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SARATOGA SPRINGS - Siro’s Trattoria at the Lodge has announced the August 9th fundraising dinner featuring 12-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion Mariano Rivera raised more than six figures to support the Mariano Rivera Foundation.

The total was raised through a sold out $500-per-plate event and a live auction during an exclusive evening that included a dinner, entertainment and casual conversation with Rivera. Each attendee received a signed baseball and a photograph taken with the legendary closer.

Among the items included in the auction were tickets to a Yankees game with on-field access, lunch or dinner with Rivera, a ball from the 2011 game when Rivera broke the all-time saves record, and signed merchandise from Rivera, Derek Jeter, Eli Manning and other New York sports stars.

“I would like to thank Saratoga Springs for its tremendous support,” Rivera said. “In particular, I would like to thank Mayor Scott Johnson, the management of Siro’s and Saratoga Race Course and the residents of this wonderful community for providing such a warm welcome on my first visit to the city. I’m humbled by the support I received, and I’m thrilled that proceeds from the fundraiser will allow me to assist more children in need through the Mariano Rivera Foundation.”

Funds raised at the private dinner benefit the Mariano Rivera Foundation, which addresses children’s needs through programs that focus on education, health and wellness.

“Mariano Rivera is one of the most beloved figures in the history of New York sports and that fact was evidenced by the powerful response from the local community to ‘An Evening with Mo,’” said Keith Kantrowitz, president of Racing Restaurants of America whose portfolio includes Siro’s Trattoria at the Lodge. “We’re proud to have hosted an event that will benefit so many children in New York.”

Rivera was joined during the evening by legendary jockey John Velazquez, who was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame the following day. Velazquez took Rivera on a tour of the backstretch at Saratoga Race Course the morning of his induction on August 10th. Rivera spent the remainder of the day at the track and handed out the trophy following the third race on the card, named “The Spa Welcomes Mo!” in his honor.

Rivera played briefly for the Albany-Colonie Yankees before he began his major league career in 1995.