Morton’s To Host Premium Cigar Dinner for The Rainbow Connection

Troy, MI —With the clock ticking toward Michigan’s upcoming restaurant smoking ban, Morton’s The Steakhouse in Troy has planned the perfect event for cigar lovers to enjoy an evening filled with fine wine, Morton’s signature food and exquisite cigars–before the May 1 deadline.

On Friday, April 23 Morton’s and Churchill’s are teaming up to present a premium cigar dinner.  The reception begins at 6:30 pm followed by a four course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Ed Takacs with wines and cigars presented with each course.  The evening will also  include a silent auction with 100% of the money raised going to The Rainbow Connection, a charity dedicated to fulfilling the dreams for children with terminal and life-threatening illnesses.  Mary Grace McCarter, Executive Director of the 501c3 charity explains “For 25 years The Rainbow Connection has relied on the kind generosity of others to grant over 2000 wishes to Michigan children.  The Morton’s contribution will truly make a difference in the life of a local child stricken with a life threatening illness and we are so very grateful.”

The cost for the cigar dinner is $150.00 per person, including tax and gratuity.  For reservations or more information, call Andrea Aretakis at 248-404-9845.  To view the entire menu, including cigar selections, visit www.morton/troy.com.

 “This is a great night for cigar lovers to celebrate with friends and help a very worthy charity,” said Morton’s General Manager Steve Salmon.  “We’ve planned a special night to savor one of the last times our guests can enjoy a cigar at Morton’s The Steakhouse Troy.”

Morton’s The Steakhouse is located at 888 West Big Beaver Road in Troy.  Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Sundays.    In addition to the main dining room, Morton’s offers private Boardrooms to accommodate groups from 10 to 80.  For more information, visit www.mortons.com.

The Rainbow Connection receives Grant from Art Van for Wish Children

Rochester, MI – Making dreams come true for Michigan children with life threatening illness may sound like difficult work but the staff and volunteers at The Rainbow Connection are quick to say “It is a joy, a celebration, to meet these brave kids and their families and have the opportunity to make their greatest wish come true.”

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Art Van Furniture, Chairman and Founder Art Van Elslander has provided 1 million dollars to fund 50 grants to Michigan Charities. The grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 support programs serving children as well as health and human services throughout the state of Michigan.

The Rainbow Connection is honored to be selected as a recipient of a $10,000.00 grant from the Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge! The grant will help fund our Emergency Needs Special Response program which provides support services to our wish children and their families.

The Rainbow Connection challenges the Community to match the Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge

 Donate today at www.RainbowConnection.org

Founded in 1985 by L. Brooks Patterson, The Rainbow Connection is a nonprofit organization dedicated to granting wishes to Michigan children. To date, The Rainbow Connection has granted more than 2,000 wishes to children suffering from life-threatening or terminal illnesses. From a special bedtime story by Mickey Mouse at Disney World to volcanoes in Hawaii and haunted castles in Europe to meeting the President of the United States, The Rainbow Connection anticipates making dreams come true for more than 150 children in 2009. The Rainbow Connection also provides support services, information and referral, special holiday get-togethers and picnics, and college scholarships.  The Rainbow Connection receives no federal funding and depends exclusively on each supporter.  Eighty-nine cents of every dollar donated goes directly to granting wishes.

For more information about The Rainbow Connection or to schedule an interview, call (248) 601-9474 or visit www.rainbowconnection.org.

Wish Child Toy Drive

Rochester, MI – The Rainbow Connection invites the community to share in the magic of making holiday wishes come true for Michigan children with life threatening illnesses. 

On Dec. 3 from 8 am to 8 pm The Rainbow Connection is hosting a Toy Drive at its home office at 621 West University in Rochester. Stop by with your new unwrapped gifts and giftcards to enjoy refreshments and meet the staff and volunteers of The Rainbow Connection.  

Toys collected during the Wish Child Toy Drive will be used for the Wish Children and their families at The Rainbow Connection holiday party as well as throughout the year.  Those unable to attend are welcome to drop off toys and/or monetary donations any weekday from 8-4pm.  For gift ideas go to www.rainbowconnection.org 

”When a child is diagnosed with a catastrophic illness it has an immediate impact on every member of the family” explains Mary Grace McCarter, Executive Director at The Rainbow Connection. “We are so very careful to include the brothers and sisters of our wish child in our holiday celebration.  Each and every child in the family will receive a gift selected just for them and of course Santa will remember Mom and Dad too!” 

The Rainbow Connection offers more than just a wish.  It provides support during this most difficult time and, with the help of the community, these Michigan families know they are not alone.  Founded in 1985 by L. Brooks Patterson, The Rainbow Connection is a Rochester, MI, nonprofit organization dedicated to granting wishes to Michigan children. To date, The Rainbow Connection has granted more than 2,000 wishes to children suffering from life-threatening or terminal illnesses. From a special bedtime story by Mickey Mouse at Disney World to volcanoes in Hawaii and haunted castles in Europe to meeting the President of the United States, The Rainbow Connection anticipates making dreams come true for more than 150 children in 2009.

The Rainbow Connection also provides support services, information and referral, special holiday get-togethers and picnics, and college scholarships.  The Rainbow Connection receives no federal funding and depends exclusively on each supporter.  Eighty-seven cents of every dollar donated goes directly to granting wishes.

For more information about The Rainbow Connection or to schedule an interview, call (248) 601-9474 or visit www.rainbowconnection.org.