The Auburn University Club is bringing together the top chefs in East Alabama to showcase its culinary masterpieces and raise money to support the March of Dimes.
The club is hosting the Inaugural Signature Chefs Auction of East Alabama Tuesday, Nov. 13.
In addition to the mouthwatering cuisine sampling, this event also offers a generous sampling of fine wines, entertainment, a silent auction and a live auction.
Linda Gross, senior community director of the March of Dimes Alabama chapter, said November is Prematurity Awareness Month. This event is crucial because "monies raised by this event will support our mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality," Gross said. "This is a great opportunity to help people understand our mission and our fight to give every baby a healthy start in life."
Approximately 150 guests will dine on dishes from 12-15 local chefs. The participating eateries at this event include Arricia, Amsterdam Cafe, Irish Bred Pub, Maestro 2300, Hamilton's on Magnolia, Clubhouse at Auburn, University Club, Jimmy's, Zazu Gastropub, SpringHouse and Alagasco Preferred Chef.
The silent auction, cuisine sampling and wine and beer tasting will begin at 6 p.m. The auction will include items such as an original Willi-Nilli handbag and gift card from The Villager, an original Kathy Miller painting, jewelry from Marquirette's, Pure Barre one month unlimited sessions, Foodie gift basket from Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, long weekend stay at a condo in Panama City, and much more. Additionally, each chef is donating special packages.
The silent auction will be followed by the live auction at 7 p.m.
The live auction will feature items such as an original James Dean painting of Samford Hall donated by The Villager. Dean is an alumnus of Auburn University and is famous for his "Pete the Cat" paintings.
The East Alabama March ambassador family is Chris, Hamilton and Inman Moore, who will be sharing their story at the event. After prematurely giving birth to their son, Inman, the Moore family experienced the benefits of the March of Dimes.
"Because so many people before us have stood where you are and supported the March of Dimes, we have the happy ending every parent dreams of," Moore said. "Thank you for caring, and thank you for supporting the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction. We are forever grateful."
Money raised at the event will support research and programs designed to improve the health of babies. This is accomplished by preventing premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality in Alabama.
According to Gross, more than 500,000 babies will be born premature this year in the United States. In Alabama, one in six babies is born too soon, often struggling to survive.
The current percentage of premature births in Alabama is 15.6.
"The March of Dimes 2020 goal is to achieve a premature rate of 9.6 or less in every state," Gross said. "On Nov. 13, the March of Dimes will release the fifth Annual Premature Birth Cards for each state and the nation. Every year ,Alabama has received a grade F. We're hopeful this year's report card will show improvement in the state."
You can support the March of Dimes in this mission by purchasing tickets to the event.
Individual tickets are $75 each or $150 per couple. Cocktail or business attire is preferred.
For more information on tickets, sponsorships or how you can help, you can contact Linda Gross at (334) 513-7381 or lgross@marchofdimes.com.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
