The Raymond James Financial Services’ annual appreciation event has garnered more than 12 tons of food for the local food bank over the last 25
The Raymond James Financial Services' annual appreciation event has garnered more than 12 tons of food for the local food bank over the last 25 years. Pictured is the Mike and Sally Morton family during this year's event, and the food that was collected by their clients. (Sean Morton / Courtesy Photo)

When Mike and Sally Morton began hosting their annual client appreciation dinner 25 years ago, it was in the spirit of getting to know their new clientele and also helping to meet a need in the community.

Fast forward a quarter of a century later and the event has garnered more than 12 tons of food for the emergency food bank at Loaves & Fishes.

Not only do the owners of Raymond James Financial Services Inc. continue to enjoy the tradition, but their clients look forward to it every year, as well.

The Morton family moved here from Kansas when Mike Morton traded offices with an agent in Cañon City. Since he was new to town, Morton decided to host a client appreciation dinner so that he could meet all the clients at one time.

The first dinner was held at his office at Ninth and Main streets, and the dinner was home cooked. Over time, they have expanded and now hold the dinner at the Abbey Events Center, which not only provides a great meal, Morton said, but also offers plenty of space and time for clients to visit. Sally Morton for 25 years has continued to make the desserts, and this year, she spent a week making 800 cookies for the event.

Since the very beginning, clients have been invited to bring non-perishable food items to the dinner, which in turn are donated to Loaves & Fishes.

"The clients love it," Mike Morton said. "Nobody brings just one can — they bring bags of food. They really like doing it.

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"I've had people come who couldn't stay for the party and just drop off the Loaves and Fishes stuff."

Morton's son, Sean Morton, who also is a financial advisor for Raymond James Financial Services Inc., said clients typically donate more than 1,000 pounds of food each year. He estimates the event has led to the donation of more that 12 tons of items to Loaves & Fishes over the years.

"It's been great to see how generous the clients have been," he said. "I've watched it grow over the years, and I've seen all of the clients look forward to coming each year.

"They are so happy to bring those items, knowing what cause it's going to."

Carie Canterbury: 719-276-7643, canterburyc@canoncitydailyrecord.com