42 For 42: Mariano Rivera’s 35th Greatest Moment – Mo Travels To Saratoga To Raise Money For Charity

In addition to his excellence on the mound, Mariano Rivera is excellent in the realm of philanthropy, doing great things for people with the Mariano Rivera Foundation along with other charities. Just this week, Rivera visited Saratoga to raise money for Refuge of Hope, the number 35 moment in our 42 For 42 countdown.

As reported by the Saratogian, Rivera was in Saratoga on Monday at a charity event where over $300,000 were raised for the charity. The event was a $1,000 a plate dinner with VIPs paying $2,000 a plate and receiving a jersey signed by Rivera.

At the event, he stopped to give a kiss to a wheelchair-bound child whose father told Rivera what a devoted fan she was. Mo, whose compassion and generosity know no bounds, invited her to be his guest at an upcoming Yankees game.

Mariano got back to New York from the charity event at around 2:30 a.m. according to the Saratogian article, but was unfazed as he recorded the final two outs of the first game of Tuesday's doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays after Joba Chamberlain failed to inspire confidence by allowing a runner on base in the inning.

Not only is Mariano Rivera one of the best pitchers of all time, but he's one of the most socially conscious athletes around as well.