Top local chefs joined forces to benefit the health of all moms and babies
(CHINO HILLS, CA) NOVEMBER 2018 - The inaugural March of Dimes Inland Empire Signature Chefs Auction presented by KPC Healthcare, Inc., took place Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at the Vellano Country Club in Chino Hills with 300 guests who raised $215,000 to help lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies.
Photo credit: Dawn Malone and Elisabeth Girke for March of Dimes
Thanks to the selfless contributions from top Chefs and their teams, the Signature Chefs Auction kicked off with an extraordinary tasting of the region’s most desirable cuisine, prepared and served by culinary masters from top local establishments, and was followed by a seated dessert program and a rousing live auction, offering an opportunity to bid on insider packages and unique experiences. For 2018, Sir Chef Bruno Serato, Chef of Anaheim White House and Caterina’s Club, was chosen as the lead chef for the evening’s events.
As one of the region’s most renowned chefs and humanitarians, Serato brought his passion for food and helping families and children to the inaugural March of Dimes Inland Empire Signature Chefs Auction. “The carefully curated menu was created for this evening only, for this exclusive audience to taste the diverse culinary talent in Inland Empire while celebrating and supporting this great cause,” says Serato. Chef Serato was joined at the event by Chef Henry Gonzalez from Spaggi’s, Chef Jerrold Brooks of the Pines Modern Steakhouse, Chef Fred Sevilla of Califuze Chef George Torres of Vellano Country Club and Chef Jeannelle Powery of George Lopez Chingon Kitchen, Esther Cuellar of Nothing Bundt Cakes and many others. Local top sponsors supporting March of Dimes include: Presenting Sponsor: KPC Healthcare, Inc., Platinum Sponsor: Ontario Airport and Silver Sponsor: AEG and Wedgewood Weddings.
Table of 10 was $3,500. Just a few of the auction items of the evening included a Costa Rican luxury vacation, a seven day trip to an exclusive Maui estate, suite at Staples Center for the Los Angeles Lakers, high level golf packages, Disneyland family experiences and even VIP passes to high profile concerts such as Stagecoach Festival and multi-platinum pop group OneRepublic.
“We are grateful to the talented chefs like Chef Serato who are artists, innovators and philanthropists,” says Ricki Hill, March of Dimes Senior Manager, Corporate Development. “Their support makes a huge difference and helps us raise critical funds and increase awareness of the maternal and infant health crisis taking place in our country.”
March of Dimes is committed to working together to improve the health of every mom and baby. March of Dimes gives 4 million babies born each year the best possible start. Nearly half a million of them are born prematurely or with birth defects. Premature birth and its complications are the largest contributors to infant death in the U.S. and pregnancy-related death has more than doubled over the past 25 years. Funds raised by the Signature Chefs Auction help support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start.
For more information, including future event sponsorship opportunities, visit signaturechefs.org/inlandempire or contact Ricki Hill at rhill@marchofdimes.org.
About March of Dimes:
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Media Contacts:
March of Dimes
Elizabeth Williams - ewilliams@marchofdimes.org
Ricki Hill - rhill@marchofdimes.org
Bradley Public Relations & Marketing
Bob Bradley - Bob@BradleyPublicity.com - (949) 274-9651