Signature Chefs Auction® Brings Northeast Ohio Top Restaurants Together for Stronger, Healthier Babies

21 Annual March of Dimes® Benefit

CLEVELAND, Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Monday, November 14 at Windows on the River, Honorary Chef of AMP 150, Jeff Jarrett and over 30 top chefs will offer Northeast Ohio diners an opportunity to enjoy a great night out while raising funds, making friends and increasing awareness of the March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110426/MM90139LOGO).

In addition to sampling signature dishes, guests will have an exclusive preview of the new Greater Cleveland Aquarium also located in the FirstEnergy Powerhouse and will be able to bid on many unique auction items graciously donated by local businesses, including IMG, GE and Disney.

"What better way to enjoy a wonderful meal than by supporting the March of Dimes mission and working together for stronger, healthier babies, right here in Northeast Ohio" said Signature Chefs Auction Honorary Medical Chair and Department Chair of Pediatric Surgery at Cleveland Clinic, David Magnuson, M.D., "I am grateful that volunteering for the March of Dimes gave me a chance to work with community leaders and raise important funding to ensure all babies have a healthy start in life."

Generous donations of sponsorship have been given by: Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, Hillcrest Hospital, Fairview Hospital, Orlando Baking Company, Sysco, Medical Mutual, Weltman, Weinberg & Reis, Five Star Trucking, Mead Johnson Nutrition, Wells Fargo and Marc's. Funds raised by Signature Chefs Auction support lifesaving research and educational programs right here in Northeast Ohio, such as the Storks Nest, Centering Pregnancy, and smoking cessation curriculums that promote healthy pregnancy.

Premature birth is the most serious infant health problem in the United States today. It affects more than half a million babies nationwide each year. In our community, the infant mortality rate is a startling 13.6 per 1,000 live births. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have lifelong disabilities. The March of Dimes is committed to reversing this trend by funding research to find the causes of premature birth and providing comfort and information to families. Guests will hear first-hand the impact the March of Dimes and medical leaders in our community has had on saving lives. University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Co-Chief of Neonatology, Michele C. Walsh, M.D., M.S. will be honored as the 2011 Northeast Ohio March of Dimes Franklin D. Roosevelt Award (FDR) recipient.  The FDR Award recognizes the achievements of community leaders that demonstrate exemplary commitment and spirit of caring to further the March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.

SOURCE March of Dimes Northeast Ohio Division