Eat & Swig

The 2007 March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction will take place on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 in the Grand Ballroom of the Galt House Hotel & Suites. A gourmet sampling feast served by some of Louisville’s most prestigious chefs and restaurants will begin at 6:00 p.m. A live auction featuring unique dining packages offered by participating “Signature Chefs” will begin at 7:30 p.m. This one-of-a-kind event promises to be a memorable experience filled with fabulous food, exciting entertainment, celebrities and exclusive live and silent auction packages.

This year’s event highlights Ambassador Chef Todd Richards of The Oakroom at The Seelbach Hilton Hotel. Chef Richards’ son Tedrick was born on June 24, 3 months early, weighing only 1 pound and 11 ounces. Tedrick is now home with mommy and daddy and lucky to be doing do well. “My family and I want to thank the March of Dimes and all those who have helped support the organization thus far,” says Chef Richards. “I am asking the public to support this particular event because together we can help all babies have a healthy start!”

Over twenty local chefs and restaurants will be featured as “Signature Chefs.” Lead Chef Gil Logan of Levy Restaurants at Churchill Downs will be joined by Ambassador Chef Todd Richards of The Oakroom at The Seelbach Hilton Hotel, Chef Anthony Lorie of Amerigo, Chef Allen Heintzman of Artemisia, Chef Timothy Welborn of Atrium Cafe Embassy Suites Hotel Louisville East, Chef Chip Lawrence of Avalon, Chef Quang Dinh of Blu Italian Mediterranean Grille – Marriott Louisville, Chef Michael J Crouch of Bourbons Bistro, Chef Greg Johnson of Buck’s, Chef Jayson Lewellyn of Jeff Ruby’s, Chef Jim Gerhardt of Limestone Restaurant, Chef Anthony Lusiak of Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge, Chef David Frye of Martini Italian Bistro, Chef Edward Nolan of Mitchell's Fish Market, Chef Jay Denham of Park Place on Main, Chef Robert Lafever of Pendennis Club, Chef John Plymale of Porcini, Chef Michael Paley of Proof on Main, Chef Tim Baker of RIVUE, Chef Laurent Geroli of The English Grill, Mr. Michael Reidy of The Irish Rover, Chef Marcus Heindseiman of The Jefferson Club, Chef John Varanese of Varanese, Chef Agostino Gabriele of Vincenzo’s Italian Restaurant and Chef Joshua Moore of Volare.

Some of the celebrity hosts of the evening include John Asher, John Ashton, Shari Baughman, Barry Bernson, Roger Burkman, Candyce Clifft, Denny Crum and Susan Sweeney Crum, Angie Fenton, Francene, Kelly K, Mark Lamkin, Carissa Lawson, Kathi Lincoln, John Ramsey, Vicki Rogers, Kim Stevens, Cindi Sullivan, Dr. Troutman, Elizabeth Woolsey, Dr. Denise Attaway Yates, and many more!

Over 600 people are expected to att/files/storyimages/the 2007 March of Dimes Signature Chef Feast and Auction. Patron tables with preferred seating for 10, are available for a donation of $2,500 ($2,150 is tax deductible), as well as individual tickets for $200 ($165 is tax deductible). Cocktail attire is suggested. Seating is limited, so call the March of Dimes office at (502) 895-3734 to order your tickets or for more information.

Event sponsors include Platinum Sponsors: Brown-Forman, The Frazier Family Foundation, Mitchco; Gold Sponsors: Delta Dental of Kentucky, Humana, NICE, Sysco Food Services, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center and UofL Healthcare; Patron Tables: Arison Insurance Services, Inc., Bittners, Churchill Downs, Clark Memorial Hospital, Dr. Eli & Susan Hallal, Fenley Real Estate, Fischer’s / SFG, inc, Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLC, Hilliard Lyons, john conti Coffee Company, Kosair Charities “Fore Kids,” Louisville Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Norton Healthcare, Merrill Lynch, Neonatal Associates, PSC, Passport Health Plan, Poe Companies, LLC, Stites & Harbison, Syacamore Professional, University Hospital - The Center for Women & Infants, White Castle Louisville and WLKY-TV. A special thanks goes to Publishers Printing, Power Creative, Alltech Lexington Brewing Co., and American Airlines.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at www.nacersano.org.