Mortons, The Steakhouse to host second annual benefit for VCU Medical Center's Emergency Department and Trauma Center

By Michael Ford
University News Services

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 on March 1.

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. 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 county and the only Level 1 Trauma Center in Central Virginia.

VCU President Dr. Eugene P. Trani and Mrs. Lois E. Trani are honorary co-chairs for the event that runs from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Morton's is located at 111 Virginia St., on the first level of the Turning Basin in Richmond's Shockoe Slip.

"The business and civic communities of Richmond have worked together over the past years to raise funds to build our institution," said VCU President Dr. Eugene P. Trani. "We are thankful for the support of Morton's and everyone who has provided VCU Medical Center's Emergency Department and Trauma Center with their financial support and their time to make our effort a reality."

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.

"At Morton's we believe in giving back to the communities we are part of," said John Bettin, president of Morton's, The Steakhouse. "The VCU Medical Center's Emergency Department and Trauma Center are valuable community assets and we are happy to join in their life saving efforts."

Morton's, renown for its signature menu, club-like atmosphere and legendary hospitality hosted last year's inaugural "Evening of Celebration" shortly after opening the Richmond restaurant, one of 64 restaurants in the United States, Canada and Singapore.

Tickets to the event and for the raffle can be purchased at the Volunteer Office on the first floor of Main Hospital or by calling Pat Peltier at 828-0922. Information about the event can also be downloaded on the VCUHealth.org website.

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.

"We are very excited about the addition of a raffle to this year's event," said Charlotte Roberts, first vice president of the Auxiliary. "Last year we had over 225 people at the Morton's event. It was a great evening for the Auxiliary and for our Emergency Department and our Trauma Center."

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"Evening of Celebration"
Raffle Prizes

The following prizes have been donated for the "Evening of Celebration" Raffle. Tickets are being sold in advance at the VCU Medical Center Volunteer Office (828-0922). You need not be present to win. All items are subject to change.

• Dinner for two at Morton's, The Steakhouse in Washington, D.C. and an evening at the magnificent Mayflower Hotel.
• A two-night stay at the sparkling, new oceanfront resort hotel, The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, South Carolina, which opens in the spring of 2004.
• Two passes for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the Pits during NASCAR's May 15, 2004 Pontiac Performance 400, compliments of Richmond International Raceway and the U.S. Army/MB2 Chevrolet racing team.
• A two-night stay, including one round of golf, at the Homestead, an incredibly grand escape, located amidst the beauty of Virginia's Allegheny Mountains.
• A relaxing day of beauty and health at the spa with Simon & Gregory.
• An elegant cocktail party in your home for 20 people prepared by Kenneth Bendheim and Tre Hall of Anything Goes Café & Catering.
• A VIP helicopter tour of Richmond for two with personal commentary by Don Charles, executive director of Historic Richmond Foundation, compliments of Air Methods and VCU Life Evac.
• An exquisite 17-gram, 14k yellow gold necklace with a one-fourth carat diamond, compliments of Waller and Co. Jewelers.