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 4^th 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.

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^® 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.

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