A couple of hundred kids from Englewood came together on Monday for a night of holiday fun and memories – all organized by a former New York Yankees star pitcher.

CC Sabathia has been retired for a few years. The 2009 World Series for the Yankees is at the top of his accomplishments. But he says he is still dedicated to making life better for children in places like Englewood.

"I always wanted to keep the foundation going and hopefully long after I’m gone, my kids will keep it running and keep it going,” Sabathia says.

Sabathia is not originally from New Jersey. He was born in California. But he now calls Alpine home since he came to the Yankees 13 years ago.

“We live less than 15 minutes from here, so this is our home for sure,” says Sabathia’s wife Amber Sabathia.

Sabathia’s foundation held a special holiday event on Monday for more than 200 Englewood children. It was held at a revamped warehouse known as Space Events, a luxury party space in town.

"People pass this place every single day, but they're getting on a highway. Parents are going to work, kids are going to bus to school, and they never know what is here,” says Janel Johnston, executive director of the P.O.P. Program.

She says that she is trying to change this. Many kids at the event belong to a nonprofit focusing on exposing them to new things. Many had never been in a location like this before.

It was not clear how many of the children knew about Sabathia and his life. His battle with alcohol has been a public part of his life post-Yankees. He recently marked seven years of sobriety, and says he hopes others can learn from it.

"That people could get a better understanding that alcoholism and alcohol dependency you know hits every family,” Sabathia says.

The P.O.P. Program -- Prevention, Opportunity, Preparation -- takes donations. People say it’s critical since there's no central community center in Englewood.