March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction

How’s this for a mission: Help all babies be born healthy. That’s what the March of Dimes is all about.

Premature birth affects more than half a million babies and their families every year in this country.

The 9th annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction is coming up soon. It’ll be fun, an event you’d really enjoy attending while at the same time helping the March of Dimes fulfill its mission.

Emerson Schneider wasn’t so sure she wanted to make a silly face for me even after I asked real nice. It took her a little while to warm up to the camera.

Emerson’s mom and dad Julie and Toby Schneider count Emerson as a blessing from heaven.  Julie says the loss of premature twin boys tested them in every way. One baby was stillborn, and little Evan lived less than two weeks.

“Truly, the absolute most challenging thing we’ve every gone through in our entire lives, and it will test your love, your strength, your faith,” Julie Schneider said. “But, you get through it with the right person and with your faith and with the help and support of the people who work in the community with March of Dimes.“

Julie and Toby Schneider couldn’t face losing another child to premature birth, and that’s where the March of Dimes touched them.

“This medicine was brought about through part of the research and development funded by the March of Dimes,” Julie said. “So, we were able to get pregnant and stay pregnant 40 weeks and have a healthy and happy beautiful little girl.“

Meanwhile, the chefs are hustling at Little Savannah Restaurant on Clairmont Avenue. Owner Cliff Holt is one of the chefs who will headline the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction on Sept.17.

“It’s a great way for us to be a responsible member of the community and take care of those who need taken care of,“ Holt said.

Cliff and Maureen Holt will join nearly 20 other chefs from Birmingham’s best restaurants for the event. Name a great restaurant and it’ll probably be part of the March of Dimes Signature Chef’s Auction.

“I don’t do every charity event that there is out there,” Holt said. “I do select events that make sense to us and that I have a passion for as well.“

Emerson finally did a silly face for me. She doesn’t understand about her brothers, but her mother has it all in perspective.

“The way I look at it is we know that we have two angels in heaven and they’re specifically looking over their little sister, so it does, you move, you grow and we see the beautiful child we have now, and we know there is hope,“ Julie said.

What: The 9th annual March of Dimes Signature Chef’s Auction
When: Thursday, Sept. 17
Where:  B&A Warehouse, Birmingham
Price: Tickets start at $50.00
Contact: (205) 824-0103