MARCH OF DIMES ANNUAL “SIGNATURE CHEFS AUCTION” A SUCCESS Community raises funds to support March of Dimes mission

(Charleston, SC, November, 2008)—The March of Dimes 8th Annual Signature Chefs Auction was held on November 6, 2008 at 6:00 pm at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center. This year’s event is presented by Select Health of South Carolina, Inc. and Embassy Suites and featured 10 of Charleston’s finest chefs. Two Girls and a Guy in the Morning served as emcee for the evening.

The evening began with generous samplings of each chef’s signature dish. During this cocktail and sampling reception, guests had the opportunity to bid on silent auction packages. The highlight of the evening was the live auction, when the competitive crowd bid on unique dining, travel and entertainment packages donated by the restaurants and chefs. Participating chefs and restaurants included: Tristan, Carolina’s, Relish Downtown, Charleston Grill, McCrady’s Restaurant, Robert’s of Charleton, Lana Restaurant, Palm Tree Grill at Embassy Suites, The Woodlands Restaurant and Inn, Blend Restaurant.

This year’s event sponsors were: Select Health of South Carolina, Inc, Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center, Dow, Incorporated, Lee Distributors, Ben Arnold, Southern Wine and Spirits, and many more. Media Sponsors were Charleston Magazine, WTMA Talk Radio, and Comcast.

The March of Dimes funds research to find the causes and ways to prevent premature birth—an infant health crisis that affects one in six babies in South Carolina and the numbers continue to rise. In half of all cases there is no known cause. Premature babies struggle to survive and may face life-long health consequences. November is Prematurity Awareness Month. The March of Dimes urges everyone to sign the Petition for Preemies at marchofdimes.com/petition and find out how to help take action to move toward healthier babies in our state, and in our nation.

Last year, the South Carolina March of Dimes chapter invested more than $4.2 million in program services, including research grants and local community services. Through these grants, the March of Dimes is seeking ways to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina’s increasing premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care and educate men and women about having healthy babies.

About March of Dimes

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. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org