Columbia Celebrates Culinary Excellence at March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction

Columbia’s Annual Culinary Delight: March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction

Columbia, it’s that time of year again! The annual Signature Chefs Auction hosted by the March of Dimes made a splendid return on November 7th, marking its spot as the city’s premier black-tie fundraiser. For 28 glorious years, this event has been all about celebrating culinary excellence AND raising essential funds to support the health of mothers and babies. And this year? It was nothing short of spectacular!

Sunshine & Support

Let’s paint a picture of the day. Picture mostly sunny skies, with a few fluffy clouds here and there, as Florence welcomed the event nurtured under mild temperatures peaking at just 63°F. With winds gently whispering from the east-northeast at about 5 to 10 mph, guests felt just the right touch of warmth as they strolled into the event. However, as the sun began to set, temperatures lowered to around 49°F, guiding folks indoors to support a cause close to the heart.

A Cause Worth Fighting For

Now, you might be wondering why all this fuss over a fancy auction? Well, it’s estimated that every day, two women tragically lose their lives to pregnancy-related causes, and every hour, two babies die in the U.S. thanks to preventable conditions. The March of Dimes stands resolute in changing these disheartening statistics. Thanks to their groundbreaking research, education, and advocacy, a whopping 4 million babies have benefited from their efforts, and the organization aims to increase this number each year.

The Ambassador Family: A Heartwarming Touch

This year’s event highlighted the Pirko Family—Chris, Courtney, and adorable baby Harper—as the 2024 Ambassador Family for Columbia. Their personal journey embodies the very essence of why the March of Dimes exists. Guests learned about their inspiring story and were encouraged to support their Ambassador Page. Gifts made during the Signature Chefs event will fuel research and programs, ensuring that mothers like Courtney and babies like Harper get the healthiest start to life.

A Feast for the Senses

Now let’s get to the good stuff! The event showcased the culinary talents of Columbia’s very best chefs, each bringing their own unique flair to the table. This year’s featured chef was none other than Chef Howard Stephens, a proud native of Chapin. Chef Howard has been cooking since he was just a kid and has crafted a remarkable career. His partnership with the owners of Village Gourmet showcases his self-taught brilliance and passion for gourmet cuisine.

Bidding for Babies

With a tantalizing array of dishes and a silent and live auction, the evening was filled with excitement. Guests eagerly raised their paddles in hopes of scoring fabulous items while supporting a noble cause. The goal for this year’s auction was set high at $275,000 and judging by the buzz in the room, attendees were determined to make a hearty dent in that target.

Looking Ahead

As the night wrapped up and guests left with full hearts and satisfied stomachs, the March of Dimes raised more than just funds; they spread awareness and hope for all moms and newborns. It’s a reminder to us all that every effort counts. So, if you missed this year’s event, keep your eyes peeled for next year’s auction. It’s promises to be bigger and better than ever—because every baby deserves the brightest possible start!