signature chefs auction gala

by erin thursby

What: March of Dimes Signature Chefs Gala
When: November 13 at 5:30- 9 pm
Where: Jacksonville Marriott
It’s been over a year since Chef Rahman “Rock” Harper won over the fierce competition in Hell’s Kitchen. Besides running his restaurant since leaving the show, he’s been giving back when he can. As the slogan on his website says, he’s “changing the world, one chive at a time.”
Right now he’s touring with the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, where he’ll be appearing on Thursday, November 13 at the Jacksonville Marriott.
His own experience with the birth of children has bolstered his support for March of Dimes. Says Chef Rock, “Empathy is something else. You don’t realize how devastating or rewarding something can be until you’re actually in it…It’s really helped out a lot to actually think that I could help someone directly.”
Chef Rock won’t be the only Chef at the event. Patrons can also expect local celebrity chefs such as Tom Gray of Bistro AIX, Matthew Medure of Matthews Restaurant and Tyler Brock of Aqua Grill, just to name a few. So far Chef Rock says he’s experienced “wonderful chefs, some great food excellent wines great company” at the Auctions.
Each of the local chefs will have tasting stations. A live and silent auction for exclusive packages will be part of the fun.
The March of Dimes is the foremost nonprofit association for baby health and healthy pregnancy. March of Dimes works nationwide to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and info, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
Signature Chefs events have raised almost $100 million for March of Dimes programs of research, community service, education and advocacy for babies since its inception in 1989, including $15 million last year.
“It’s a great time, a great event going for a great cause, so I’m proud to be a part of it,” says Chef Rock “I can use something as small as food to save a life or improve a life. That’s powerful.”
Not only that, but an ordinary person longing for a gourmet evening can help save lives too—just by buying a ticket and enjoying themselves!
Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased by visiting marchofdimes.com/florida or by calling 398-2821. The 2008 Signature Chef’s Auction is sponsored by Winn Dixie, Spohrer & Dodd, THE PLAYERS Championship, Wachovia, Keith Pierson Toyota and The Kossak Companies.

Auction Packages at the Signature Chefs Auction Gala:
Wine Country Holiday: Fly away to the beautiful Healdsburg Hotel and enjoy VIP tours and tastings in Napa Valley.
Hollywood Smile: Perfect your smile with a cosmetic dentistry makeover.
A Hunter’s Dream: Enjoy an all-inclusive trip to the most luxurious wing shooting destination in North America, South Dakota’s Torrey Lake.
Va Va Va Voom!: Beat high gas prices, go green and travel in style on your new 2008 Vespa LX 50.
Timeless Treasure: 20×24 portrait by world renowned artist, Ann Manry Kenyon, who has captured the likeness of some of America’s best known politicians and sports legends.
Vegas Vacation: Hit the jackpot with a stay at the Pallazio Hotel, including airfare, dinner at Wolfgang Puck’s and tickets to Jersey Boys.
Island Getaway: Escape for 1 week with your closest friends to a private villa on the exotic island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.