Good food, good times all for a good cause.
The March of Dimes is still counting,but the organization raised at least $33,000 at its annual Signature Chefs auction.
The event was held Sunday, October 19 at the Founders Inn in Virginia Beach.

FOX 43 and WAVY TV 10 are proud sponsors and I was happy to serve as emcee of the event. Even though this is a tough economic year, folks were generous with their time, talent and money. Local chefs offered samples of their best dishes. Thank goodness they were sample sized because with 20 chefs, that’s a lot of food! My favorite was the rockfish prepared by chef Mike Farrell of Still in Portsmouth. My favorite dessert was sweet potato pie prepared by chef Richard Boone of Sonoma in Virginia Beach.
Judges awarded chefs in various categories and guest got to vote on their favorite dish.
Here’s the list of winners:
Outstanding Presentation Dish – Richard Boone, Sonoma Wine Bar & Bistro

Best Decorated Booth – Rich Cuocco, Harbourway at Atlantic Shores

People’s Choice Award – Eric Doarnberger, The Founders Inn and Spa

Outstanding Dessert Dish – Richard Boone, Sonoma Wine Bar & Bistro

Chef’s Choice Award – Mike Farrell, Still

Most Environmentally Friendly Dish – Nigel Jenkins, The Great American Grill

The 2009 Dish of Hampton Roads – Executive Chef Pete Stine, Hilton Oceanfront Virginia Beach (Catch 31 & Salacia)

He prepared: Pan Roasted “Puppy Drum”, Corn bread, ragout of duck, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms.

This dish will be featured at his establishment in January and showcased in the 2010 Annual Food Issue of Hampton Roads Magazine.

The chefs’ restaurants donated packages for the live and silent auctions.

The money raised allows the March of Dimes to continue research and community education to help mothers have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

This year’s ambassadors are Brynn and Zach Earl, who were born premature 7 years ago, but are now thriving.

Hampton Roads March of Dimes Signature Chefs

Today was the day Jimmy and I had been waiting for, a 20 mile stretch that really puts us to the test!  We made it, but as usual we couldn’t have done it without all of the support from the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s department, and the Police Departments of Suffolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth.

If you were watching WAVY News 10 and FOX 43 this morning…you may have noticed Delegate Chris Jones walking wih us. We always look forward to seeing his smiling face. He brings fresh energy and we always stop at the Bennett’s Creek Pharmacy (which was super-convenient because I needed some Ibuprofin and sunscreen today!)  When we went by the Carrolton Volunteeer Fire Department they pulled a couple of Engines out just to say hi…or maybe they could tell Jimmy’s feet were on fire! Just kidding! He’s actually walking faster than I am!  Suffolk’s fire station 5 also met us with some cold water and encouragement, so I thought it was only right to high five them all!!

When we came to the Mills E. Godwin bridge the three of us got kind of quiet, we put our heads down and just focused on trying to get over that thing!!!  After that it was smooth sailing to Hall Chevrolet in Chesapeake. The Western Branch Veterinary Hospital brought us $1,000 dollars for the March of Dimes, and we met a couple of once premature babies. First we met Virginia an 18 month old who was born at 23 weeks, and then Brice, who received surfactin when he was born early,  and now is a thriving eight year old who loves the Boston Red Sox….atta boy Brice.

After our stop for lunch we went on for the last 7 miles or so to the Midtwon tunnel. Fantastic day…can’t wait to see everybody at the oceanfront Sunday!

Check out our slideshow of walk pictures right here at WAVY.COM.

Now that Jimmy Ray and I have 30 miles under out belt we’re really looking to hit the half -way mark and we’ll do it tomorrow! Today we started from Patrick Henry Mall and wound our way into York County, then Hampton, then back into Newport News. Every time we crossed a city or county line the police officers were there to keep us safe. They all do a great job.

Jimmy and I even did a little running today through some construction so we wouldn’t cause too much of a back up. As usual, folks were great, making their donations, giving us water and the ladies at Hampton Foot and Ankle handed us some blister kits!!! So far our feet are holding up well, but we appreciate it!!!

We had another great turnout at Langley Federal Credit Union on Mercury where we stopped for lunch. It’s really great to catch up with the folks who come by every year.

Tomorrow is a big day…20 miles from the south side of the James River Bridge to the Midtown tunnel in Portsmouth. Wish us luck and remember it’s all for the March of Dimes!

What a great first day of the 18th annual “Walk for Babies!” That’s right, Jimmy Ray of Eagle 97.3 has been doing this for 18 years and WAVY TV joined in six years ago to help raise awareness about the mission of the March of Dimes. We felt a few rain drops as we got started from the Williamsburg Country Club, but over all it was great weather for walking. Thanks to the police officers from York County and Newport News who kept us safe today…

…and to all the folks who came out of their businesses to cheer us on. We enjoyed the smiling and waving and lots of horn honking! I really want to thank the folks who couldn’t make it to the “meet and greet” but made a point to find us on the road to give us a donation to the March of Dimes….Becky from Williamsburg, Harley Steel of the U.S. Army, and the tow truck driver…I didn’t get your name, but you know who you are and we thank you…and the March of Dimes thanks you too. We met so many great WAVY/FOX 43 viewers and Eagle 97.3 listeners when we stopped at the Langley Federal Credit Union on Oyster Point. My favorite was Will…he’s just three years old, and is very familiar with Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.

He was so sweet. We watched a fire truck go by and then he gave me a big hug. When you check out the pictures, he’s the little guy in the red shirt….fire engine red!

Tomorrow Jimmy and I get started at 6:00 am at Patrick Henry Mall and will finish at the Langley Federal Credit Union on Mercury Boulevard. Make sure you tune in to WAVY News Ten Today from 5am – 7am , FOX 43 News at 7am and WAVY News 10 Midday for coverage of the walk. You can also sign up to follow me on Twitter! Please check out the March of Dimes page here at WAVY.COM to find out how you can sign up to March for Babies this Sunday at the ocean front!

See you in the morning!

The March of Dimes 2008 Signature Chefs Auction was held on Sunday, October 12, at the Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club in Virginia Beach.

The views of the water provided the perfect setting for sampling delicious food from chefs around Hampton Roads.

My favorite dish was the  halibut cheeks.

They were prepared by Harbor’s Edge retirement community in Norfolk.  I went back for seconds, and um- thirds! Yum, Yum!!

Eric Harryman and I introduced the chefs to the crowd.

Pete Decker III served as emcee.

Matthew Holiday was the professional auctioneer for the live auction.

There was a silent auction, as well. I scored a couple of gift cards in that.

This year’s ambassador recognition went to the Earl Family.

Mr. David Earl talked about how his babies, Zachary and Brynn were so tiny when they were born premature, and required lots of medical attention.  David and his wife Wendy praise the research and support of the March of Dimes for helping their twins to survive.  They are now vibrant 6 year olds!

Against All Odds provided the music.  They are smooth!

Together, this event raised an amazing $54,245.

Here’s the breakdown:

Sponsorship                              $5,000

Tickets & Tables                        14,700

Star Sales                                     950

Fund the Mission                         6,750  triple from last year

Live Auction                               23,000

Silent Auction                              3,845

Total                                   $54,245

For more information on the event and the chefs who donated their valuable time and talent, log on to http://www.hrsigchef.com/.

Fox 43 is a proud sponsor of the event!

Special thanks to photographer  Michael Huizenga for pictures of the event.

And good luck to Cheryl Lee, the Executive Director of the Greater Hampton Roads chapter.   She’s retiring from the March of Dimes, but says she will continue to serve as a volunteer.

Join us for the March of Dimes “Black Tie & Boots” Chefs Auction on Sunday, October 12, 2008.  It runs from 5-8:30pm.

Eric Harryman and I will announce the winners of different categories in the chef’s competition. This will be my 7th year and it’s always a lot of fun. This year it’s at the Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club in Virginia Beach.  There will be soups, entree food and desserts.  See some of the pictures from last year. You can sample the best of Hampton Roads restaurants.  There’s also a silent and live auction! 

For More information- visit www.hrsigchef.com or call (757) 361-0000

Cya there!