Taste buds were tempted with a tantalizing array of tapas-style tidbits last Monday evening at the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction at Quail Valley River Club.

A coterie of connoisseurs tasted their way through the culinary creations of eight area chefs, each of whom had stepped up to the table to support research into the causes and prevention of birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Attendees supped on seared ahi tuna with soba noodle salad by Chef Tibor Andrejszky, Citron Bistro; mini crab cakes by Chef James Andres, Kyle G’s Seafood; crab meat and avocado tian by Chef Stéphane Becht, Bistro Fourchette; braised pork belly by Chef Armando Galeas, The Wave at Costa d’Este; filet mignon sliders by Chef Bob Getchell’s, a Boathouse specialty; oysters on the half shell a la Chef Ryan Krull, Cobalt; duck confit and foie gras tacos by Chef Kevin Lee’s, Jake’s Tex-Mex; and truffle ricotta ravioli compliments of Chef Scott Varricchio, Citrus Grillhouse.

Guests dined al fresco, enjoying the balmy breeze, and between bites perused numerous silent-auction items. Later, the satiated gourmands gathered in the newly decorated dining room to enjoy Quail Valley’s decadent chocolate marquis, while auctioneer John Moore presided over an impressive collection of live auction items.

Event co-chairs Rachel and Tim Carroll, this year’s Ambassador Family, shared the tumultuous story of their daughter London’s struggle to survive. Rachel Carroll recounted her fear upon learning that she was in preterm labor at 20 weeks, relating that with London born weighing just over 1 pound, what gave their micro preemie a fighting chance were the medical advancements made possible through research funded by the March of Dimes.

The crowd felt her emotion, as Carroll shared the sorrow of not being able to hold her newborn until she was 1 month old, and even then having to ask for permission.

“For 80 years the March of Dimes has been a leading organization, saving lives, supporting innovative research, creating new therapies and becoming a champion for all babies, especially ours. We just celebrated her third birthday. Many of the families have a very different ending,” added Carroll, acknowledging the support of the March of Dimes.

“Help create a world in which every baby has an opportunity to thrive and every family gets the healthiest possible start,” said Moore, imploring guests to be generous during a Fund the Mission call-out.

For more information, visit marchofdimes.org.