Guests at the sixth annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction last Monday evening attended the event knowing they were supporting a great cause. But they also came for the food – eagerly anticipating the always amazing fare prepared by 17 talented Treasure Coast chefs, who served up their premier specialties at food stations set up throughout the dining room of The Moorings Yacht and Country Club.
“Tonight is all about these restaurants coming together working for one cause,” said Chef Scott Varrichio of Citrus Grillhouse, who served as Chef Chairman.
During the cocktail hour, as guests perused the array of live and silent auction items, many shared their personal reasons for attending.
“I was a preemie, three months early, and back in those days they did not know what to do,” said Monica Cheslak. “They actually gave me first rites and kept me in the hospital for three months as my mother went home to take care of my brother.”
Cheslak was astonished to learn that for years, hospitals had no idea how to keep premature babies alive. When newborns reached five pounds they were sent home to woefully unprepared households.
“The organizations we have now really make sure the mothers are taken care of. The neo-natal support alone is so vital,” added Chesnak.
Actions by the March of Dimes have helped to decrease the number of uninsured mothers, lower the pre-term rate to 9.6 percent and reduce the number of women of childbearing age who smoke. Despite those efforts, 1 in 15 premature babies still don’t make it, so the need to raise funds for research and programs remains imperative. Florida was recently given a “D” on the March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card.
In his work with the Indian River County Sheriff’s Department, Jeff Luther has seen the deep effect the health of a child can have on a family. Households can become dysfunctional as they cope with birth defects and other health issues. Added medical costs and an inability to work while caring for an unhealthy child can lead to issues with alcoholism, illegal drug use and violent behavior.
“March of Dimes is such a worthy cause,” said Luther. “Well adjusted families are less likely to get into the legal system so it is really important that we make sure that the whole family is healthy.”
Rachel Akers, the sister of event chair Emily Burgoon, was the guest speaker at the event. Akers gave birth to premature twins, daughter Magnolia and son Otis. Sadly, Magnolia did not survive. As a poignant reminder, single white magnolias graced the floral centerpieces designed by Fé Domenech.
“We are just very thankful for all the work March of Dimes does,” said Akers. “They do so much to support premature births, and their research helps families all over the world.”
The March of Dimes hoped to raise $100,000 from the festive evening to support research, prevent premature births and stem the tide of infant mortality.
“It is good to educate the community about premature babies that they may not know about. They hear the stories and it hits close to home,” said committee member Margaret Anne Evans.
