Thank you for supporting
Signature Chefs Auction, Worcester

What an amazing night! A record setting year, coming in as the highest grossing March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction in New England history. Every auction package went for more than double value and the fund the mission donations were over the top. Thank you for coming out and raising your paddles, and to our Presenting Sponsor, SederLaw for supporting healthy moms and babies in our community.



Click here to view pictures from the 2019 event.
 

In 2017 in America, over 22 Thousand babies died in their 1^st year of life. Two Thirds of them had premature birth as a contributing factor and one third has premature birth as the main reason for their death. That same year over 700 moms died as a result of complications in childbirth…
March of Dimes sole reason for existing is to prevent that from happening to any family ever again.

By making a contribution to March of Dimes, you are making a postive statement about the world you want to live in; one in which all moms and all babies are healthy. 

Make a donation here.  
 

Meghann and Devon Kinnard have volunteered to lead the group in 2020 as well! They work year round to take the event to new heights. March of Dimes and the families we support are grateful for the generosity and effort of the team that make the evening possible.

2020 Chairs:
Devon & Meghann Kinnard

Members:
Doug Goodhile, Sally Buffum, John Budd, Eleanor Houbre, Darlene Trainor, Ryan Foley, Kirsten Hogan, Jeff Nowicki, Deb Larsen, John Peculis, Matt Brothers, Christine Wershoven, & Howard D'Amico. 

Thank you to the following firms who provided substantial support for this event.




 



Additional funding was provided by Sullivan Benefits, Fidelity Bank, Rockland Trust, S&G Business Consultants, Hanover Insurance Foundation, Teleflora, and

Stacey & Justin Auger were excited about their first pregnancy. Following all their doctor’s advice, Stacey was taking good care of herself, eating well and attending all her prenatal care appointments. They chose not to find out if they were having a boy or a girl because it was one of the true surprises in life to look forward to.  Every night Stacey would rest her hands on her growing belly and tell their baby that they couldn’t wait to meet him or her, but that it wasn’t time yet. By all accounts, it was an uneventful pregnancy.
 
At seven months, that all changed.  Stacy was at work and shared wih her close friend that she wasn’t feeling “right”. Her friend calmly suggested that she call her midwife and meet her at the hospital. She was in premature labor and gave birth three long days later. Evan was born 8 weeks early in April of 2009. The next 19 days were a blur of wires & cords, beeping machines, bright lights, plastic incubators, and the constant sound of the NICU doors opening and closing. After the longest 3 weeks of their life, Evan came home on May 4th.

In the summer of 2010, they became pregnant with Joshua. Now deemed a “high risk” pregnancy, all the anxiety of a premature birth and the NICU came rushing back.  It wasn’t until after she passed 32 weeks gestation that she was able to relax and enjoy her pregnancy.

As they reflect on their on their preemie story and NICU experience, they recognize their blessings. First and foremost, at having 2 healthy and happy sons.  Although 19 days in the NICU was a lot, it is a drop in the bucket compared to the amount of time that so many families spend there.  Evan does not have any complications due to prematurity and was able to come home, which is also not the case for so many children.  Joshua, the younger son, is a happy and healthy 8 year old.  Stacey had high quality pre-natal and postnatal care and a strong family support system. Both her and her husband have secure jobs with good insurance and the flexibility for time off to be able to travel to and from the hospital. They credit the research and support of March of Dimes and the staff at the NICU for the health of their boys.    

They volunteer and support March of Dimes to make sure other moms have the same opportunities they did.

Make a donation here.

Each year we honor local pillars of the community, people who have a deep dedication to improving the quality of life in Central Massachusetts and are shining examples of excellence and fortitude in our community. They partner with us to support our most vulnerable citizens, our babies.  

This year, we are proud to honor Senator Harriette Chandler.    

Senator Chandler has been a long time advocate for solutions to the issues facing moms & babies. Now in her ninth two-year term in the Massachusetts Senate, she is also currently serving as the Co-Chair of the Prevention for Health Caucus and Co-Chair of the Legislature’s Oral Health Caucus. From access to care issues to new born screening to working to reduce birth inequities, she has been there providing support and guidance. For those reasons, and many more, we are proud to select her with the 2019 Charitable Leadership Award.   

Thank you to Meghann and Devon Kinnard for hosting a Spring Reception at the Worcester Country Club! Passionate leaders gathered to raise awareness and make a difference for families.
For pictures; CLICK HERE