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

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!