| Cary, NC — On October 26 at Prestonwood Country Club, 250 guests sampled the signature dishes of the Triangle’s finest chefs, in a glamorous setting, to benefit the March of Dimes.
The March of Dimes is inspired by all babies — those born healthy, those who need our help and those who did not survive. Every year in the United States, more than half a million babies are born prematurely. Again this year, Triangle residents made a difference in the lives of babies and their families by taking part in Signature Chefs Auction, raising over $112,000. Great Chefs of the Triangle was presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and Credit Suisse. Other sponsors included UNC/Rex, GlaxoSmithKline, First Citizens Bank, Embarq, and Pergo, Inc.
Nine chefs offered signature samplings to those attending Great Chefs of the Triangle. First-time participant Executive Chef Mario Huante won both People’s Choice Awards for Best Station Presentation and Overall Excellence. Executive Chef Adam Smith of Firebird’s at North Hills served as the 2008 Chef Liaison.
Funds raised by Great Chefs of the Triangle support lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at helping moms have healthy, full-term babies. In 2008, the North Carolina March of Dimes is investing more than $335,500 in community grants to agencies and organizations across the state, funding programs to decrease premature birth, increase access to prenatal care, and educate women and men about having healthy babies. The national March of Dimes currently funds 16 research grants to North Carolina universities and institutions totaling $3,068,776.
“The outstanding leadership of our volunteer committee, led by Carole and Brad Wilson, and the support of generous sponsors and guests in and around the Triangle were really the icing on the cake of this fabulous gourmet event,” exclaimed March of Dimes Board Chair, Matthew Ayotte. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s Signature Chefs Auction.”
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
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