Rebecca Walker , March of Dimes, 803-403-8531, mlippard@marchofdimes.com.
Columbia, South Carolina, November 12, 2012 —

On November 4, nearly 350 guests savored the signature dishes of the Midlands top chefs during the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction held at Embassy Suites. In addition to the gourmet samplings, the event included one-of-a kind silent and live auction packages.

Guests were moved by a first-hand account of the impact the March of Dimes has had on the lives of the Stricklin family of Columbia, whose twins were born 27 weeks early,  each weighing less than three pounds. Alex and Grace spent three long months in Neonatal Intensive Care before they could come home for the first time.

The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature birth. It affects more than half a million babies each year. On November 13, the March of Dimes will issue the annual report card on Premature Birth, giving the nation and each state a letter grade based upon prematurity rates. Last year, South Carolina received a “D” grade. Our state’s prematurity rate of 14.5% is the fourth worst in the nation.

“November is Prematurity Awareness Month, and a perfect time for a fundraising event like the Signature Chefs Auction” said Albert Bueno, GIS President and Event Chair. “Thanks to the generous support of the participating restaurants, event sponsors and attendees, the March of Dimes raised more than $98,000 to support lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at giving every baby a healthy start. We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated to this year’s Signature Chefs Auction so the March of Dimes can continue working for stronger, healthier babies.”

Participating restaurants included:  Blue Marlin, Brookland Banquet and Conference Center, Capital City Club, Cupcake, Dupre Catering & Events, Earth Fare, Gardenia’s Custom Cakes & Catering, Holiday Inn & Suites/Sporting News Grill, IFH, MoMo’s Bistro, Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Café and The Oak Table.

Event sponsors were:  Lexington Medical Center, BlueCross BlueShield of SC, Columbia Eye Clinic, SCE&G, Pediatrix and GIS.

Each year, the South Carolina March of Dimes invests in mission initiatives statewide, including research grants and local community services. Through these program services, the March of Dimes continues to strive to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina’s premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care and educate men and women about having healthy babies. Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year including 169 babies in South Carolina in an average week.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, 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 www.marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.  Get involved with the March of Dimes in your community. Visit www.marchofdimes.com/southcarolina and follow us on www.facebook.com/scmarchofdimes and www.twitter.com/scmarchofdimes.  

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