The Benefit of Baseball

Manhattan Youth Baseball hosted an awards dinner in Manhattan on Feb. 6 to help raise money for the nonprofit's Grades to Play program for low-income and at-risk children.

Honoree Howard W. Lutnick (second from left, back row) pictured with several benefit attendees, including children enrolled in MYB’s Grades to Play program. Paul Bruinooge/PatrickMcMullan.com

On Feb. 6, Manhattan Youth Baseball hosted an awards dinner at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers to honor Howard W. Lutnick, chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, with a Patron of the Sport Award.

The benefit recognized Lutnick’s support of the nonprofit organization’s programs, including its Grades to Play program, which provides a safe after-school monitoring and mentoring environment for low-income and at-risk children who can get assistance with their school work and learn about sportsmanship and teamwork.

The program also provides partial scholarships to student athletes who exhibit the initiative, discipline, and fortitude to excel at school and on the field.

Miss Dominican Republic U.S., Chantel Martinez, poses with “Grades to Play” Manhattan Youth Baseball kid. Courtesy PatrickMcMullan.com

Allan Houston, New York Knicks assistant general manager and former NBA star, made a surprise appearance at the benefit and took home three silent auction items, including a New England Patriots helmet signed by Tom Brady. Other attendees included former MLB pitcher Dwight “Doc” Gooden, Miss Dominican Republic Chantel Martinez, professional surfer Jon Rose, and "Real Housewives of New York" star Aviva Drescher.

For more information on the Manhattan Youth Baseball organization, visit manhattanyouthbaseball.com.