Published: October 07, 2008 10:04 pm         

Signature Chefs Auction

March of Dimes fundraiser promises a ‘Starry Night in the Garden’

“Starry Night in the Garden” will be this year’s theme for the annual Signature Chefs Auction Oct. 21 at Tamarack.

The annual fundraiser for the March of Dimes will begin with a reception in the atrium at 5:30 p.m. As guests enjoy a wine-tasting from Kirkwood Winery and Corley Distributing and sample cheese and fruit stations provided by Cabot Cheese and Edible Arrangements, they will be able to bid on a silent auction. A cash bar will also be provided.

“This has always been a popular event because so many people are familiar with the work of the March of Dimes,” community director Tambra Cheman said. “There has been so much planning that has gone into this year’s event as part of our goal to make the evening as enjoyable as possible for everyone who comes out to support such a good cause.”

The Grand Ballroom dinner provides signature dishes offered by some of southern West Virginia’s best chefs. Participants include chef Robert Wong of Maxwell’s, chef Michele Stalnaker of Pasquale’s and The Char, chef Jamie Henderson of Tamarack, chef Will Greenwood of The Resort at Glade Springs, chef Leonard Bailey of MSU Culinary Arts; chef Chris Dissibbio of Key Ingredients, Rezan Hewitt of Rezan’s, Wendy Campbell of New River Falls Barbeque, Emily Reed of Appetit Boutique, Denise Santos of Edible Arrangements, Bree Lambert of Kem’s, Renee’ Woolwine of Dominic’s and others yet to be announced.

“I can guarantee there will be some of the best food you can imagine,” Cheman said. “All of the chefs will be putting out the best they have to offer. There will also be a large variety in the kinds of food available.”

Following the dinner, there will be a new feature — a live auction. “This will be an amazing auction with creative, one-of-a-kind items,” Cheman said. “Items have been donated from Food Network, DIY Network, Continental Air and Matress Warehouse, just to name a few. There’s even a trip to Cancun, Mexico, up for bid.”

Attendees can bid on such things as a suite for the 2009 West Virginia Power baseball season, Continental Airline tickets, an autographed guitar, a flat screen TV donated by John Eye Big Sandy Superstore, concert packages and much more, Cheman said.

All items from silent/live auctions are 100 percent tax-deductible, including vacations, Cheman said.

The Signature Chefs Auction will be presented by Suddenlink. Sponsors are Foley Orthodontics, Raleigh General Hospital, WOAY-TV, Vecellio & Grogan, WJLS, Lewis Automotive, Eckley Orthodontics, Appalachian Power, United Bank, Tamarack, Quality Homes, Cabot Cheese, Edible Arrangements, 99.5FM WJLS, and AM 560 WJLS, Kirkwood Winery and Corley Distributing.

Events conclude about 9 p.m.

Proceeds benefit the March of Dimes’ campaign to reduce the rate of premature births, birth defects, and other serious threats to babies’ health.

Three ambassador families whose children have benefited directly from research and development done by the March of Dimes will be on hand to show off their healthy children and share their inspiring stories.

“This is going to be a wonderful evening. It’s fun. It’s inspiring. It’s an event we hope the community will come out and support wholeheartedly,” Cheman said.

For individual tickets and information, contact Cheman at 1-800-313-2911 or visit tcheman@marchofdimes.com

— E-mail:

bdavis@register-herald.com