March of Dimes Chefs Auction 2018

March of Dimes Chefs Auction 2018

INAUGURAL MARCH OF DIMES INLAND EMPIRE SIGNATURE CHEFS AUCTION SET FOR NOVEMBER 7

Top local chefs join forces to benefit the health of all moms and babies. The inaugural March of Dimes Inland Empire Signature Chefs Auction presented by KPC Healthcare, Inc., is set to take place Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at the Vellano Country Club. The much-anticipated philanthropic dining event will raise critical funds to benefit March of Dimes’ mission to lead the fight for the health of all moms and
babies. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with an extraordinary tasting of Inland Empire’s most desirable cuisine, prepared and served by culinary masters from top local establishments, followed by a seated dessert program and a rousing live auction, offering an opportunity to bid on insider packages and unique experiences.

Sir Chef Bruno Serato, one of the regions most renowned chefs and humanitarians, is the owner and chef of Anaheim White House and Caterina’s Club and the Lead Chef for the event. Serato is well-known for his delicious creations, but it is his work with children that has earned him an international reputation. He was recognized as a CNN Hero in 2011 for his philanthropic and humanitarian works in the community. Since 2005 Serato has been providing warm nutritious meals to impoverished youth beginning here in one of the wealthiest counties in the nation through his nonprofit organization, Caternia’s Club, named after his mother, Caterina. Serato hopes to inspire others to do the same project in their communities and across the globe.
What began as one meal to a child has now grown into over 2.6 million meals served, 174 families moved out of homelessness into safe-affordable housing, 132 at-risk teens trained in career readiness skills and over $40,000 in scholarships awarded.

Serato is bringing his passion for food and helping families and children to the inaugural March of Dimes Inland Empire Signature Chefs Auction. “The carefully curated menu is 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.

“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.”

For longtime March of Dimes’ volunteers, MacKenzie and Dak Schmidt, this event is very personal. Their second child, Dakota Everett, was born still. The Schmidt family are determined to help others who are dealing with similar situations. “Serving as the Ambassador Family for the Signature Chefs Auction is a way for us to raise money and awareness for infant loss and prematurity in Dakota’s memory,” says Mackenzie. “When you support March of Dimes, you make a statement about the world you want to live in–- one in which healthy moms and strong
babies are a priority for us all.”

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.

Joining Chef Serato at the event will be: Chef Henry Gonzalez from Spaggi’s, Chef Jose Ruiz of Tutti Mangia Italian Grill, Chef George Torres of Vellano Country Club and many more. Local top sponsors supporting March of Dimes include: Presenting Sponsor: KPC Healthcare, Inc. and Silver Sponsor: Wedgwood Weddings.

Table of 10 for the event are $3,500. For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, visit signaturechefs.org/inlandempire or contact Ricki Hill at [email protected].