March of Dimes announces Michael Johnson as chair of Spartanburg Signature Chefs Auction.

The March of Dimes South Carolina Chapter is pleased to announce that Michael Johnson of Spartanburg will serve as chair for the 2012 Signature Chefs Auction. The event—which highlights the culinary excellence of the area’s finest chefs, will be held on October 28 at 6 pm at the Spartanburg Marriott.   The event features six local chefs.

 The evening will begin with generous samplings of each chef’s signature dish. During this cocktail and sampling reception, guests have the opportunity to bid on silent auction packages. The highlight of the evening is the live auction, when the participating restaurants and chefs donate unique dining, travel and entertainment packages that are auctioned to the highest bidder. To date participating chefs and restaurants include: II Samuels, City Range, Cribb’s Kitchen, Morrisons, Spice of Life, and The Peddler.

 “I’m proud to be part of this event which will help the March of Dimes continue working towards the day when every baby has a healthy start in life,” Michael said. “The generous contributions of the restaurants, event sponsors and attendees will truly impact the lives of babies and families in our community and across the state.”

 Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year including more than 9,500 babies in South Carolina annually. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have life-long disabilities. Funds raised at the Signature Chef’s Auction will fund research into the causes and preventions or premature birth.

 There is still availability to participate in the event. Interested chefs should contact the March of Dimes at (864) 551-2649.

 Event sponsors include: Budweiser of Spartanburg and Michelin.

 Tickets for the event are $100 per person, or $1,250 for a corporate table of ten. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are also available. Please contact the March of Dimes at 864-551-2649 or marchofdimes.com/southcarolina for more information. 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.

 Each year, the South Carolina Chapter of the March of Dimes invests in mission initiatives statewide, including research grants and local community services. Through these program services, the March of Dimes works to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina’s premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care, and educate health care providers and women about having full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

 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/southcarolina.  Find us on Facebook  and follow us on Twitter.