Celebrity Chef Paul Niedermann FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – It will be a culinary feast of flavors when March of Dimes Broward Division hosts the 16th Annual Signature Chefs Auction. The popular event returns to the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on Wednesday, September 19 at 6:30 p.m.

The fun and upbeat gourmet extravaganza pays tribute to culinary excellence of chefs and celebrities to showcase the latest food trends. Guests will sample scrumptious fare from Celebrity Chef Paul Niedermann, winner of Hell’s Kitchen Season 9 along with 20 handpicked Signature Chefs from Greater Fort Lauderdale’s finest restaurants who will prepare samples of their signature dishes. Guests will have the opportunity to mingle with other foodies, sample delectable area wines and spirits from sommeliers and mixologists, enjoy live music and bid on an impressive array of live and silent auction items – all to benefit the March of Dimes mission of helping improve birth outcomes to increase the number of stronger, healthier babies.
 
 “Celebrity Chef Paul Niedermann’s involvement in the highly anticipated 2012 Signature Chefs Auction event complements the already impressive lineup of local chefs and culinary trendsetters set to tempt guests with their inspired food and wine presentations,” said Event Chairman Gerry Litrento, BankUnited senior executive vice president.  “Our committee has worked diligently to plan an exciting evening filled with fine food and drinks and highlighted by an exciting auction, all to further the important work of the March of Dimes.”
 
In addition to Celebrity Chef Paul Niedermann, Head Chef, BLT Steak in New York City; local chefs supporting the event with their extraordinary talents are Chef Co-Chairs Chris Nealon, Executive Chef Aruba Beach Café and Marc Gruverman, Executive Chef, The Capital Grille; Joann Code, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; Joshua Murray, Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa;
Chi Chan, Truluck’s; Angelo Elia, Casa D’Angelo Ristorante; Gary Wood, Ernie’s Italian Chophouse; Jason Smith, Steak 954 @ W Hotel; (Chef TBA), The Ritz-Carlton Hotel;(Chef TBA), Riverside Hotel; Jason Ingrassia, Blue Moon Fish Company.
Major sponsors are Bank United and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Additional sponsors include Humana, Pediatrix Medical Group, Republica Advertising Agency, Pierson Grant Public Relations, U.S. Imaging, OK Generators, Farmer’s Insurance, Shutts & Bowen, LLP, Sunshine State Health Plan, Greenspoon Marder and PNC Bank. Wine sponsor, PRP Wine International, Spirits sponsor, Bacardi and Media sponsor, Lifestyle Magazine Group.
 
Proceeds from the Signature Chefs Auction help fund support programs and research to help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies and prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.  More than 4 million babies were born in the United States last year, and the March of Dimes helped each and every one through research, education, vaccines and breakthroughs.
 
Tickets for this must-attend event cost $175 per person and additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Denise Jordan at 754-300-2614 or djordan@marchofdimes.com for more information visit  www.marchofdimes.com/florida/events/events_9383.html