Community raises funds to support March of Dimes mission

Columbia, SC (November 11, 2008) — The March of Dimes 9th Annual Signature Chefs Auction was held on Sunday, November 2 at 6:00 pm. This year’s event was hosted by the Columbia Marriott and featured 12 of Columbia’s finest chefs. Tre’ Tailor of KISS 103.1 FM served as emcee for the evening and Jimmy Derrick, Coldwell Banker United, served as auctioneer.

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: Chef Boeing Koo of 300 Senate, Chef Brian Dukes of the Blue Marlin, Chef Hiroshi Osono of The Capital City Club, Chef Ryan Dukes of Dupre Dukes Signature Catering, Chef Jay Kilmartin of The Melting Pot, Chef Jason Wilcox of MoMo’s Bistro, Chef Tim Peters of Motor Supply Company Bistro and Tombo Grille, Chef Ricky Mollohan of Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Café and Solstice Kitchen, Chef Matt Gillespie of Nutritious Dining, Chef Chris Hyler of Saluda’s and Monika Hilton of The Cake Lady.

This year’s event sponsors were: Lexington Medical Center, SYSCO Foodservices of Columbia, Columbia Eye Clinic, CMC Steel of South Carolina, Colonial Life, Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and Magic 98.5 FM.

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.