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Posts Tagged ‘Signature Chefs’

Signature Chefs Auction Raises $143,000 for Stronger, Healthier Babies

Posted in Facts and Figures, In the News, March of Dimes, tagged , , , , on November 16, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

A Cena’s Chef Gabe Grabeski and his sous chef

Eight fabulous chefs from the Portland area cooked a signature dish and auctioned unique packages off on Tuesday evening, November 13th, at Marriott Portland Downtown Waterfront, all in the name of babies. With their help, the 23rd annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction raised $143,000 dollars to support the mission of March of Dimes.  

The chefs included local favorites like Gabe Gabreski of A Cena Ristorante, Marissa Burback of Porto Terra Tuscan Grill & Bar, Aaron Bedard of The Stephanie Inn, Alex Parsons of El Gaucho, Greg Samples of Portland Prime, Andy Arndt of Marriott Portland Downtown Waterfront, Kenny Morgan of Sysco and Kevin Graham of Embassy Suites Portland Downtown. 

The top selling packages were a 2-night stay at Admiral’s Beach Retreat in Lincoln City and a Seafood Extravaganza for 10 by Sysco’s Chef Kenny Morgan. All proceeds from the Signature Chefs Auction benefit March of Dimes to support lifesaving research and programs that offer hope for prevention of infant health threats of premature birth and birth defects.  

March of Dimes Ambassadors Josh and Courtney Kliever shared their life-changing story about the premature birth of their son, Liam; helping to raise $39,500 during the Fund the Mission paddle raise. Tara Dublin, former local radio personality and permanent extra (as Detective Dublin) on GRIMM was a hit as emcee and guests also enjoyed the toe-tapping live music of Portland’s own Rhythm Dogs.

The 23rd annual Signature Chefs Auction was sponsored by: First Tech Federal Credit Union and Umpqua Bank.

See some photos from the event here.

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Lane County’s Signature Chefs Raises $60,000

Posted in Benefit Event, Facts and Figures, In the News, March of Dimes, March of Dimes Event, Our Partners, tagged , , , , on September 26, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

The third annual Signature Chefs Auction in Eugene last night raised nearly $60,000 for March of Dimes’ mission to improve the health of babies. On September 25th at Valley River Inn, seven of Lane County’s finest chefs offered their signature dishes and competed to become the Ultimate Signature Chefs.  

The cook off, one of the highlights of the evening, had five chefs competing for the title. Chefs were told in advance they had to use only four ingredients in the competition: scallops, capers and asparagus with a surprise ingredient (not revealed until the cook off) of scotch. Alfredo Van Nortwick of Valley River Inn and Richard Balajadia of The Bridge Bar and Grill were crowned as the Ultimate Signature Chefs by a panel of March of Dimes Board Members and a random sampling of guests. 

Other treats included a special visit from The Duck, a performance by Ballet Fantastique, and  the talented Bill and Robb of KPNW who served as emcees. The most popular packages of the auction were a seven-night stay in Kona, Hawaii, and the Dessert Dash.

This years event garnered coverage on KVAL, KEZI and KLSR FOX . Visit our YouTube Channel for news clips.

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Lane County’s Top Chefs in a Live Cook Off

Posted in Facts and Figures, March of Dimes, March of Dimes Event, Our Partners, Our Volunteers, tagged , , , on September 7, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

2012 Chefs

From left to right: Erin Pelayo of Chapala, Garret Kirsch of B2 Wine Bar, Alfredo Van Nortwick of Sweet Waters, Borzi Marashi of Oakway Catering, and Lino Castro of Boulevard Grill & Event Center

On September 25th at Valley River Inn, some of Lane County’s finest chefs will offer their signature dishes, accompanied by an array of unique auction items for the third annual Signature Chefs Auction benefitting March of Dimes.

For the first time, Chefs will compete in a live 15-minute cook off in the hope of being voted one of two “Premier Signature Chefs” in Lane County.  The crowning Chefs will together offer an exclusive Live Auction package featuring a guided and intimate McKenzie River Fishing trip for two provided by Autobody Specialties.  

“What better way to enjoy a wonderful meal than by supporting the March of Dimes mission and working together for stronger, healthier babies, right here in Lane County,” said Richard Balajadia, 2012 chefs chair.  The evening’s notable chefs include: Garret Kirsch of B2 Wine Bar, Alfredo Van Nortwick of Sweet Waters, Lino Castro of Boulevard Grill & Event Center, Jose Martin Pelayo of Chapala Mexican Restaurant, Borzi Marashi of Oakway Catering, Richard Balajadia of The Bridge, and Emily Phillips of Red Wagon Creamery. 

Wine for the evening is provided by Southern Wine and Spirits and craft beer is compliments of HOP Valley Brewing and Ninkasi. 

Some of the evening’s special auction items include a seven-night stay in Kona; catering at your own Duck Tailgater with special appearance by U of O’s Duck Puddles, and a Tour the Northwest package including accommodations at Sun River Resort, Skamania Lodge, Suncadia Resort, Seattle Red Lion, Woodmark Hotel and Yacht Club and Valley River Inn. 

The exclusive evening begins at 6:00 pm on September 25th at Valley River Inn. For information or to reserve a seat or table, visit marchofdimes.com/Oregon or call 541.686.2170. 

Funds raised by Signature Chefs Auction support lifesaving research and educational programs right here in Oregon.

Guests will hear first-hand the impact the March of Dimes has had on the lives of the Richardson family in Eugene.

The 3rd annual Signature Chefs Auction is hosted by Valley River Inn. Other sponsors include Northwest Community Credit Union, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Southern Wine and Spirits, HOP Valley Brewing, Ninkasi, KPNW, Umpqua Bank, Kernutt Stokes, Farmers Insurance, Datalogic,  Campbell Commercial Real Estate, Track Town Photo, Neuro Spine Institute, and Ballet Fantastique.

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Great food, great cause – coming up in Eugene

Posted in March of Dimes, March of Dimes Event, tagged , , , , , on July 31, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Save the date for Signature Chefs in Eugene

On September 25th at our Lane County Signature Chefs Auction you can eat all the yummy food you want.  There are no calories, no carbs, no points–because it’s all for a good cause.

Save your seat (or table) now on our event page.

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Healthier babies: brought to you by Tim Campbell

Posted in Facts and Figures, March of Dimes, March of Dimes Event, Our Partners, Our Volunteers, tagged , , , , , on January 11, 2012 | Leave a Comment »

Tim Campbell, Lane County Signature Chefs 2011 Chair

We can all look forward to healthier babies, thanks to Tim Campbell.

Tim chaired the 2011 Lane County Signature Chefs Auction and did a bang-up job of it! Under his leadership, the event jumped in revenue from $25,000 in 2010 to over $55,000 in 2011! And he doubled the attendance.  All in the name of babies. You see, Tim has a passion for the mission of March of Dimes; both of his children were born premature. 

Money raised at Signature Chefs goes to support research, education and advocacy to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

We thank you, Tim.  So do the babies.

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Portland Signature Chefs raises over $115,000 for babies!

Posted in Facts and Figures, March of Dimes Event, Our Partners, tagged , , , on December 7, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Seared Tenderloin Of Beef from Chef Mark Henry

It was another fabulous Signature Chefs event this year in Portland! We raised even more than last year, with over 320 people in attendance the delicious event brought in $115,207 to help babies get a healthy start in life. 

Our evening’s “winners” will enjoy a trip to New York, a cocktail party for 30 of their closest friends at Mothers Bistro and Bar, a private golf tournament for 20 at the Reserve Vineyards and golf club, a two night Stay at the Allison Inn, a tantalizing Thai Fusion dinner cooked in their kitchen by Chef Kenny Morgan from Sysco Portland and a five course chefs dinner paired with wine for six people by Chef Alex Parsons of El Gaucho! 

A huge thank you to our chefs: Aaron Bedard of The Stephanie Inn, Matt Christianson of Urban Farmer at The Nines, Mark Henry of Marriott Portland Downtown Waterfront, Marissa Burback of Porto Terra Tuscan Grill & Bar, John Newman of Newmans at 988, Lisa Schroeder of Mother’s Bistro, and Kenny Morgan of Sysco Portland!  

Plus a shoot out to Columbia Distributing  for their generous donation of wine,  Craig Walker for emceeing, the Rhythm Dogs for their great music, and Katie Mandzij for bringing the mission of March of Dimes home. 

Want to see the photos? We put them on our Facebook page.  THANK YOU Tara Thackeray of One Love Photography for capturing the evening!

Please mark your calendar for the 2012 event on October 9th and contact Denise Townsend (971.270.2890)  to be first on the list!

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Oregon Chefs Cooking for Healthy Babies on November 9

Posted in Benefit Event, March of Dimes, March of Dimes Event, tagged , , on October 26, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Typically fine chefs cook for the love of food, but on November 9th some of Oregon’s finest chefs will be cooking for the love of babies.

Nine talented chefs with big hearts are offering their signature dishes to be enjoyed that evening, along with something even more special. Each chef has put together a unique and exclusive package to be auctioned off with the hopes of raising money to improve the health of babies.

And just who are these caring chefs cooking for a cause?

And while dining on their delish dishes, you can tap your toes to the live music of Portland’s own Rhythm Dogs.

Some of the evening’s special auction items include:

  • a private chef’s dinner with wine pairings for eight at Urban Farmer with an overnight stay at the Nines (custom in-room amenity prepared by Chef Matt Christianson included)
  • a New York weekend with a three-night stay at the Hilton New York with two tickets to a Broadway show plus $200 Tribeca Grill gift certificate and round-trip airfare for two
  • a Scottsdale resort weekend with a three-night stay at 5-star Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch and round-trip airfare for two

So, leave the cooking to us that night!  C’mon, join us!

November 9th at 6:00 pm
Marriott Portland Downtown Waterfront

Find out more and save your seat here!

The 22nd annual Signature Chefs Auction is sponsored by: First Tech Federal Credit Union, Vista Capital Partners, KeyBank, U.S. Bank, Stoel Rives, The Regence Group, Umpqua Bank, Evanta, Safeway, Liberty Northwest and PMCA.  Thanks, guys!

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Back for Seconds: Lane County Chefs raised over $55,000!

Posted in Facts and Figures, March of Dimes Event, Our Partners, tagged , , on October 18, 2011 | 2 Comments »

Chef Justin Bentley Reed

Hard to believe it was 2 weeks ago today when the second annual Lane County Signature Chefs auction rocked the Valley River Inn.

Hosted once again by Valley River Inn, the attendance was double (over 300 people!) what it was last year and there was a special performance by Ballet Fantastique that was tres fantastique. (You did read that last part with a French accent, didn’t you?) The food was delish, good wine and craft beer flowed and it was all captured by the talented and generous photographer, Vernon T. Williams.  We’ll be loading the pics on our Facebook page soon.  Meanwhile, click here to see the images he posted on his website.

Did we mention we raised over $55,000 to help improve the health of babies?  Yep, but we couldn’t have done it without the help of a few fine folks.

Lots of love to the chefs who made our bellies so happy:

And very special thanks to the event committee and other contributors that made the evening so grand:

  • Tim Campbell, Event Chair
  • Justin Bentley Reed,Chefs Chair
  • Olivia Johnston, Procurement Committee
  • Christine Matthews, Procurement Committee
  • Michelle Tagmeyer, Procurement Committee
  • Ana Baarstad, Procurement Committee
  • Madison Balk,Procurement Committee
  • Colleen Lewis, Procurement Committee
  • Jared Tomlinson, Logistics Committee
  • Roxane Butler, Logistics Committee
  • Jeff & Carrie Strasheim, Auctioneers
  • Bill Lundun, Emcee and Media Co-Chair
  • Robb Holloway, Emcee and Media Co-Chair
  • Jordyn and Brian Glaser, 2011 Chapter Ambassadors
  • Northwest Community Credit Union Volunteers
  • Eugene Active 20/30 Club
  • Gray’s Garden Center
  • Mark Hess, AVMS

Of course, none of this would be possible without the generosity of our sponsors:

Whew!

So, who’s coming back for thirds?

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Foodie Fridays with The Wake-up Call

Posted in In the News, March of Dimes, March of Dimes Event, Our Partners, tagged , , , on August 4, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Lane County Signature Chefs Auction is back for seconds, and The Wake Up Call is kind enough to include the fabulous chefs cooking for our cause on Foodie Fridays.  (Those guys are awesome.)

Tune in tomorrow–Friday–at 8:20 am on AM 1120 and you’ll hear Chefs Chair Justin Reed of Hidden Valley Restaurant on air.

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National attention for Portland’s food scene…again

Posted in In the News, March of Dimes Event, Our Partners, tagged , , , , , on June 7, 2011 | Leave a Comment »

Wild Boar Sausage from Urban Farmer at The Nines: A Signature Chefs 2010 dish

Portland gets attention for many things, not the least of which is our fabulous food.

 
In the May issue of Cooking Light magazine you’ll find Portland’s Food Rules, touting “Ten lessons America can learn about what it takes for a midsize city to become one of the most exciting food towns in the country.”
 
Pretty impressive. And it gets me thinking about our own love affair with the outstanding chefs of Rose City–the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction.  Which, by the way, is coming up November 9th this year.  Returning to temp your taste buds are Lucy’s Table, Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront,  Newman’s at 988, Portland Spirit, and The Stephanie Inn to name a few.
 
Like Portland food? Like babies? Savor one while saving the other by saving the date on November 9th for the 22d annual Portland Signature Chefs Auction.
 
And if you’re in Southern Oregon, October 4th marks the 2nd annual Lane County Signature Chefs Auction in Eugene.
 
Have a favorite restaurant in either area you’d like to see highlighted for their signature dishes? Let Denise know in Portland (DTownsend@marchofdimes.com) or Aimee know in Eugene (AKnabe@marchofdimes.com).
 
Yum!

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