UNITED FOR THE TROOPS EVENT AT MORTON'S THE STEAKHOUSE RAISES ENOUGH MONEY TO SEND 100 PACKAGES TO SOLDIERS OVERSEAS

Morton's The Steakhouse, Statewide Abstract, JP Morgan Chase, and Dillon & Dillon recently joined forces to support one of the area's most deserving organizations. United for the Troops is a non profit, non political and non denominational organization whose sole purpose is to send much needed care packages to soldiers overseas. Kim O'Donnell, Sales and Catering Manager for Morton's, came up with the idea of a Giving Tree so individuals could purchase $15 leaves from the tree, the approximate cost to ship one package overseas.

Jim Rathschmidt founded United for the Troops while his son was stationed in Iraq and noticed that many soldiers never received even one package while they were in combat. "We knew we had to change that," states Rathschmidt.

To date the organization has shipped more than 5,500 boxes to soldiers around the world and thanks to the event held at Morton's The Steakhouse this past Tuesday and the generosity of those who attended, 100 more packages will have the shipping costs covered.

United for the Troops consists of community members who get together to purchase, pack and ship the items soldiers say they miss most while deployed. Some of those items include cookies, fruit roll ups, beef jerky, pop tarts, peanut butter, chocolate milk, candy, and granola bars. Other items that are shipped include baseball gloves, soccer balls, chap stick, eyeglass kits, foot powder, batteries, magazines, calling cards, and disposable cameras.

Individuals who would like to help pack and ship the items this year or help prepare for the Valentine's Day packages should visit www.UnitedfortheTroops.com or call 845-729-4239.

More than 100 people came out to the event at Morton's which featured Morton's famous appetizers courtesy of Morton's The Steakhouse. "It was a wonderful turnout! It is a great night to network for the holidays and do something for those who work so hard to protect our freedoms here in the United States," stated Kim O'Donnell.

Morton's Restaurant Group, Inc. is the world's largest operator of company owned upscale steakhouses. Morton's steakhouses have remained true to its founders' original vision of combining generous portions of high quality food prepared to exacting standards with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment. The Company owns and operates 77 Morton's steakhouses located in 64 cities in 26 states, and in Puerto Rico and six international locations (Toronto, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai and Mexico City), as well as Trevi, a Las Vegas Italian restaurant. Morton's in White Plains is open for holiday lunches on specific days in December, for reservations and information visit www.mortons.com/whiteplains or call Kim O'Donnell at 914-683-6101.

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