The MLB Players Association is partnering with Morton’s Restaurant Group to generate both exposure and revenue for the union’s traditionally understated philanthropic efforts.
Highlighting the partnership is a series of fund-raising dinners at select Morton’s restaurants that will allow the public to spend an evening dining with MLB players. The first dinner is scheduled for today at the Morton’s steakhouse in Clayton, Mo., near St. Louis. The event is expected to raise about $40,000 for the MLBPA Trust.
Several St. Louis Cardinals players are expected to appear at today’s event, where Albert Pujols will be honored for winning the MLB Player’s Choice awards for outstanding National League player and MLB Player of the Year last year. About 250 people have purchased tickets for $150 apiece to appear at the event, which also will feature a silent auction. All proceeds will go to the trust.
The second dinner will take place at the Minneapolis Morton’s on June 7; the third is set for Aug. 2 in Los Angeles, according to Roger Drake, vice president of communications for Morton’s.
The trust was created in 1996 in an effort to give players’ charitable efforts a group presence, according to MLBPA spokesman Greg Bouris. Funded largely by licensing revenue and individual contributions from players, the trust has contributed more than $5 million to charitable causes since its inception.
Bouris said the Morton’s partnership is part of an overall effort this year to pursue additional revenue sources. Information on additional plans was not available.
Drake said there are other arrangements whereby the popularity of Morton’s among MLB players will be used to raise money for the trust, although he declined to be specific. He said this partnership is an extension of fund-raising and publicity-generating events Morton’s often hosts at its restaurants.
