ATTENTION: NEWS DESK 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: CHAR YATES, 248-359-1574 CYATES@MARCHOFDIMES.COM

MARCH OF DIMES ANNOUNCES 2007 CHEFS AUCTION PARTNERSHIP WITH
MICHIGAN BLUE
Michigan’s Lakestyle Magazine
Southfield, MI, October, 2007 – The March of Dimes, Michigan Chapter and is pleased and proud to announce its partnership with Michigan Blue magazine – the 2007 Signature Chefs Auction state media sponsor.  “This partnership allows two great organizations to combine our respective resources for greater outreach throughout the State of Michigan,” said Tom Riopelle, State Director for the March of Dimes Michigan Chapter.  “Blue’s bi-monthly luxury magazine is an excellent avenue to partner with the March of Dimes,” said Riopelle.  “Michigan BLUE Magazine is pleased and proud to serve as 2007 Signature Chefs Auction state media sponsor for March of Dimes Michigan Chapter, “ said Lisa Jensen, editor of Michigan BLUE Magazine. “Beneath the fun of this event is the attention it draws to such an important mission.”
Several of Michigan’s most prominent chefs along with their participating restaurants are joining forces to help the March of Dimes save babies as part of the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction to be held throughout the state.  Proceeds raised by the event will support March of Dimes efforts to save babies through programs of research, community service, advocacy and education. 
This fall, eight March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auctions throughout the state will showcase the tasteful talents of Michigan’s most respected chefs.  Each event begins with hors d’oeuvres or samplings of signature dishes specially prepared by its culinary stars.  While dining throughout the food stations, attendees are invited to browse tables with silent auction items, including vacation giveaways, shopping, dining, personal gifts and home items to name a few, then bid on the items during a festive, fast-paced, live auction.
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Michigan Blue Partnership – Cont.

 “Those individuals who volunteer their efforts, talents and heart to the March of Dimes are making a difference in the lives of Michigan’s children,” Jensen said. “We’re grateful for this opportunity to help them raise funds to benefit Michigan’s families. And we’re thankful for the generosity of our auction partners, who have donated a wide range of creative and memorable live and silent auction items.”
Some of the sponsors of the 2007 Signature Chefs Auction Partners, providing packages and donations include, Bay Harbor Properties, Boyne Highlands Resort, Chef Jerome & Sons, Double JJ Ranch & Resort, Drummond Island Resort, The Harbor Grand & Marina Grand Resort, McGuire’s Resort, ProjectPilot.org, Thunder Bay Resort, Think Design, and The Village.  
Michigan BLUE Magazine is dedicated to those who love and live along the water.  From region to region, every issue explores, expresses, showcases and shares what makes lakefront living distinctive – and ways to enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of this state’s greatest natural resource.  For more information on Blue, log onto http://www.geminipub.com/. 
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.  Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to reduce the rate of premature birth.  For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web language site at nacersano.org.
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