An investment in the March of Dimes in an investment in a better tomorrow, says Lynda Hood, co-chair of this year’s March of Dimes Signature Chefs & Auction. “Can you imagine a day when all babies are born healthy? We can,” Hood says. The gala will take place November 12 at 6 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
Patrons will be treated to gourmet food prepared by 13 of the city’s top chefs, music, dancing, a live and silent auction, and the camaraderie of like-minded people, all of whom will be there to support the birth of healthy babies. The 22nd annual black tie event will support the mission of the March of Dimes, which is to help mothers have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies.
For more than 70 years, the organization has worked to discover the genetic causes of birth defects, promote newborn screening, and educate medical professionals and the public about how to increase the odds of a mother having a healthy pregnancy. The March of Dimes has made great strides in these areas by spearheading the creation of the country’s system of neonatal intensive care units, developing sufficient therapy for premature babies and decreasing the rate of neural tube defects. But there’s more work to do, Hood says.
“For the first time in three decades, our nation has experienced a two-year decline in the rate of preterm births. While the March of Dimes celebrates this, ... there’s much to be done. Together, we will reach the day when every baby is born healthy.” Hood says the gala will be an evening of hopes and dreams. “It [will be a night] of promise for continued research and education that comes from the generous support you give the March of Dimes – whether through your time, talents or financial support. The money raised at the event will help to reduce birth defects and preterm deliveries. This is a great investment in our future. The babies we help today will become the leaders of tomorrow.”
The Chattanooga March of Dimes has dubbed the philanthropic and social event “Oh Baby! The Gatsby Signature Chefs & Auction Gala” to signify the elegance and taste that will be on display. The food will certainly have supporters saying “Oh baby!” as they sample dishes prepared by premiere local chefs, including Daniel Lindley of St. John’s, Eric Taslimi of Table 2, Nick Lyriakidis of Niko’s, Jernard Wells of Bon’Appetite Bistro, David James and Brad Witzel of Dave’s Modern Tavern, Blackwell Smith of Blacksmith’s Bistro, John Palacio of Porter’s Steakhouse, Scott Eiselstein of Bluewater Grille, Sven Lindroth of Café on the Corner, Virginia Cofer of Petunia’s Silver Jalapeno, and Alex Canale and Chris Casteel of Chato Brasserie.
Patrons will also be able to enjoy classy décor designed by Jimmy Adams, a member of the event committee and owner of Nell’s Home Furnishings. A variety of table options are available, including a Patron Table, which comes with seating for eight near the dance area, valet parking, a half-page advertisement in the program, a logo in the auction guide and signage at the gala.
Also available are: a VIP Gold Table, which comes with seating for eight, valet parking and a quarter page ad in the event program; a Gold Table, which comes with seating for eight and the company name or logo in the event program; and the Silver Table, which comes with seating for eight and the company name in the event program. A limited number of tickets for couples are available. Supporters who purchase this option will receive valet parking and have their names printed in the event program. To reserve tickets, email Caitlin Coen at ccoen@marchofdimes.com or call her at 423-267-7172.
Hood is co-chairing this year’s Signature Chefs & Auction with her husband, Michael. Her support of the March of Dimes goes back to her childhood, when she went door to door in her neighborhood asking people for support. Hood assisted with the first gourmet gala in 1989 and has served on the board of directors for six years. In 1992, she was the coordinator for the organization’s First Steps program. “As parents of a wonderful, healthy daughter, we are reminded that the services and guidance the March of Dimes provides is unequalled in terms of making an impact on people’s lives, especially our children. A great start in life is important, and proper prenatal care for the mother and the baby provides the best possible situation for a baby entering the world,” she says.
For more information about the Gatsby Signature Chefs & Auction Gala, visit Facebook and search for the page titled “March of Dimes Chattanooga: Gatsby Gala Signature Chefs Auction.”