For more information please contact Lisa Wilcox (901) 800-0344.
Still want to help us? 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.
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:
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.
Join us for our annual gathering of the area's finest culinary talent where you will experience tantalizing creations from Memphis’s best restaurants, along with fine wines for the most discriminating palates, amidst a lively party atmosphere with cocktails, entertainment, and fabulous and unique auction items. This year’s special night of giving supports our mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. We look forward to seeing you at this amazing event. Featured Restaurants ( more to come ) include lead chef Erling Jensen, Frost Bake Shop, Itta Benna, Relevant Roasters, Eco Off the Square Catering, DeJavu, Babalu, Grove Grill, Café 1912 Sweet Grass, Sweet Magnolia and Paradox Grill. As a sponsor of the Signature Chefs Auction, you will have the unique opportunity to join our executive audience of corporate community leaders and March of Dimes supporters. Your company will shine in the eyes of approximately 300 affluent society members and business professionals who come to support our mission while enjoying an evening of fine cuisine created by local celebrity chefs, flowing wine, spirits and exclusive, exciting custom-created auction packages. As our partner, you will be able to host your top employees and clients at the Signature Chefs Auction, receive recognition as a valued partner of the March of Dimes and align your organization with a worthy cause—helping mothers have full-term births and healthy babies.
Chair Mr. Frank Cianciola Logistics Chair Chris Jones Thanks to the leadership of our volunteer chair Mr. Frank Cianciola and our ELT and Logistic committees we are honored to present the Signature Chefs event. Through months of support these volunteers have taken the event to new heights. The March of Dimes and the families we support are grateful for the generous team who has made this evening possible. Executive Leadership team Skip Miller Morris Auction Group Alex Neale Metropolitan Bank Matt Shirley Metropolitan Bank Lisa Shapleigh Terminex Keri Gage UBS Don Nolan Clear Channels Kelly Bunch First Tennessee Bob Bernhard Independent Consultant
Every year more than 15 million babies are born prematurely; a million will die before their first birthday as a result. You can make a difference too! By contributing as a Fund the Mission donor, you make a significant contribution to the March of Dimes. Your gift is 100% tax deductible and will impact the lives of local families just like the Draughons. In 2014, the Draughons twins, Elizabeth weighing 1 lbs., 10 ounces and Elliot 1 lbs.,14 ounces were born at just 24 weeks, 6 days. Both babies were immediately rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Elliot suffered a pulmonary embolism and passed away after four days. Elizabeth spent a total of 172 days at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. During the first year of her life she has undergone 5 major surgeries and countless procedures. Today, Elizabeth is strong, she is a fighter, and she wants to LIVE and THRIVE. The Draughons share their story to support the March of Dimes efforts to fund the needed research and technology to allow babies as small as Elizabeth to have a fighting chance at life.
Through partnerships with companies, organizations and individuals, the March of Dimes is able to create unique moments for your clients, vendors and leadership teams. They participate in an exclusive dining event while supporting a critical cause. Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels for our Signature Chefs events, providing you with brand recognition, civic engagement and an exclusive client entertainment opportunity within the event. We look forward to working with you to discuss your partnership with the March of Dimes. Please Contact Community Director Lisa Wilcox 901-800-0344 or Community Director Kia Robinson 901-800-0346.
Signature Chefs events feature local culinary talent who create a selection of fine cuisine for an exclusive audience. Our chefs are artists, innovators and philanthropists, and we look forward to sharing their talents at the event.
Erling Jenson The Restaurant
DeJavu
Relevant Roasters
Itta Bena
Babalu
Paradox Catering and Consulting
Central BBQ
Cafe 1912
The Capital Grill
Ecco
Sweet Magnolia Ice Cream
Sweet Grass
Off the Square Catering
The Grove Grill
Chichago Steak House
Frost Bake Shop
Seasons 52
Interium Restaurant & Bar
Our event features an exclusive selection of auction packages for your bidding pleasure. These packages provide you with a chance to purchase trips, dining experiences and once-in-a-lifetime moments to share with friends, family, clients and employees. As we secure packages for the event, we will give you a sneak preview of the packages here. Come back soon to check for updates.
Watch the sunset over the mighty Mississippi while you enjoy cocktails and tapas prepared by Chef Erling Jensen and Chef Jeffery Dunham of The Grove Grill. This private, mouth-watering dinner includes expertly paired wines for 15 couples or thirty people. You and your guests can enjoy an evening of culinary delight as you watch Ol’ Man River roll by from the rooftop of the Historic Candy Factory in downtown Memphis. Restrictions: This item excludes the month of May due to participation in Memphis in May. Market value $4,000
Chef Erling Jensen will provide an instructional four-course dinner for eight in your home. He will bring the food & wine to your home and you can eat, learn and talk with close friends or family. Great for the Holidays that are just around the corner. No Holidays: Market Value $2,000
Adagio is Italian for “slow and leisurely pace.” Leave your busy lifestyle for some rest and relaxation at the Adagio resort. Experience the pleasure of the sun, white sands and warm water of the Gulf of Mexico. The Caribbean blue waters and crystal sands that are home to Adagio stretch across the Gulf as far as the eye can see. Adagio is located in picturesque Blue Mountain Beach on Scenic Highway 30-A on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast. Destin and Sandestin are only seven miles west of Adagio. Stay in a beautifully furnished condo that includes a living room, dining room, master suite, guest suite and second and third bedrooms. This beautiful condo accommodates 12 guests. The kitchen is complete with Viking appliances, granite countertops and cherry cabinets. The building includes a fitness center and an 8,000 square –foot pool with a waterfall. Market Value $4700
Host a dinner party for eight of your closest friends and have a four course meal prepared by Chef Jimmy Gentry of Paradox Catering & consulting in your home. Memphis Magazine called Paradox “The 2015 Face of Catering” for its boutique, one of a kind experiences. Your dinner will include hors d’ oeuvres that are miniature works of art, as delicious as they are beautiful. If desired, you may have a carefully selected wine paring to accompany your exquisite meal. Restrictions mutually agreed upon date by both parties. No holidays and weekends, Must be agreed upon date by both. Market Value $2000
This spacious, furnished, 3-story, 2,000 square-foot Rolling Ridge townhome in Silverthorne, CO has 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, comfortably accommodating 9 people. There are three queen sized beds, a queen sized sofa bed, and a bunk twin. Every bedroom has a private bathroom, heat control, and TV. Includes wireless internet, heated single car garage, deck with gas grill, DVD player, and Xbox. The townhome is located minutes from five major ski resorts. For summer activities golf, mountain biking, and water sports. Free Bus Shuttle close by. Smoke and Pet free.
Treat yourself and your skin to the expert care of Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates Medi Spa with this Spa Experience package valued at $3,500. The caring and knowledgeable estheticians and technicians at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates make your beauty and relaxation needs top priority by offering the following services for this Spa Experience Package. Botox/Dysport Chemical Peels Oxygen Treatments Facials Microderabrasion Dermaplaning Eyelash Extensions Laser Skin Rejuvenation Spray Tanning *Excludes Cool Sculpt and Utlratherapy. Medi spa services are available by appointment on a daily basis. We recommend calling 901-759-2322 as far in advance as possible to ensure availability. Market Value $3,500
View our updated event acknowledgements and waivers here.
