One of South Florida’s most popular annual food and wine charity events, the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, will return for its 14th year on Thursday, Oct. 6, featuring chefs from dozens of Miami’s most popular restaurants.
The event, presented by Goya Foods, begins 6:30 p.m. at the Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables. Celebrity emcee Jackie Nespral of NBC 6 will host the evening and Dr. Deise Granado-Villar of Miami Children’s Hospital will be honored for her continuous support of the March of Dimes.
This year’s extravaganza will feature some of Miami’s top chefs, including event Chef Chair Paula DaSilva, 1500° at the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach; Host Chef Thomas Russo, Westin Colonnade, Coral Gables, as well as Chef Tim Andriola, Timÿ Restaurant; Chef Tom Azar, City Hall–the Restaurant; Chef Timon Balloo, Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill; Chef Sean Bernal, Blue Door Fish; Chef Andre Bienvenu, Joe’s Stone Crab; Chef Michael Bloise, Sushisamba dromo Restaurant; Chef Alberto Cabrera, The Local; Chef Jamie DeRosa, Geoffrey Zakarian’s Tudor House; Chef Fernando Desa, Goya Foods; Chef Alexander Feher, InterContinental Miami; Chef Daniel Ganem, Kane Steakhouse; Chef Jouvens Jean, Sawa; Chef Jonathan McCaan, Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room at the Conrad; Chef Jorge Montes, Chef George Catering; Chef Makoto Okuwa, Makoto Restaurant; Chef Ralph Pagano, STK at the Gansevoort; Chef Didier Pouzier, Azul Restaurant at the Mandarin; Chef Luis Quant, Por Fin; Chef E. Michael Reidt, Area 31 Restaurant & Bar, and Chef Patricio Sandoval, Mercadito Midtown Miami. Other participants to date include Ms. Edda Martinez of Edda’s Cake Designs and Ghirardelli Chocolate.
“People love Signature Chefs Auction because they get to enjoy a variety of fine wines and dishes from Miami’s top restaurants,” said event chair Erin Knight, senior vice president of Private Banking at Stonegate Bank. “And at the same time, they have the satisfaction of knowing that they’re helping the March of Dimes in its mission to ensure that all babies are born healthy and full-term.”
In addition to a stellar roster of local celebrity chefs and amazing food, guests will enjoy wines and champagnes from the world’s finest vineyards and distilleries, courtesy of Southern Wine and Spirits.
Aside from a “who’s who” of attendees, this year’s event promises exciting entertainment as well as live and silent auctions featuring an array of items including dining packages, fine wine and champagnes, travel and hotel stays in exotic locations, fine art pieces, and other specialty items, with all proceeds benefiting the March of Dimes. This year’s event image, Untitled Wine, was created by renowned pop artist and philanthropist Romero Britto.
In addition to presenting sponsor Goya Foods, sponsors of note include Perry Ellis International, Future Energy Solutions, Marjorie D. Raines, Miami Children’s Hospital, TD Bank and Publix Super Markets Inc. VIP tickets for the event are $250 per person, which includes admission to the exclusive VIP Champagne Reception at 6:30 p.m. General admission (7:30 p.m.) tickets are $150 per person. All proceeds from the event benefit the March of Dimes.
The Westin Colonnade is located at 180 Aragon Ave. in Coral Gables. For more event information and sponsorship opportunities, call 305-477-1192 or visit marchofdimes.com/florida.
