March of Dimes Orange County Signature Chefs Auction

The March of Dimes Orange County Signature Chefs Auction will be celebrated on Thursday, October 24 at the Marriott Irvine Spectrum. Top Orange County chefs are joining forces to raise critical funds to benefit the March of Dimes’ mission to lead the fight for the health of moms and babies.  Ms. Scharrell Jackson, local women’s advocate, entrepreneur, and Founder of the non-profit Leaders in Heels will receive the March of Dimes Champion Award for her outstanding commitment, advocacy, encouragement, and service to women.

The United States is the most dangerous developed nation in which to give birth and pregnancy-related death has more than doubled over the past 25 years. The country is in the midst of a maternal and child health crisis with more than 50,000 women experiencing life-threatening complications as a result of pregnancy and childbirth and 380,000 babies born prematurely each year. Chronic inequities and unequal access to quality health care have a negative impact on these rates. 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. 

“These statistics are unacceptable. If we work together, I know that we can bring about change,” says Ross Pangilinan, the highly acclaimed chef/owner of the restaurants, Mix Mix Kitchen Bar and Terrace by Mix Mix and co-Lead Chef of the Orange County Signature Chefs Auction. “The culinary community is proud to be raising funds to help March of Dimes tackle these urgent health issues through pioneering research, advocating for policies at the national, state and local level and to empower families with programs, knowledge and tools to have healthier pregnancies so that all moms and babies are healthy.”

In addition to Chef Pangilinan, the impressive lineup of chefs from more than fourteen of the area’s most prominent restaurants includes Chef James Hamamori of Hamamori and Co-Lead Chef of the Orange County Signature Chefs Auction; Chef Greg Daniels of Harley; Chef Michael Puglisi of Electric City Butcher; Chef Nick Weber of 24 Carrots; Chef Dan Morton of Del Frisco’s Grille; Chef Leonel Deleon of Marriott Heirloom Farmhouse; Chef Rainier Schwarz and Alan Aguinaga of Hendrix and Driftwood; Chef Eric Samaniego of Michael’s on Naples; Chef Luis-Gomez of Vaca; Chef Jorges Valines of Bluegold;  Chef Gabbi Patrick of Chaak; and Chef John Park of Toast.

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with an extraordinary tasting of the most desirable cuisine, prepared and served by culinary masters from top local establishments, followed by a seated dessert program and a rousing live auction, offering an opportunity to bid on insider packages and unique experiences. Table of 10 for the event is $3,500.

For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, visit signaturechefs.org/oc or contact Tammra Tanner by email at ttanner@marchofdimes.org.