GOURMET GALA

Kira Siegel
| (205) 588-0511 Kira Siegel

Signature Chefs of Birmingham

DATE: Tuesday, October 27, 2020  |  TIME: 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION:
ADDRESS: VIRTUAL ADDRESS FOR AL, VIRTUAL CITY FOR AL, AL 35004
 

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FUND THE MISSION

All March of Dimes Signature Chefs events will be held virtually this year. While we may not be together in person, we rely on your continued support to provide innovative programs and services for moms, moms-to-be and babies who may be at a greater risk of becoming sick and not receiving proper or equitable care.

event description image

Event description

The chefs, volunteers and guests who make up our Signature Chefs Events community are coming together in new, innovative ways to suport moms and babies this year.

We are following state mandated guidelines in response to COVID-19 and will not have an in-person event this year. So, we are preparing an exciting, new Virtual Gala for your 2020 March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction experience!

We need your help now more than ever. Your support funds:

  • COVID-19 interventions and support for moms and babies
  • Programs that promote health equity for moms and babies and directly combat racial disparities in maternal and child health
  • Free virtual NICU support program for families
  • Virtual prenatal programs for moms-to-be
  • Educational programs, including live Facebook panel discussions, to get info into the hands of moms and families
  • Necessary supplies for expectant mothers including blood pressure cuffs and masks and so much more!

Support the mission

Every year, 15 million babies are born prematurely worldwide, and 1 million will die before their first birthday. Your gift helps the March of Dimes fund research, education, advocacy and programs that help more moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

Make a Contribution

Become a sponsor

Every year, 15 million babies are born prematurely worldwide, and 1 million will die before their first birthday. Your gift helps the March of Dimes fund research, education, advocacy and programs that help more moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

Local Contact Person, Region
[email protected] | Phone # Contact Us
event description image

Event description

While how we are coming together has changed, we can still make a real difference for moms and babies, at a time when they need us the most.
 
We are following CDC guidelines to avoid mass gatherings and are rapidly preparing for a new format for our March of Dimes Signature Chefs campaign presented by Medical Properties Trust.

By joining our Signature Chefs community you are making a big difference. 
 
Your support of March of Dimes helps fund:

  • Free virtual NICU support program for families
  • Virtual prenatal programs for moms-to-be
  • COVID-19 interventions and support for moms and babies
  • Programs that promote health equity for moms and babies and directly combat racial disparities in maternal and child health
  • Educational programs, including live Facebook panel discussions, to get info into the hands of moms and families

Learn more about how we are coming together in new and exciting ways in 2020.  We will update this page as we finalize our plans.  We hope you reach out directly! Contact Kira Gilbert at [email protected] or Ashley Gorum at [email protected] for more information.

Going once...going twice...SOLD...join us LIVE for our Onine Bidding Experience & Silent Auction through October 28th: 
https://signaturechefsalabama2020.ggo.bid/

Packages include:
*Stitt Dine Around Package (Bottega, Highlands Bar & Grill, Chez Fon Fon)
*Russell Lands on Lake Martin Getaway for Two 
*Dinner for 4 at Tre Luna Bar and Kitchen
*Dinner for 8 at Chuck’s Fish Birmingham
*Yeti Coolers
*Pearl Necklace from Levy’s Fine Jewelry 
*3-Night Stay at Turquoise Place in Orange Beach, AL

Want to take a look at our Signature Chefs of Alabama Digital Program? Click here.


 

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Event Leadership

Support the Mission

We are facing an urgent maternal and infant health crisis in the U.S. and right here in Alabama that has gone unnoticed for far too long. The maternal death rate is climbing, as is the preterm birth rate. Nearly half a million babies are born prematurely each year. 1 in 8 babies in Alabama is born preterm. Every hour two babies die, and every day two women die from pregnancy related causes. The maternal and child health crisis is a hidden issue. It is one that is greater than more well-known pediatric issues such as juvenile diabetes, childhood cancer or even autism. These statistics are staggering and simply not fine. It is time that we give this issue the attention and resources it deserves.
 
Make a Contribution

Become a Sponsor

Through partnerships with companies, organizations and individuals, March of Dimes is able to create unique moments for your clients, vendors and leadership teams. Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels providing you with brand recognition, civic engagement and an exclusive virtual opportunity for 2020. We look forward to working with you to discuss your partnership with the March of Dimes. Please contact Kira Gilbert ([email protected]) or Ashley Gorum ([email protected]) for more information. 
 
Local Contact Person, Region
[email protected] | Phone # Contact Us

Meet The Glenn Family

Blakely Glenn was born at a mere 22 weeks gestation weighing just 13 oz., and measuring just 11 inches long. She was born at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center where she stayed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Throughout Blakely’s stay at Brookwood Baptist Medical Center, she had several blood transfusions, and a case of ROP (Retinopathy of prematurity).  Blakely was intubated for several months, and when she was able to switch to a nasal cannula to help with her oxygen levels, the family was faced with her inability to take food by mouth. At this time, Blakely was transported to Children’s of Alabama to have a gastrostomy tube (g-tube) inserted in her belly to be able to give her the nutrition directly to her stomach. During the surgery for her gastrostomy tube, she got a laser treatment to her eye for the ROP. After 208 days in the hospital, Jerome and Jennifer were finally able to take Blakely home on October 24, 2017. She went home with continuous oxygen an, as she got bigger she went to only needing the oxygen at night. Today, Blakely is thriving, as a spunky and active 3-year old little girl! She is truly a miracle and a blessing. The Glenn Family is so thankful to March of Dimes for allowing families like theirs and so many others the opportunity to share their story.
 

Meet The Thaggard Family

The Thaggard’s story begins 4 years ago when they were pregnant with their first child, Gavin. Mary had a normal pregnancy up until her 36-week appointment, which forever changed their lives. They went in for their routine visit and the doctor could not find his heartbeat. They rushed over to the ultrasound room, which confirmed their worst nightmare; there was no heartbeat. After going through such a hard loss, being pregnant again was terrifying. We were so overjoyed that we were expecting, but also terrified every time we went in for an appointment. And, I knew they would most likely be born premature. Thankfully they had a normal pregnancy up until 32 weeks pregnant. When Mary hit the third trimester, she began going in twice a week for Non Stress Tests. While at the hospital for one of her tests, she began contracting every 2 minutes. Mary was admitted for the night for close monitoring and to start steroid shots in case she had to deliver early. However, that weekend the contractions continued despite the medicine. When Mary went in Monday afternoon for her 33-week ultrasound, they received some terrifying news, both of placentas were calcifying - they were dying and not supplying my babies with the nutrients they needed.
The next week Mary was monitored 24/7 in hopes of making it to 34 weeks. Unfortunately, her body could not keep the babies inside any longer. No amount of medicine could stop the regular contractions she was having…so Ethan and Emma were born the following Monday. Ethan was born first weighing 4lbs 6oz, then Emma weighing 3lbs 16oz. They only got a quick glimpse of them before the babies were rushed off to the NICU. Instead of being able to spend those first moments holding my babies and staring into their eyes, Mary was left wondering, worrying and praying for their health. The feeling of not being able to hold our babies, only look at them for the first few days of their lives was heart breaking. They both initially needed oxygen and feeding tubes but thankfully for not too long. They were strong little fighters and came home after 21 days of being in the NICU.
Today, Emma and Ethan are healthy and thriving. The Thaggards are so thankful to March of Dimes for all of their efforts to help moms and babies have a healthy start at life.
 
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Our Loyal Signature Chefs

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Chef James Lewis
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Chef Jeremy Downey
Chef James Boyce
Chef Becky Satterfield
Chef Amber Bonds
Chef Drew Bass
Chef Jabari Nix
Chef Davena Jernigan
Chef Renee Merritt
Chef Tom Tom
Chef Alex Hoefer
Chef Missy Mercer
Chef Rocky Prince
Chef Joe DiMaggio, Jr.
Chef Linda Croley
Chef Raquel Ervin
Chef Kristal Bryant

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