In a moving celebration of community, legacy, and opportunity, Riverside Hawks marked its 65th Annual Gala on October 29 with a star-studded event that blended the worlds of sports, finance, and education. Held at The Grill & Pool in New York City, the evening honored the Harlem-based organization’s decades-long mission of using basketball as a springboard for academic and personal success.
Partnering with financial education powerhouse Earn Your Leisure (EYL), the gala captured the essence of Riverside’s motto — transforming the “Power of the Game” into lifelong lessons that extend far beyond the court.
A Harlem Legacy Turned National Model
Founded in 1961 within the historic Harlem community, Riverside Hawks began as a small church-based basketball program and has since evolved into one of the nation’s leading youth-athletics and academic development organizations. Its influence stretches across Harlem, Washington Heights, and the Bronx — empowering student-athletes aged 6 to 18 with mentorship, tutoring, leadership training, and global travel opportunities.
Over the years, the program has produced college graduates, professional athletes, and community leaders, all while maintaining its foundation in academic discipline and social responsibility.
“Basketball is just the beginning,” reads a statement on the Riverside Hawks website. “The real victory is in who our young people become — leaders, thinkers, and agents of change.”
“The Power of the Game”
This year’s gala theme, “The Power of the Game,” symbolized the organization’s belief that athletic skills — discipline, teamwork, and strategy — translate directly into real-world success.
Guests at the gala experienced an evening rich in storytelling, philanthropy, and recognition. The event attracted city leaders, philanthropists, alumni, and youth advocates, all united by one mission: to expand access to education through the spirit of competition and community.
On social media, Riverside Hawks extended heartfelt thanks:
“Thank you to everyone who joined us for an inspiring evening at our Riverside Hawks Annual Gala,” the organization wrote on Instagram.
“We’re deeply grateful to our honorees, guests, and partners whose generosity continues to drive our mission forward — using the Power of the Game to create opportunity and impact for our student-athletes.”
Honoring Leaders Who Inspire Change
The night’s honorees represented the perfect blend of corporate leadership and cultural influence, highlighting how business and community engagement intersect:
- Erika Irish Brown, Head of Talent Management & Engagement at Citi, recognized for her commitment to diversity, inclusion, and mentorship in corporate spaces.
- Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, co-founders of Earn Your Leisure, honored for reshaping financial literacy for a new generation.
- Jose Minaya, Global Head of BNY Investments & Wealth, celebrated for his leadership in economic empowerment and philanthropy.
Together, they embody the Hawks’ mission — that education, financial literacy, and athletic excellence can work hand-in-hand to build stronger futures.
Earn Your Leisure Brings a Financial Lens to the Court
In an interview with HOT 97, EYL’s Troy Millings spoke passionately about the importance of supporting the Harlem-rooted institution:
“This event was important to bring awareness to Riverside Church, which has probably been around for 40 years,” he said.
“Young kids all the way from 6 to 18 — they’re being taught life skills, getting scholarships, seeing the world. When you support that, it’s bigger than basketball.”
EYL’s partnership underscores how financial education has become an essential part of youth development. By teaching kids the language of money alongside teamwork and sportsmanship, Riverside Hawks continues to evolve its programming for the modern world.
Beyond Basketball: Building Futures
The funds raised during the gala directly support Riverside Hawks’ expansive programming — including academic tutoring, college guidance, mentoring, and leadership training. Beyond athletics, the organization has built a holistic model for success that prepares student-athletes for life both on and off the court.
In Harlem and beyond, the Hawks’ influence can be seen in the hundreds of alumni who’ve gone on to earn college degrees, play professionally, and give back to their communities.
“We don’t just create players — we create leaders,” a Riverside board member shared. “Our alumni carry the lessons of discipline and resilience wherever they go.”
A Night of Legacy and Inspiration
As music played and stories were shared, the 65th Annual Riverside Hawks Gala stood as more than just a fundraiser — it was a living tribute to Harlem’s enduring legacy of excellence.
With partnerships spanning from global finance to grassroots mentorship, the night reminded everyone in attendance that the game of basketball can be more than just a sport — it can be a lifeline, a classroom, and a pathway to generational change.
Sixty-five years on, the Riverside Hawks continue to soar — not just because of their wins on the court, but because of their commitment to empowering the next generation to aim higher, dream bigger, and lead with purpose.
