Grill of Honor: Lowe's Thanks Troops with Charity Grill-Off and $100,000 Donation to USO
Carson Daly, Brooklyn Decker join those saluting military guests at 4th
of July celebration
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Lowe's and the USO treated hundreds of servicemen and women and their
families to an all-American event headlined by a charity grill-off today
at Nationals Park to thank the U.S. armed forces and celebrate the
Fourth of July. "Grill Sergeants" from each branch of the military put
their grilling skills to the test during the all-star grilling
competition.
Actress Brooklyn Decker shows her support of the troops at the Lowe's Grill of Honor event in Washington, D.C.Saturday, June 29. Decker judged burgers grilled up by active-duty troops from each branch of the Armed Services. (Photo: Business Wire)
The winning Grill Sergeant, Lance Cpl. Noah Bratcher of the U.S. Marines
and his wife Cassandra, created the best burger among six branch chefs
who fired up their Master Forge grills. The Marines won bragging rights,
and Lowe's donated $100,000 to the USO on its behalf.
Chefs from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National
Guard and Navy were given 40 minutes to turn a recipe with surprise
ingredients into a burger worth saluting. Celebrities Carson Daly and
Brooklyn Decker attended the event in support of the troops and served
as judges alongside Elaine Rodgers, President and CEO, USO of
Metropolitan Washington, and Tom Lamb, Lowe's chief marketing officer.
Each team won gift cards and a grilling prize package for participating
in the event.
The invited guests cheered on their favorite military branch and then
enjoyed a day at the ballpark. Military families participated in free
activities, including movie-themed Build & Grow clinics, face painting,
cornhole tournaments, behind-the-scenes tours of the ballpark, a
picnic-style cookout and more.
Hi-res photography and b-roll from the event can be downloaded here and
used for media purposes: http://a-1broadcast.com/project/usocelebritygrill.html#.
"Today, Lowe's gave military families a chance to have a great time,"
said USO President and CEO Sloan Gibson. "Their generous donation also
makes it possible for the USO to continue providing important programs
and services to those who need us most. On this Fourth of July, we are
grateful to Lowe's for joining us as we show our troops that their
service and sacrifice are appreciated."
Lowe's support of the U.S. armed forces spans more than 60 years.
Founded in 1946 by World War II Army veteran Carl Buchan, Lowe's is
proud to be a military friendly employer and a longtime supporter of the
USO. Lowe's employs more than 16,000 military veterans.
ABOUT THE USO
The USO lifts the spirits of America's troops and their families
millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide
a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the
U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and
services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most,
including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors
and families of the fallen. The USO is a private, non-profit
organization, not a government agency. Our programs and services are
made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners
and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
ABOUT LOWE'S
With fiscal year 2012 sales of $50.5 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is
a FORTUNE(R) 100 company that serves approximately 15 million
customers a week at more than 1,750 home improvement stores in the
United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in 1946 and based in
Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's is the second-largest home improvement
retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130629005017/en/
Source: Lowe's