More Than 10 Leading Local Chefs Come Together to Fight for the Health of All Moms and Babies
Chino Hills, Ca.— Award-winning celebrity Chef Jack Lee is joining forces with more than ten local master chefs to raise critical funds to benefit the March of Dimes’ mission to lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies. The 2019 March of Dimes Inland Empire Signature Chefs Auction, presented by Ontario International Airport, will take place on Wednesday, November 6th from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Vellano Country Club in Chino Hills. The philanthropic evening pays tribute to the area’s culinary talent with an evening featuring signature dishes, silent auction, a spirited live auction and our very special Fund the Mission.
Chef Lee has been featured on numerous television shows including Food Network and Cutthroat Kitchen. He is in high-demand as a caterer for countless entertainment industry events; from dinners for Angelina Jolie and Kobe Bryant to large industry events including prominent Oscar celebrations. Presently, Chef Lee is at work writing a children’s cookbook and has a cooking show pilot in development. “Food, family, love and good health help us to lead happy lives,” said March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction Lead Chef Jack Lee. “It is an honor to support March of Dimes in leading the fight for the health of all moms and babies.”
Related Post: $215,000 Raised At March of Dimes Inland Empire Signature Chefs Auction
The United States is in the midst of a maternal and child health crisis with more than 380,000 babies born prematurely each year, as well as more than 50,000 women experiencing life-threatening complications as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. March of Dimes is working in communities across the country to reduce the rising rates of premature birth, as well as maternal mortality and morbidity, supporting women before, during and after pregnancy to ensure all moms and babies are healthy.
“I’m a father of six; my triplets were born 10 weeks early and my oldest triplet Aaliyah passed away at 3 months old, “ says Atif Elkadi, Deputy Executive Office at Ontario International Airport and 2019 Inland Empire Signature Chefs Auction Event Chair. “She became an angel while I held her in my arms and in that moment, I changed as a husband, father and leader.” Mr. Elkadi continues, “March of Dimes was the one organization that we could turn to as a family and it has made us stronger over the last six years. I wanted to make sure that we were able to support an organization that leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. March of Dimes is that organization.”
“This exclusive evening is a great opportunity to taste the diverse epicurean talent in Inland Empire, while celebrating and supporting this great cause,” says Amy Dittmore, Senior Development Manager for March of Dimes Greater Los Angeles. “We are grateful to work with these talented chefs who are artists, innovators and philanthropists.” The impressive lineup of chefs from more than ten of the area’s most prominent restaurants, includes Jerrold Brooks of Pines Modern Steakhouse and JBQ Barbeque, Henry Gonzalez of Spaggi’s, Fred Sevilla of Califuze, and George Torres of Vellano Country Club, to name a few. After the tasting, a live auction featuring such highlights as a suite at the Staples Center for an LA Clippers game and a 7-night stay at a mansion in Maui will round out the evening’s activities.
In addition to Ontario International Airport, sponsors of note include silver sponsor Wedgewood Weddings, bronze sponsors Hope Reigns Foundation, Ontario Reign, Paramount Residential Mortgage Group, SMR Healthcare, and TPG HR & Payroll Services, Inc. and media sponsor Inland Empire Business Journal. To purchase your table or sponsorship visit signaturechefs.org/inlandempire or contact Amy Dittmore at adittmore@marchofdimes.org or 818-539-2192.
Honest stories of pregnancy, parenting and loss are too often left unshared. To fill this void, March of Dimes launched #UnspokenStories, a supportive community that gives voice to all experiences around these issues. This initiative aims to provide women, men and families a platform to connect and speak honestly. For more information and to share your story, please visit UnspokenStories.org .
About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support.