On Feb. 4 Morton’s The Steakhouse celebrated its 30th anniversary with a gathering of employees and friends in the basement of the original Morton's at 1050 N. State St., in Chicago. During the event, Morton’s representatives presented the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Illinois chapter CEO Stephanie Springs with $373,865 on behalf of 30 Wishes for 30 Years, a charity initiative Morton’s launched in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation as part of its 30th anniversary celebration. The funds will grant the wishes of 30 children living with life-threatening medical conditions.

Morton’s State St. sous chef Marcellino Carrillo with Kwang Yi

The total funds raised were triple Morton’s initial goal, thanks in part to the $10,000 raised at a live auction held during the event after a speech from 2008 Make-A-Wish recipient Marco Scola. Guests, including Chicago media personalities and business and social elite, enjoyed a spread of Morton’s signature menu items and specialty cocktails and wine.
Westchester, Ill., general manager Armando Villalobos fillets salmon