The March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization that focuses on the most valuable resource that the world has: its children. Premature births, and the dangers that they bring, are a widespread problem. There is no corner of the country that is untouched. North Carolina in particular has a preterm birth rate of more than 11 percent, a shocking number as premature births are the leading cause of deaths for babies in the United States. One way that the March of Dimes raises funds to combat this problem is through its annual Signature Chef Auction. This year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 13.

The Signature Chefs auctions brings local chefs together to create an incredible meal while guests participate in a silent auction. The chefs participating are from Fayetteville’s best restaurants, and are incredibly skilled as well as stunningly generous for donating their time and skills to support the March of Dimes. Andrew Porter, the local community director for the March of Dimes says, “People should expect the most unique and wonderful culinary experience in the Cape Fear Valley Region.”

It is not just the chefs who are donating to support local children through the Signature Chef Auction. People from all over the community contribute to this cause. Wells Fargo is the presenting sponsor and Cape Fear Neonataology Services, References Services Inc., Systel, Carolina Signals & Lighting and DentalWorks have come together to make this incredible event possible. There are also numerous sponsors participating in the auction. Because the March of Dimes is a volunteer-based organization, community support is key in making the great strides that have been made in the health of babies. In fact, volunteering is one of the best ways to support the March of Dimes.

“We rely on volunteers and one of our biggest challenges is awareness and getting the word out about us. We take volunteers year round. We do different events and people think that we are closed other parts of the year, but our door is always open and we are always working towards helping,” Porter said.

Though the March of Dimes is a nonprofit that affects people nationally, it is unique in its local focus. Porter has worked for several nonprofit organizations previously, but March of Dimes has a special appeal for him.

“I choose to work for March of Dimes because though it is a national organization, it is rooted at the local level. Because it is national it has many resources, but it has a strong local presence that can be felt in the community,” he explained.

This year is a very special year for the March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction. It is the 22nd annual auction in Fayetteville and it is the 75th Anniversary for March of Dimes. To help celebrate, there are celebrity judges attending the auction. Chef Judy Cage of Let Me Cater to You and seen on Food Network’s Chopped, Chef Keith Rhodes of Catch and seen on Top Chef and BBQ Pitmaster Corey Brinson of Fatback’s BBQ and Rib Shack and seen on Destination America’s BBQ Pitmasters, will judge the meal put forth by the incredible local chefs donating their time. Unlike many organizations, the money donated at this event does not leave North Carolina; it serves mothers and babies in this area. For every $1 donated the area gets $3 back. This money goes to funding research in the community and supporting programs to help mothers prevent premature birth and to help care for premature babies. Last year, the March of Dimes donated $3.2 million to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke for research on how to prevent premature childbirth.

The March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction will be held on Sunday Oct. 13, at the Embassy Suites, 4760 Lake Valley Dr. Beginning at 5 p.m., there will be a silent auction and signature cocktails. At 5:30 p.m., there will be a gourmet tasting, and at 6:45 p.m. there is a live auction and program. Cocktail or business attire is required. Cost is $75 per person or $1,000 per VIP table of eight. For more information or to order tickets, call 778-5670 or visit marchofdimes.com/northcarolina. The March of Dimes will also accept donations on its website at www.marchofdimes.com.