25th Annual March of Dimes Benefit

On September 28th at the Three Rivers Convention Center, top chefs will offer Mid-Columbia diners an opportunity to enjoy a great night out while raising funds, making friends and increasing awareness of the March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies.  In addition to sampling signature dishes, guests will be able to bid on many unique auction items graciously donated by local businesses.

“What better way to enjoy a wonderful meal than by supporting the March of Dimes mission and working together for stronger, healthier babies, right here in Mid-Columbia,” said Event Chair Carla Hages, HR Manager, Washington River Protection Solutions. “I am grateful that volunteering for the March of Dimes has given me a chance to make a difference for the moms and babies of our community.”

The event will feature a stellar lineup of chefs from many of the area’s most prominent restaurants, including:

Chef Mark Schwegel, Bookwalter Winery

Chef Bryan Lukawski, Clover Island Inn

Chef Don Karger, Henry’s Restaurant & Catering

Chef Frank Magana, Magana Catering

Chef Michael Hannah, Meadow Springs Country Club

Chef Frank Chullino, Taverna Tagaris

Chef Rob Chapin, Three Rivers Convention Center

Chef Jason LaBarge, TC Prime Steakhouse

Their signature dishes will be complemented by a wide variety of wines from several area vintners for a truly exceptional epicurean experience.  A seated dessert and live auction of exclusive “bucket list” items including travel and specialty experiences will round out the evening’s festivities.

“Food, family, love and good health help us all to lead happy lives,” said Chef Michael Hannah of Meadow Springs Country Club.  “It is an honor to join the March of Dimes in helping to give every newborn a chance to live a healthy and happy life.”

Generous donations of sponsorships and priceless auction items have been made by: Mission Support Alliance, Lockheed Martin, Energy Northwest, Kadlec Regional Medical Center, Washington River Protection Solutions, HAPO Community Credit Union, Leonetti Cellars, Portland Trailblazers, Lampson International, LLC, the Honorable Lt. Governor Brad Owen, Barnard Griffin Winery and Alaska Airlines.

Funds raised by Signature Chefs Auction support lifesaving research and educational programs right here in Mid-Columbia.  Local programs include the Comenzando bien prenatal educational curriculum for expectant moms in Yakima, the 39 Weeks Quality Improvement initiative with 12 local hospitals participating as well as educating medical professionals at Kadlec Regional Medical Center.

Premature birth is the most serious infant health problem in the United States today. It affects more than half a million babies nationwide each year, with 9,620 born right here in Washington. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have lifelong disabilities. The March of Dimes is committed to reversing this trend by funding research to find the causes of premature birth and developing strategies to prevent it.  Guests will hear first-hand the impact the March of Dimes has had on the lives of the Kennedy family in Richland.

For more information, contact the local March of Dimes office at 509-591-0931.  Or, to register for the event go online at www.marchofdimes.com\washington.

About

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. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

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