Morton's, the steakhouse, to host second annual benefit for VCU Medical Center's emergency department and trauma center

By Michael Ford
University News Services

WHAT:          Morton's, The Steakhouse will host the second annual "Evening of Celebration" to benefit the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center's Emergency Department and Trauma Center. 

                   Organized by the award winning MCV Hospitals Auxiliary of the VCU Health System, "Evening of Celebration" is a fundraiser featuring a hosted cocktail reception and a lavish strolling dinner party. VCU President Dr. Eugene P. Trani and Mrs. Lois E. Trani are honorary co-chairs for the evening.

                   Morton's and the Auxiliary hope to raise more than $25,000 for the VCU Medical Center's Emergency Department and Trauma Center. The VCU Medical Center is one of the leading academic medical centers in the country and the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Central Virginia. 

The Department of Emergency Medicine - a full-time cadre of emergency room physicians, nurses and specialists - is lead by Dr. Joseph Ornato, known internationally for his work in cardiac resuscitation and pre-hospital care. Comprised of four separate, but adjoining emergency rooms - acute medicine, acute surgery/trauma, pediatric and ob/gyn - DEM is one of the largest emergency service areas in the country and handles more than 117,000 patient visits annually. 

                   The Division of Trauma and Critical Care and Emergency Surgery is lead by Dr. Rao Ivatury, an internationally recognized authority in trauma and critical care and the author of what may be the definitive textbook on penetrating wounds. The trauma division includes a 12-bed critical care intensive care unit, eight trauma surgeons and residents, trauma care nurses, critical care nurses provide full-time coverage manage trauma and critical care cases.

                   Among the featured fun activities for the evening is a $20 raffle with more than half a dozen prize opportunities, including a helicopter tour of Richmond for two, a two night stay and round of golf at the Homestead resort and two pit passes for the Spring Nascar race in Richmond on May 15. 

WHEN:          March 1, 2004, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.   

WHO:           •         Dr. Eugene P. Trani, VCU President and honorary co-chair
•         Mrs. Lois E. Trani, MCV Hospitals Auxiliary of the VCU Health System and
           honorary co-chair
•         Jo Ann Burton, president, MCV Hospitals Auxiliary of the VCU Health System
•         Mrs. Charlotte Roberts, first vice president, MCV Hospitals Auxiliary of the
           VCU Health System
•         Sheri Julian, general manager, Morton's The Steakhouse, Richmond
•         Joseph P. Ornato, M.D., professor and chair emergency medicine
•         Rao R. Ivatury, M.D., professor and chair trauma and critical care and
           emergency surgery

WHERE:        111 Virginia St., Richmond (first level of the Turning Basin in Shockoe Slip)