly to give back to the community, to give back to these boys and girls less fortunate. We believe a lot in education. That's why we do the foundation."

Former Yankee Bernie Willliams and actors Chazz Palminteri and Steve Schirripa were also at the event.

The event also celebrated Rivera's 50th birthday.