Dressed in bow-ties, aprons and chef hats, the Washington Wizards Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, Andray Blatche, Dominic McGuire, Mike James, JaVale McGee and Javaris Crittenton were hardly in their usual setting. However, while the seven NBA players were not in their everyday work attire, they had no problem taking on the role as wait staff, bartenders and entertainers for the 200 troops who attended ‘Salute to the Stars’ on Wednesday at Morton’s The Steakhouse.

“We are honored to be serving the servicemen and women who put their lives on the line to protect our country,” said Caron Butler who manned the carving station with a chef hat. “The sacrifices they make provide safety for the American people, and we are forever grateful for that.”

The event was part of the NBA Cares Week of Service. With the start of the season just one week away, every NBA team hosted a variety of hands-on service events through Oct. 26 in a collaborative effort to give back to children, families, and the community and to increase fan awareness about the importance of service.

"Today on behalf of Abe and Irene Pollin, the Wizards are thanking the military for the outstanding service they do," said Judy Holland, Senior Vice President of Community Relations. "We are so honored that they were able to take time out of their busy schedule to participate in this fun afternoon. Right now we have our players serving them hors d'oeuvres and drinks, it is really just been a fun afternoon."

No matter who you talked to the over-riding theme of the event was the fun that both the players and military personnel were having. Whether it was Dominic McGuire and JaVale McGee pouring drinks, Javaris Crittenton serving side dishes, Brendan Haywood doling out deserts or Mike James and Andray Blatche being the entertainers of the group, everyone was enjoying themselves.

"It means a lot especially for me because my dad was in the military for 27 years," said McGuire. "It's great to be out here and show support because they do so much for us and this country. It is just a great event. There is great food just a great atmosphere and time. This is fun I could get used to this."

The program, ‘Salute to the Stars’, is a partnership with the White House’s “United We Serve” initiative (www.serve.gov), a call to the country by President Obama to engage more Americans into serving their community. The event aims to give back to those who make sacrifices for our country, showing the admiration the Wizards have for the military and their families.

"We don't get the opportunity to be around the military face to face like this," said Wizards Head Athletic Trainer Eric Waters, who also attended the event as a guest waiter. "It is very humbling and an honor to meet them."

To learn more about how the Wizards are helping in the community visit WizardsCare.com.