December 23, 2024

Velazquez joins ‘An Evening with Mo’ children’s benefit

Last updated: 8/1/12 1:47 PM


On the eve of induction into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame,
jockey John Velazquez will join pitcher Mariano Rivera for an exclusive dinner
at Siro’s Trattoria at the Lodge on August 9 at 6:30 p.m. (EDT).

Velazquez’s appearance adds to the luster of “An Evening with Mo,” which
features a plated dinner, open bar, auction, entertainment and casual
conversation with Rivera. Attendees will also receive a signed baseball and have
their photograph taken with the 12-time All-Star and five-time World Series
champion.

The private dinner at Siro’s Trattoria at the Lodge will benefit the
Mariano
Rivera Foundation
, which addresses children’s needs through programs that focus
on education, health and wellness.

“Mariano Rivera and John Velazquez are among the most accomplished and
beloved figures in their respective sports,” said Keith Kantrowitz, president of
Racing Restaurants of America whose portfolio includes Siro’s Trattoria at the
Lodge. “We’re honored to host these legendary athletes at an event that will
benefit children in New York and in Mo’s native Panama.”

Velazquez will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on August 10 along with 2004
Horse of the Year Ghostzapper and trainers Roger Attfield and Robert Wheeler.

Velazquez has won 4,832 races during an illustrious career that
includes the single-season record for wins at Saratoga Race Course with 65 in
2004. The two-time Eclipse Award winner for Outstanding Jockey (2004-05) has
notched a number of career-defining wins including the 2011 Kentucky Derby with
Animal Kingdom and the 2007 Belmont Stakes with Rags to Riches as well as
victories in the Travers, Alabama, Personal Ensign and Whitney.

A sports-themed auction featuring coveted memorabilia is sure to be a hit
during “An Evening with Mo.” Among the items up for bid will be signed
merchandise from Rivera, Derek Jeter and Eli Manning; lunch or dinner with
Rivera; and a trip to Yankee Stadium for a game and on-field visit with players.
Auction items include:


  • Four tickets to a Yankees game including an opportunity to meet Mariano
    Rivera and go on the field prior to the game to watch batting practice
  • Lunch or dinner for four with Mariano Rivera
  • 2009 championship ball signed by all members of Yankees team
  • Derek Jeter autographed 3,000-hit game model bat
  • Mariano Rivera signed “602” saves jersey
  • Signed Mariano Rivera glove
  • Signed Mariano Rivera spikes
  • Original artwork of Mariano Rivera by world-renowned photographer George
    Kalinsky, the official photographer for Madison Square Garden since 1966
  • Yogi Berra signed photo
  • C.C. Sabathia signed jersey
  • Eli Manning signed helmet

  • Rivera played briefly for the Albany-Colonie Yankees before he began his
    major league career with the Yankees in 1995. He is regarded as the most
    dominant relief pitcher in baseball history.

    The man known as “Mo” has
    handcuffed batters with his legendary cut fast ball on the way to becoming
    baseball’s greatest postseason pitcher ever. In 2011, Rivera set the Major
    League Baseball record for career regular-season saves which currently stands at
    608. Rivera is recovering from knee surgery following a season-ending injury in
    May.

    Tickets for “An Evening with Mo” at Siro’s Trattoria at the Lodge are
    available for $500 per person. To purchase tickets please call 516-355-4514. Siro’s Trattoria
    at the Lodge is located at 1 Nelson Ave. in Saratoga Springs.



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