MENTOR Celebrates 35 Years of Relationships Powering Opportunities at New York City Gala Honoring Bill Russell, Ray Lewis, and David Shapiro
October 9, 2025
Gala Honoring Bill Russell, Ray Lewis, and David Shapiro
National nonprofit’s 35th Anniversary Awards Gala to be held October 14 at Tribeca Rooftop
NEW YORK, NY — On October 14, MENTOR—the national nonprofit uniting and fueling the mentoring movement—will celebrate its 35th anniversary at the Relationships Powering Opportunities Awards Gala at Tribeca Rooftop in New York City. The event will honor three extraordinary leaders whose legacies exemplify the power of connection: civil rights icon and founding MENTOR board member Bill Russell (honored posthumously), NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, and longtime mentoring champion David Shapiro, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston and former CEO of MENTOR.
The evening will begin at 6 p.m. ET with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and an awards program recognizing 35 years of building relationships that have powered opportunities for young people nationwide.
“For 35 years, MENTOR has been driven by one simple but profound belief: relationships change lives,” said Jermaine Myrie, CEO of MENTOR. “This milestone celebration honors the leaders who built and continue to strengthen a movement ensuring every young person has access to caring, supportive relationships that help them thrive.”
Bill Russell’s widow, Jeannine Russell, will accept the Legend of Mentoring Award on his behalf. Russell’s deep belief that “there is no such thing as other people’s children” reflected the heart of MENTOR’s mission. In addition to being an 11-time NBA champion and a pioneering civil rights leader, he was a founding board member of MENTOR and a passionate advocate for youth mentoring, using his platform to advance equity and opportunity.
Ray Lewis, one of the most celebrated defensive players in NFL history, is being recognized for his longtime commitment to empowering youth and building community through mentorship. Through the Ray Lewis 52 Foundation and his ongoing work with young leaders, he has championed youth mental health, connection, and resilience—values that mirror MENTOR’s mission.
David Shapiro, who led MENTOR for more than a decade and now serves as CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston, will be honored for his enduring leadership in the mentoring field. Under his stewardship, MENTOR grew into a powerful national network connecting millions of young people with mentors. His work continues to inspire collaboration and innovation across sectors.
“As we mark 35 years of impact, we’re celebrating the individuals who embody the spirit of mentoring—those who lift others, invest in relationships, and create pathways to opportunity,” said Myrie. “This is not just a look back—it’s a recommitment to the next generation and to the power of connection.”
Founded in 1990, MENTOR has expanded access to quality mentoring relationships by building capacity across sectors, informing policy, and setting evidence-based standards for effective mentoring. Today, the organization continues to mobilize partners nationwide to ensure every young person has the relationships they need to succeed.
Event Details:
MENTOR’s 35th Anniversary “Relationships Powering Opportunities” Gala
Monday, October 14, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. ET
Tribeca Rooftop | 2 Desbrosses Street, New York, NY
For more information about the gala, visit: www.mentoring.org/35-years-of-mentor