VERO BEACH — The community is invited to tantalize its taste buds while furthering the March of Dimes mission at the Sixth Annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction set for 6 p.m. Nov. 17 at The Moorings Club in Vero Beach.
The event promises guests an evening of culinary delights created by 18 of the Treasure Coast’s finest chefs. In addition, guests will enjoy complimentary cocktails, a purple March of Dimes specialty drink, entertainment by the Bossa Jazz Trio, and irresistible live and super silent auction experiences. Cocktail attire is requested. Proceeds from the event will benefit the March of Dimes.
Event Chairperson is Emily Burgoon. Committee members are: John D’Albora, Margaret Anne Evans, Liza Gaston, Laura Hurley, Colene Israel, Ashley Simmems and Irina Woelfle. Their goal is to raise $100,000 for the Treasure Coast March of Dimes and its mission to improve the health of all babies by preventing birth defects, premature births and infant mortality.
“It’s a fabulous event with great food for a great cause,” Burgoon said. “All the chefs are to be applauded for their generosity and creativity.”
Serving as Chef Chair, Chef Scott Varricchio of Citrus Grillhouse, said “I’m excited to be part of the Signature Chefs Auction. It is a wonderful opportunity for the area’s finest chefs to showcase their specialties while working together for stronger, healthier babies.”
Participating chefs include Host Chef Ben S. Tench of The Moorings, Chef Tibor Andrejszky of Citron Bistro, Chef Larry Bass of Marsh Landing, Chocolatier Gina Battle of Faith, Hope and…Chocolate!, Chef Christopher Bireley of Osceola Bistro, Chef Clay Conley of Buccan, Chef Kim Coveny and Chef Joe Fenyak of Joey’s Seafood Shack, Chef Mark Edmonds and Chef Michael Glatz of Patisserie, Chef Dean Evans of Oak Harbor Club, Chef Anthony Damiano of Trattoria Dario, Chef Eric Grutka of Ian’s Tropical Grill, Chef Jessica Letts of Classy Cupcakes, Chef Fernando Pons of Agape Café, Chef Zandra Simms of Vinz, Chef Jason Stocks of District Table & Bar and Chef Mike VanBuskirk of Cobalt at Vero Beach Hotel & Spa.
Gold sponsors of the event are Bill and Mary Ann Becker and George E. Warren Corp. Silver Sponsors are Mrs. Herman F. Becker, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Burgoon, Page 2 Design, Rehmann and Vero Insurance. Additional supporters of the event include Gaston Bijoux, Photo Fantasies, Southeastern Printing, and The Design Firm International—Florals By Fe.
“Thanks to research funded by the March of Dimes, we have Neonatal Intensive Care Units; the PKU test, which tests for 29 different conditions newborns babies can face; and surfactant therapy which helps tiny lungs breathe,” Burgoon said. “This made a huge, lifesaving difference, for my sister’s premature baby, Otis, who was born 10 weeks early.
“Today the March of Dimes is helping babies get the strongest, healthiest start by preventing premature births,” Burgoon continued. “Please mark your calendar for Monday night, November 17, and come hear my sister’s story of her twins, Magnolia and Otis, while having a great time, yummy food and supporting the March of Dimes.”
Sponsorship opportunities and reserved tables are still available. Individual tickets are $150 per person and may be purchased by calling the March of Dimes office at (772)-410-5460 or on line at www.marchofdimes.com/florida.
