Get your fill of local fare while helping the March of Dimes raise money on Thursday, November 10. From 5:30-9 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, downtown, join business leaders and professionals in sampling signature dishes from more than a dozen chefs and restaurants.

“Wear purple, come hungry and leave with a full heart,” says Tina Jackson, executive director for the March of Dimes. “It’s a lot of fun – a very festive event.” 

The March of Dimes Signature Chefs fundraiser has grown since its inception from around 300 in 2010 to an expected 600 guests this year. Local restaurants, such as Alfio’s in Hyde Park, prepare delicious plates that will compete for the Top Signature Chef Award, Best Plate Presentation, Best Tasting Dish, Best Booth and People’s Choice. 

Premature birth is the No. 1 killer of babies in the United States, and one in 10 babies are born prematurely. In Greater Cincinnati, it’s one in nine babies. The organization’s mission is to prevent premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality through community programs, advocacy, research, education and support. The expectation of a full-term baby is 39 weeks and possible complications typically occur before week 36.

“More people are understanding the mission of the March of Dimes. There’s more awareness,” says Jackson. “But we still don’t know why babies are born prematurely. Funds also go to a collaborative team science approach to research linking genetics and other social determinants of health to figure out why.”

The Signature Chefs event also includes silent and live auctions where guests can win trips and experiences, such as a Disney World or a Caribbean vacation, dinner with a local celebrity and more. And for those guests who purchase a Golden Ticket, the winner will get to choose their prize from the live auction list. 

Two medical professionals will be honored at the event for their impact on the community’s little ones: Dr. Sherif Awadalla, Institute for Reproductive Health, and Ruby Crawford-Hemphill, assistant chief of nursing officer for Women’s Health, UC Medical Center. The Woodwards, this year’s ambassador family, will share their story with guests as well. This year’s event’s chairman is Dr. Kevin Joseph, senior vice president, inpatient services for UC Health.

“There’s a lot of food, and people can still volunteer,” says Jackson.

The dress code is business attire or casual chic. Individual tickets are $200 and corporate sponsorships start at $3,000. $170 of the ticket price is tax deductible an opportunity to give the region’s babies a chance for a healthy life. 

The March of Dimes Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Market is located at 10806 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242. For more information, call 513.769.3588 or visit marchofdimes.org/ohio.