Celebrity Server
FOODARAZZI: 60 SECONDS WITH LARRY FITZGERALD
01 year ago
Larry Fitzgerald
Now that the NFL is officially back in session, Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals is doing what he loves best: playing football on the field and giving back to kids off the field. So what does the Fitz do to relax? We caught up with the superstar wide receiver during a rare time-out and here he ruminates on Will Smith, fatherhood, and a little quest to win the Super Bowl.
OCCUPATION: Professional Football Player and University of Phoenix student.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: Faith, focus, finish.
FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Seychelles Islands. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever traveled to and I had the opportunity to visit these islands during the off season earlier this year.
WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I’M…: Spending time with my three-and-a-half year old son, Devin.
ONE THING I’VE BEEN DYING TO TRY: I would love to WIN a Super Bowl!
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN FOOTBALL: Playing in the Super Bowl.
FAVORITE DRINK/COCKTAIL: I don’t drink.
I STAY HOME TO WATCH: I love HGTV. There are so many great programs on that channel!
FAVORITE PLACE TO CHILL OUT: Chilling out at my house on the lake in Minnesota. During the off season, I enjoy jet skiing and going out on my boat.
WHO WOULD PLAY ME IN A HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTER: Without question, Will Smith. He is very funny and seems to be pretty down-to-earth. Not to mention he is an extremely talented actor.
PRIZED POSSESSION: I really love watches. I would say my most prized possession is my extensive watch collection.
PRE-GAME RITUALS: I say a prayer before I step out onto the field before every game.
IF I WASN’T A FOOTBALL PLAYER, I’D BE: I would definitely be a school teacher.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: The best part of my job is…: WINNING!
Join NFL Superstar Larry Fitzgerald and his Arizona Cardinals teammates for big steaks and a great cause on Monday, October 3 when they trade in their uniforms and helmets for plates and aprons at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Scottsdale, AZ. Morton’s The Steakhouse would also like to thank our lead corporate sponsors, DISC and The Starkey Foundation, for their generous support!
A Memorable Night Out with Braves’ Dan Uggla and Rams’ Danny Amendola!
01 year ago
Dan Uggla and the Celebrity Server Dream Team. Go Braves!
Diamonds are Forever
On Monday, August 29, 2011, Braves second baseman Dan Uggla hosted his inaugural Celebrity Server event at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Buckhead. The sold-out event featured Uggla and several of his teammates, Freddie Freeman, Brian McCann, Martin Prado, Craig Kimbrel, Brandon Beachy and many more, as they spent the night serving guests for Uggla’s Diamonds in the Rough charity, which raises awareness for children and families in need in Georgia. In addition to donating their time to the charity event, they also provided signed Braves memorabilia and aided Star 94’s Ray Mariner in raising additional funds for the charity in live and silent auction items, including signed jerseys from Martin Prado, signed jersey and field passes donated by Brian McCann, signed acoustic guitar by the Zac Brown Band, commemorative framed poster signed by Jimmy Hendrix, and luxurious vacations to Mexico which combined sold for $10,500!
Uggla and celebrity guests
Over 160 guests were in attendance to support the noteworthy cause, and helped raise over $70,000 for Uggla’s charity. Dan did a great job of introducing (and ribbing!) his fellow teammates and the players collectively spent lots of time talking to and taking photos photos with guests. Atlanta TV stations and local media were there to capture the excitement of this Dan Uggla and Atlanta Braves teammates’ celebrity server event.
Read – and watch – all about it! Dan Uggla Celebrity Server media coverage includes: WXIA-TV’s Atlanta & Co; Radio 790 The Zone with Dan Uggla; Ask Miss A; Atlanta Business Chronicle; Buckhead Patch; Sandy Springs Neighbor; Neighbor Newspapers; and
Metromix Atlanta.
Reported by Natalie Najjar, Karen Canavan Public Relations
A Delicious Take on Monday Night Football: Morton’s Celebrity Server Night featuring Danny Amendola
Danny Amendola and the Celebrity Server Dream Team. Go Rams!
Despite suffering a dislocated elbow at Sunday’s game, Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola was out in full force the very next day on Sept. 12 raising funds for the Catches for Kids Foundation at Morton’s Celebrity Server Night in St. Louis, Mo. Football fans and foodies alike came out to support the Catches for Kids Foundation, which works to improve the lives of low-income children in St. Louis. Joining Danny was his enthusiastic teammates including, Danario Alexander, Dominique Curry, Austin Pettis, Greg Salas, Craig Dahl, Mike Sims-Walker, among others.
Celebrity guests
Guests mingled with Rams superstars and enjoyed four courses of Morton’s signature cuisine and fine wine. A 6.OL bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet, Napa, 2003 fetched $2,000 in an exciting live auction. Silent auction items featured one-of-a-kind Rams memorabilia all to benefit a great cause. Local media including ESPN 101.1FM, KMOX-AM, St. Louis Magazine and Ladue News interviewed players about this worthy event, and captured photos of attending Morton’s guests. It was a great night for a great cause, and we were thrilled to have Danny and his teammates demonstrate true sportsmanship by supporting St. Louis children in need.
Danny Amendola with Rams Craig Dahl and A.J. Feeley Photo courtesy of Molly James, Ladue News
Reported by Meghan Heeter, Common Ground Public Relations
Still hungry? Click here to learn more about Morton’s exciting Celebrity Server series throughout the U.S.
Foodarazzi: 60 SECONDS WITH CHARLEY HOFFMAN
01 year ago
PGA TOUR player, Charley Hoffman
OCCUPATION:
PGA TOUR Golfer
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME:
Competitive, Easy-going, Focused.
FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION:
Cabo San Lucas.
WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I’M…:
With my wife and daughter, either at our pool in Las Vegas or the beach in San Diego.
ONE THING I’VE BEEN DYING TO TRY:
Running a marathon.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN GOLF:
Winning the 2010 Deutsche Bank Championship.
FAVORITE DRINK/COCKTAIL:
Grape Vodka and soda.
I STAY HOME TO WATCH:
Catching up on Dexter and Entourage via Netflix.
FAVORITE PLACE TO CHILL OUT:
Any lake where I can jet ski or wakeboard.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN A SUMMER MOVIE BLOCKBUSTER:
Jeff Daniels from Dumb and Dumber, of course.
PRIZED POSSESSION:
My daughter.
PRE-GAME RITUALS:
I arrive at the course about 2 hours early, have a light workout with some stretching, grab some food and then head out to the driving range and practice green.
IF I WASN’T A GOLFER, I’D BE:
A beach bum in San Diego.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: The best part of my job is…
Doing what I love and being able to make money while doing it. It truly is the best job in the world!
As the “Official Steakhouse of the PGA TOUR,” we’re proud to partner with Charley Hoffman for the upcoming “Celebrity Servers at Morton’s” event in our Las Vegas location. Check out the recent coverage this event has seen in Las Vegas Review-Journal, ESPN Radio 1100, Channel 3 KSNV (NBC) and Channel 8 KLAS (CBS).
Reported by Mindy Eras, Preferred Public Relations
Delicious Charity
41 year ago
Even though we’re best known for our famous steaks, at Morton’s we don’t spend every moment behind the grill! Equally important to us is our commitment to charity and the sports community at large. Not only are we honored to be the “Official Steakhouse of the PGA TOUR,” but we’re extremely proud of all the heart-warming charitable events that we host throughout the year at our 77 Morton’s steakhouses around the world. From football and baseball greats at our Celebrity Server dinners to beloved Hall of Famers at Lunch with a Legend (LWAL), the art of giving – and serving up great memories – is alive and well at Morton’s!
LWAL: Deacon Jones and Vince Ferragamo at Morton’s The Steakhouse, Downtown Los Angeles
On July 20, football-minded fans enjoyed a great meal with NFL Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones and former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Vince Ferragamo who had the room laughing and smiling from the first course through dessert.
Regarded as one of the best defensive ends of all time, Deacon Jones has played for the LA Rams, San Diego Chargers, and Washington Redskins. Ferragamo, who dominated the field when the LA Rams went to Super Bowl XIV, has played for the Buffalo Bills , Green Bay Packers, and even played in the Canadian Football League. Both took time out of there busy schedules to come into Morton’s The Steakhouse in Los Angeles on Figueroa Street and interact with their #1 fans.
ESPN radio hosts, Mark Willard and Max Kellerman, asked Jones and Ferragamo how they felt about Farmers Field and LA having a football team again and both agreed it would be great for the community – especially the fans!
To listen to the Deacon Jones and Vince Ferragamo podcast visit http://espn.go.com/espnradio/losangeles/play?s=la&id=6787756. To view the ESPN slideshow, click here.
Reported by Wayne Pua and Spenser Dayoub, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Downtown Los Angeles (Figueroa). Photo credit: ESPN Los Angeles.
Celebrity Server with Ryan Howard at Morton’s The Steakhouse, Philadelphia
On Thursday, July 21st, 2011, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard hosted his 2nd Celebrity Server event at Morton’s in Philadelphia. The event featured Howard and several of his teammates, including Cliff Lee, Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, Chase Utley, and many more, who all graciously traded in their gloves and caps for aprons and notepads, as they spent their night-off of the field serving guests a memorable steak dinner.
Not only did they donate their time, but Howard and his teammates also donated signed jerseys and other Phillies paraphernalia to the silent auction. Additional must-have items included a jersey from Boston Celtics small forward, Paul Pierce, and a signed Muhammad Ali boxing glove. All proceeds from the event’s ticket sales and silent auction went to the Ryan Howard Family Foundation to support underprivileged families in the greater Philadelphia region. A sold-out crowd of over two hundred guests were in attendance to support the cause. Launched in 2009, the foundation focuses on “improving quality of life” for disadvantaged youth and families in the Philadelphia and St. Louis metropolitan areas through the development and implementation of programs that advance education, nutrition, physical fitness, and socio-economic status.
For more coverage of the Ryan Howard Celeb Server event, visit Phillychitchat.com.
Reported by Alexa Darrow, Cashman and Associates. Photo credit: Alexa Darrow.
LWAL: Pat Fitzgerald at Morton’s The Steakhouse, Wacker Place
Over 70 guests gathered in the boardroom of Morton’s The Steakhouse Wacker Place on July 26, as ESPN’s Waddle & Silvy broadcast live with Northwestern University Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald for another installment in Morton’s acclaimed Lunch with a Legend Series. Diners enjoyed a signature Morton’s menu, including the famed Single Cut Filet Mignon with béarnaise and decadent Double Chocolate Mousse, while Fitzgerald discussed everything from Northwestern athletics to Chicago sports.
To listen to the Pat Fitzgerald podcast visit http://espn.go.com/espnradio/chicago/play?s=chicago&id=6803561.
Enjoy this Q&A with Pat Fitzgerald from ESPN Chicago: http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/colleges/post/_/id/3260/fitzgerald-nu-means-that-much-to-me.
Reported by Lindsay Rafayko, Empower Public Relations. Photo credit: Lindsay Rafayko.
LWAL: Morgan Wootten at Morton’s The Steakhouse, Connecticut Avenue
Morton’s The Steakhouse – Connecticut Avenue
ESPN980’s “The Sports Fix” hosts Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro set up shop at Morton’s The Steakhouse in downtown DC today in front of a packed house of fans anxious to hear the guest of honor and legendary local high school basketball coach, Morgan Wootten .
Coach Wootten, the most successful basketball coach at any level…ever, joined guests for a lunch of (appropriately so) the best steak anywhere. Those in attendance got the chance to hear the legendary coach reflect on his time at DeMatha Catholic High School in nearby Hyattsville, MD where from 1956-2002 he earned an all-time record of 1274-192, making him the winningest coach in the history of the sport. How’s that for legendary?
The live discussion covered everything from Coach Wootten’s watershed win in 1965 over then undefeated Power Memorial Academy to his take on the best and most memorable moments in local DC sports history. Wootten recalled friend and fellow coach Red Auerbach telling him after a painful one point loss in triple overtime, “You became a spectator Morgan. You lost the feel of the game,” and therefore, he was told, he lost quite easily in fact. Wooten went on to remind the crowd both at Morton’s and over the airwaves that no matter what you endeavor in your life, you have to keep the feel of your game, and you’ll never win.
Over the two hours Wootten received resounding applause from the sold out crowd, but we would be remiss as The Official Steakhouse of the Washington Redskins if we failed to mention another round of applause that erupted midway through a news break. Host Kevin Sheehan broke from his interview with Coach Wootten to announce that today the Redskins re-signed wide receiver Santana Moss, former Baltimore Raven Donte Stallworth, and the Giants’ Barry Cofield.
All told, it was a great day for Washington sports fans at Morton’s!
Reported by Anthony Hesselius, Linda Roth Associates, Inc. Photo credit: Anthony Hesselius.
Still hungry? Click here to learn more about Morton’s Lunch with a Legend and Celebrity Server series throughout the U.S.
First PGA TOUR Celebrity Server Event Hits a Hole in One!
01 year ago
The Celebrity and the CEO: PGA golfer Jim Furyk and Morton's Chris Artinian
Golf lovers and supporters of children’s charities flocked to the first-ever PGA TOUR “Celebrity Server at Morton’s” event which took place at the King of Prussia location on Tuesday, June 28. The hosts for the evening included 2010 FedEx Cup champion Jim Furyk and ten celebrity servers from the PGA TOUR, during the week of the AT&T Nationalat Aronimick in nearby Newtown Square, PA. The event raised $83,000 and benefited Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
TV cameras could be found throughout Morton’s dining room during the cocktail hour as the golfers served hors d’oeuvres to the 160-plus guests in attendance. Local media personality Beasley Reece served as the Master of Ceremonies and Paul Jolovitz was the Live Auctioneer, providing great energy and enthusiasm. We had many of the “Young Guns” of the PGA TOUR “working” as servers at the Jim Furyk “Celebrity Server” event, including Webb Simpson, Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey, William McGirt (who tweeted from our event throughout the night), Scott Stallings, Bobby Gates, Ricky Barnes, Charley Hoffman, Billy Horschel, Spencer Levin, and even Mike Cowan, Jim Furyk’s longtime caddy known as “Fluff.” To enjoy another perspective and recap of the charity event, click here to read a blog post by Laury Livsey from the PGA TOUR staff. We also had a flurry of great media coverage including this news story from local ABC affiliate, WPVI-TV!
Tommy Gainey trades his putter for a pepper mill
In addition to this exciting and successful “Celebrity Server” event, we saw several PGA TOUR golfers dine with us during the AT&T National Tournament including Boo Weekly, Arjun Atwal, Patrick Cantlay, Kirk Triplett, Tim Herron, and the player who lead the tournament for the first two rounds and finished second overall, K.J. Choi.
As the Official Steakhouse of the PGA TOUR , Morton’s will be hosting more “Celebrity Server” events and welcoming more well-known PGA TOUR golfers as our guests. Join our mailing list, check out our monthly “Celebrity Sightings” recap on our blog or visit our website for information and upcoming events.
Senior V.P. of Marketing and Communications
Gary Brackett makes an IMPACT during “Celebrity Servers at Morton’s!”
01 year ago
Even Gary Brackett, the popular Indianapolis Colts Linebacker, was amazed at how many of his teammates showed up to help him serve hungry and thirsty guests at “Celebrity Server at Morton’s” event at the Indianapolis restaurant on June 6. About two dozen Colts’ players and celebrities from local radio station 1070 The Fan helped Brackett raise $100,000 for his charity, The IMPACT Foundation, an organization that helps local children.
Morton’s had quite a buzz once all the players and guests were mingling. (If you think these guys look big on the field, try passing one of them carrying a large tray of wine glasses or appetizers in a crowded room!) They really took over the restaurant, and the guests were charmed.
Two of the top TV stations in Indianapolis set up shop and broadcast from the restaurant. They took turns interviewing Brackett, Jacob Tamme, Colts Tight End and Jamie Silva, Colts Defensive Back. Marlin Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles Safety, Jeff Saturday, Colts Center, Robert Mathis, Colts Defensive End and Ryan Diem, Offensive Tackle were also in demand by the media. Another TV station, Fox 59, roamed the room with a camera grabbing players and guests for interviews.
When Brackett was asked if he’d pursue a career at Morton’s as a server should the lockout continue, the Rutgers grad quickly answered with his typical wit and humor that he was “more management material.” Brackett also sincerely thanked the celebrities and the guests for coming out and spending the evening with him at Morton’s to help benefit his foundation.
The big surprise of the evening was the appearance of Peyton Manning, Colts Quarterback. He was not on the celebrity guest list and was not even rumored to appear! Carla Monroe, the Sales and Marketing Manager for Morton’s in Indianapolis, witnessed Peyton get out of a “mystery SUV” at the valet stand and later quite literally bumped right into him! He shook her hand and actually asked her if it was okay for him to be here (he was worried about taking away from Brackett’s event and did not want to cause too much of a stir.) Even Brackett seemed surprised to see him, and the guests quickly lined up to make his acquaintance. Organizers of the event immediately auctioned off photos with Manning and were able to raise an additional $8,000 for Brackett’s charity.
It was yet another successful and memorable “Celebrity Server” event, and we look forward to our next event featuring Jim Furyk, 2010 FedEx Cup champion and 2010 PGA Tour Player of the Year.
If your favorite athlete wanted to make a surprise appearance and join you for dinner, who would it be?
Cheers!
Roger Drake
Senior V.P. of Marketing and Communications
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Morton’s Teams Up with Matt Birk for Charity!
02 years ago
It was a star-studded evening for Morton’s in Baltimore earlier this week. Matt Birk and his Baltimore Ravens friends kicked off our 2011 “Celebrity Server at Morton’a” event series with our 2nd annual fundraiser for his charity, the HIKE Foundation. We raised approximately $120,000, which will help provide at-risk children with the educational opportunities needed to excel in the classroom and in life.
During the evening’s program, Matt spoke passionately about his and his wife’s commitment to the community—through local programs, such as “Read and Rise,” as well as their own financial commitment. Matt also gave a humorous introduction for each of his fellow celebrity servers, including star running back Ray Rice, All-Pro wide receiver Anquan Boldin, defensive stalwarts Domonique Foxworth and Haruki Nakamura, former Ravens players, a local radio personality and a legendary Baltimore Orioles player, Al 
Bumbry. They all expertly and enthusiastically helped Matt serve appetizers, dinner and wine throughout the evening for the sold-out crowd at Morton’s. Watch the exciting event highlights - and your favorite sports stars in action – on WBAL (NBC)!
Every network TV station in town was there to cover the event, including WJZ (CBS), WBAL (NBC), WMAR (ABC) and Fox 45. There’s also some great online photo galleries, including one on Baltimore Sun’s website, WPOC as well as insights and pictures on Morton’s local Twitter handle. The media attention is certainly understandable, considering that, over his 14-year NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings and the Baltimore Ravens, Matt is a seven-time NFL “Man of The Year” nominee, an honor given to NFL players who best exemplifies a true commitment to giving back to his community.
Go to hikefoundation.org to learn more about Matt’s worthwhile foundation or to make a contribution.
You can also learn more about upcoming “Celebrity Server at Morton’s” events, including Gary Brackett of the Indianapolis Colts, 2010 Fed Ex Cup Winner Jim Furyk and Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies.
If you could have your favorite sports celebrity serve your salad or clear your dinner plate, who would it be?
Our “Two-Fisted” Bacon Burger Makes Birk’s List!
02 years ago
Matt Birk, Center for Baltimore Ravens and Founder of the HIKE Foundation
To continue the celebration of National Hamburger Month, we’re sharing another burger recipe. We kicked things off last week with Morton’s “Million Dollar” Hamburger, and this week we give you…Morton’s Two-Fisted Bacon Cheeseburger.
Appropriately enough, this burger is a favorite of a big, powerful and hungry football player, Matt Birk—a two-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl Center with the Baltimore Ravens. He’s hosting his 2nd annual ‘Celebrity Server at Morton’s’ event in a few hours at our restaurant in Baltimore. While the “Two-Fisted” Burger isn’t on the menu, he’ll soon be serving guests equally delicious and filling Morton’s fare…plus, raising money for his charity, the HIKE Foundation. Stay tuned for photos and a recap of tonight’s fundraiser.
Back to the burger…
It’s called a “two-fisted” burger because you really need both hands to manage it…even if you’re a 6’ 4”, 310-pound football player. The trimmings, including the best thick-cut bacon you can find and horseradish cheddar cheese for that extra kick, are what take this recipe to the next level. It calls for four pounds of meat and is meant to serve 6 people…but if you must, you could stretch it out for 8 people.
Morton’s Two-Fisted Bacon Cheeseburger
4 pounds ground sirloin
4 large eggs
¾ cup tomato juice (we recommend Sacramento)
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 large hamburger buns
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Seasoned salt
12 to 18 ounces sliced horseradish cheddar cheese
12 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp
- Preheat the oven
- In a large mixing bowl, break up the ground beef, add the egg and tomato juice, and season with salt and pepper
- Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands or a wooden spoon
- Divide the meat into 6 even portions and mold each into a patty about 1 ½ inches thick and 4 ½ inches in diameter
- With a knife, make 1/8-inch-deep crisscrosses on top of each burger
- Brush the inside of each bun with butter and toast in the over, in a toaster oven, or under the broiler, buttered side up, until lightly browned
- Remove the hot buns and season each buttered side with seasoned salt. Set aside.
- Broil the burgers for 7 to 8 minutes on each side or until medium rare
- Lay 3 slices of cheese on each burger and return to the broiler for about 30 seconds or until cheese melts
- Sandwich the burgers in the buns and top each burger with 2 slices of bacon
A couple of notes: We use sirloin grind that is 20 percent fat, which may be hard to find. A grind that is 10 percent fat works well, too. Also, horseradish cheddar cheese is sold at many cheese counters in supermarkets and delis. You can find this recipe and more in Morton’s The Cookbook.
Make sure you bring your appetite for this meal, and watch for more burger recipes throughout National Hamburger Month! And remember you can always enjoy Morton’s Prime Burger (on our bar menu and lunch menu) or our miniature Prime Cheeseburgers (on our Bar Bites menu).
Enjoy!
Chris Rook
Corporate Chef
Morton’s The Steakhouse
2010 Celebrity Server Series Wrap Up
02 years ago
Last week, Morton’s concluded its 2010 “Celebrity Server at Morton’s” series with Karlos Dansby and his fellow Miami Dolphins teammates. Hosted at our Miami Beach Morton’s (near South Beach), Karlos and 9 of his teammates mingled with guests and did an amazing job serving steaks, appetizers and wine… and fond memories! 
Some of the highlights from our “Celebrity Server” events this year:
- Brent and Suzy Celek (hosts for the event at Morton’s in Philadelphia) recanting memories of when they were both college students at the University of Cincinnati. They would visit the local Morton’s on special occasions and just order the Morton’s Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake (no dinner!) since that was all they could afford.
- Donnie Avery (host for the event at Morton’s in St. Louis/Clayton) emotionally recalling his underprivileged upbringing, and how important it is he makes an impact through his “Catches for Kids” Foundation.
- Charles Tillman (host for the event at Morton’s in Chicago) getting so excited during the live auction and running across the room to give shoulder massages to the guests who would “up” the bid.
- Mike Ditka and Bobby Valentine, without prompting, going right behind the Morton’s bar in Stamford, CT (during the Hannah Storm event) and serving drinks for more than an hour, much to the thrill of the crowd. Not surprising, considering both guys own their own restaurants!
- And of course, Larry Fitzgerald (host for the event at Morton’s in Phoenix), who talked about his support for the “Celebrity Server” series, and how proud he is to have hosted the inaugural event back in 2009. Larry even reaches out to other NFL players and friends whom he believes should host these events, including the aforementioned Karlos Dansby!
You can read some other highlights in our earlier blog post, back when we hit the $1 million milestone!
After hosting 10 “Celebrity Server” events across the country, we raised more than $1.3 million for players’ foundations, communities and charities. We’re honored to have been a partner of these events, along with some really fantastic players and sports celebrities. Stay tuned for our “Celebrity Server” lineup for 2011!
And let’s put it out there…who would you like to see hosting one of these charity events in your city? Who knows, maybe we can make it happen!
Cheers!
WHO DAT! Morton’s Celebrity Server Event Welcomes The New Orleans Saints
22 years ago
Players from The New Orleans Saints (Photo by David Tompkins Photography)
The New Orleans Saints Celebrity Server event benefiting The Jonathan Vilma Foundation at Morton’s in New Orleans on November 1 was a major success! Jonathan Vilma and Saints teammates served appetizers, wine and a four course dinner to more than 150 guests. Teammates who showed up in support of The Jonathan Vilma Foundation included Drew Brees, Jeremy Shockey, Jeff Graham, Roman Harper, Usama Young and Reggie Bush.
The players did a great job serving our guests, taking photos, shaking hands and speaking with reporters from local TV stations, newspapers and magazines. Highlights of the memorable night included a competition between Jeremy Shockey and Jeff Graham on who could serve the most drinks; Roman Harper and Usama Young tag-teamed at the auction table; Saints owner, Rita Benson LeBlanc, auctioned a Limited Edition Super Bowl 44 Schecter Guitar for $12,500; and Jeremy Shockey autographed a portrait, raising $2,000.
Klaus Fritsch and Jonathan Vilma(Photo by David Tompkins Photography)
The son of Haitian parents and who still has family in the country that was devastated by an earthquake in January, Jonathan Vilma has rallied for relief efforts ever since. He personally greeted guests and fans, and thanked everyone for coming out in support of The Jonathan Vilma Foundation and its mission to help the people in Haiti. “I am very thankful to have your support and generosity for this great cause that I am very passionate about,” said Vilma. “The crowd was very laid-back and the event was very enjoyable, from all perspectives. I am happy to be a part of such an awesome Saints community!”
Monies for his foundation were raised through a silent and live auction which included three private Morton’s dinners which Vilma personally auctioned that generated a winning bid for over $12,000! In total, the event raised approximately $200,000 for The Jonathan Vilma Foundation. Afterward, several players stayed late, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans in front of the Lombardi Trophy. Reggie Bush commented he liked this kind of event, which was a wonderful compliment to everyone involved in making this a truly memorable evening in such a great sports city as The Big Easy!
Roman Harper and Jonathan Vilma (Photo by David Tompkins Photography)
Morton’s received fantastic media coverage of The New Orleans Saints Celebrity Server event including WDSU-TV; WVUE-TV; NOLA.com; BestofNewOrleans.com; NewOrleansLocal.com; SaintsReport.com; JonVilma.com; and NewOrleansCVB.com.
The Jonathan Vilma Foundation
New Orleans Saints defensive linebacker Jonathan Vilma established The Jonathan Vilma Foundation to support the building of a charter school in Haiti to educate students from kindergarten through high school. In 2010, a devastating 7.0 earthquake struck the region killing more than 230,000 people of which 40,000 were students and 1,000 were teachers. More than 50 schools were destroyed. Jonathan’s parents immigrated from Haiti and family members remain in the country. Jonathan is deeply committed to assisting in the long-term rebuilding efforts.
Always a wonderful choice to view your favorite football game or sporting event, Morton’s The Steakhouse is the hottest ticket in town to watch Sunday and Monday Night Football games – while you enjoy a mouth-watering line-up of Morton’s Bar Bites, including our new Crab Cake BLTs and Smoked Salmon Pizza!