March of Dimes Signature Chef's Gala

It is always a pleasure to attend and be a part of the March of Dimes, Signature Chef’s gala. Not just because of the plethora of choices in delicacies, from steak to ceviche; but because of the mission: to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Houston’s Best Chef’s gathered to give every baby a fighting chance at the March of Dimes – Houston Signature Chef’s Gala, which took place at The Music Revention Center at 520 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002; on November 2, 2016.

Gala Chairs:

Valerie & Tracy Dieterich
Jaci & Jim Smith

Community Honorees:
Jana & Scotty Arnoldy

Medical Honoree:
Houston Perinatal Associates

**Corporate Honoree: **
Woman’s Hospital of Texas

Culinary Honoree:
Danny Trace

The awareness month kicks off with the release of the Premature Birth Report Card. November 17 marks World Prematurity Day, and the March of Dimes and our partner organizations worldwide are asking everyone to help spread the word on the serious problem of premature birth (March of Dimes)

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have benefitted from March of Dimes research, vaccines, education and breakthroughs.

November is Prematurity Awareness Month

Kicking off Prematurity Awareness Month, Houston’s oldest and largest chefs event featured samples from 25 of Houston’s culinary masters, wines, craft beers, and spirits; which included entertainment, a live auction, as well as the optional; Platinum Experience: at the $50,000, $25,000, and $15,000 levels, where the Culinary Honoree prepared a multi-course dinner just for you and your guests.

Each year, 1 in 10 babies is born prematurely in the United States. In fact, premature birth is the #1 killer of babies. That’s why the March of Dimes is working hard to find out what causes this and how to prevent it. (March of Dimes) Help give babies a fighting chance… visit marchofdimes.org

LIVE AUCTION: The event featured an exclusive selection of auction packages to bid on, whole enjoying a multitude of desserts and appetite seductive choices. Items for bid, were packages that provided supporters with a chance to purchase trips, dining experiences and once-in-a-lifetime moments to share with friends, family, clients and employees. They were as follow:

Lucky 777s

You will hit the jackpot with this package of sin city and sinful culinary creations. First, indulge in ultimate luxury high above the Las Vegas Strip at the ARIA Resort & Casino. Spend two nights in the 5 Diamond Award-winning crown jewel of CityCenter with acclaimed chefs, exhilarating nightlife and a luxurious spa and salon.

Then share as much—or as little—of what happened in Vegas with your friends when you come back home. Executive Chef Eric Aldis, labeled Houston’s busiest chef with a slew of successful restaurants under his direction and a reality TV show in the works, will prepare a 7-course dinner for 10, complete with passed hors d’oeuvres and wine pairings, in your home.

Experience includes:

• Two night stay at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas

*Seven course dinner for 10 in your home prepared by Executive Chef Eric Aldis

Date to be mutually agreed upon by donors and high bidder; blackout dates apply; expires November 30, 2017.

Generously donated by MyLawCLE and Corner Table.

Dine Your Own Adventure

Restaurateur Charles Clark is widely admired for his international culinary experience, impressive knowledge, colossal energy, appearance on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and head-spinning list of accolades.

For one evening, you will get to build your own culinary adventure alongside Chef Charles Clark. Ten guests will experience a custom dining experience at ANY three of his incredible restaurants.

Begin your culinary journey at SaltAir Seafood Kitchen for drinks and hors d’oeuvres, hop on over to Ibiza Food and Wine Bar for dinner prepared by Chef Clark, then whisk away to Brasserie 19 for a night cap and dessert. Or mix it up with cocktails and small plates at Ibiza, dinner at Brassiere 19, then sweets & drinks at SaltAir. The arrangement of the evening is up to you—it’s YOUR dining adventure!

Experience includes:

Progressive dinner for 10 at three of Chef Charles Clark’s restaurants, arranged by purchaser (includes SaltAir Seafood Kitchen, Punk’s Simple Southern Food, Ibiza Food & Wine Bar, Brasserie 19, and Coppa Osteria)

Date to be mutually agreed upon by donors and high bidder; expires November 30, 2017

Generously donated by Clark Cooper Concepts.

Skiing with an Olympian

You and a guest will join Erik Schlopy, a three-time Olympian (1994, 2002, 2006), seven-time National Champion, and U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame member, for a day of world-class skiing at Deer Valley. You will travel First Class on United Airlines with ground transfers provided in a private luxury Peak Transportation SUV to and from the Salt Lake City Airport. While in Deer Valley, luxury accommodations will be provided at the gorgeous ski in/ski out Hotel Montage Deer Valley. This “once in a lifetime” package also includes a $500 Deer Valley gift certificate (to be used towards your daily lift passes, dining at one of Deer Valley Resort’s five restaurants, or other merchandise) and dinner for two at Prime Steakhouse & Piano Bar on Main Street.

Experience includes:

*Day of skiing with Olympian Erik Schlopy

*2 First Class tickets on United Airlines

*Ground Transportation by Peak Transportation SUV

*Two nights at Hotel Montage Deer Valley

*$500 Deer Valley gift certificate

*Dinner for Two at Prime Steakhouse & Piano Bar

Date to be mutually agreed upon by donors and high bidder; blackout dates apply; expires November 30, 2017

Generously donated by Hotel Montage Deer Valley, Erik Schlopy, Prime Steakhouse & Piano Bar, Sea to Ski Properties, United Airlines, and Peak Transportation, Inc.

What Happens in Napa, Stays in Napa

Escape to California’s scenic Napa Valley in luxury and style for a four day/three night adventure for 10. Relax in a five bedroom suite, 5,400 sq. ft., 3-story home nestled among some of St. Helena’s most elegant wineries.
This gorgeous estate features spacious lawns, a large swimming pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi, a bocce court and incredible decks for entertaining. Enjoy a private tasting at O’Brien Estate followed by dinner for 10 of steak and seafood in their backyard. After dinner, take a lantern-light tour of the vineyards. This package also includes a tasting for 10 at two exclusive wineries, Revana Family Winery and Carte Blanche.
Experience includes:

*3 night stay for 10 at private estate in Napa Valley

*Private tasting and dinner for 10 at O’Brien Estate

*Tasting for 10 at Revana Family Winery and Carte Blanche.

Not transferable; consecutive stay only; expires November 30, 2017; travel must be booked within 90 days of checkout; blackout dates apply; subject to availability

Generously donated by Katy Haute, Vignoble LLC, Revana Family Vineyard, O’Brien Estate Winery, and Carte Blanche.

Jet Set to The Big Easy

You are in for the night of your life with Valerie and Tracy Dieterich in The Big Easy! Three couples will join the Dieterichs and a special guest on Friday, November 18, 2016 for an evening to remember.

Your evening begins as you drive right up to the beautiful Lear 45 at Hobby airport that is yours for the evening. Sip some Cristal champagne on your quick one-hour flight into New Orleans.

Once you land in the Big Easy, the nine of you will experience the soul of the city with extravagant cuisine, unbelievable jazz, and the finest wines, including a French Lafite Rothschild as you celebrate an amazing night together.

Experience includes:

Private jet transportation to New Orleans

Only available November 18, 2016, leave at 5:30 p.m., return between 12:00 and 1:00 a.m.

Generously donated by Valerie & Tracy Dieterich.

Vacation Like a VIP

With your personal vacation ambassador from Exclusive Resorts, you will choose the vacation of your dreams from 17 prime locations, including Los Cabos, Mexico, Telluride, Colorado, and Kapalua Bay, Maui, Hawaii.

Your party of 10 will live in the lap of luxury for 4 nights, 5 days in an Exclusive Resorts private residence with up to 5 bedrooms, private pools, chef-ready kitchens, and media viewing rooms.

You won’t lift a finger on this vacation-of-a-lifetime as the destination staff will have your pantry fully stocked with a private chef on-hand!

When you return to Houston, indulge in a culinary experience prepared specially by Executive Chef James Cole. Hosted in your home, Del Frisco’s will cater an evening of food and wine for you and eleven guests, wine expertly paired and served by a sommelier will enhance the evening and make it a night to remember.

Experience includes:

*Accommodations for 10 for 4 nights at one of 17 Exclusive Resorts properties

*Culinary experience for 12 in your home prepared by Executive Chef James Cole

Not transferable; consecutive stay only; expires November 30, 2017; travel must be booked within 90 days of checkout; blackout dates apply; subject to availability

Generously donated by Rachel & Tom Regan, Exclusive Resorts, LLC., and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House.

Castaway with Chef Danny Trace

Born and raised in Cajun country, Culinary Honoree Danny Trace of Brennan’s loves the thrill of turning the daily catch into a fresh, savory meal.

Experience his passion as he hosts you and your friends for a one-of-a-kind deep sea fishing expedition. Chef Trace will then bring your catch from sea to table as he expertly prepares a dinner for ten in your home with the fish you caught on your adventure.

Experience an unforgettable evening with the culinary talent Brennan’s matriarch Ella Brennan-Martin says “has magic in his hands”.

For a worry-free evening, GTX Event Productions will provide linens and flowers to compliment your feast with a musical trio provided by Socialite Music to set the mood.

Experience includes:

*Deep sea fishing excursion provided by Brennan’s

*Dinner for 10 prepared by Chef Danny Trace in your home

*Linens, flowers and a musical trio for entertainment

Date to be mutually agreed upon by donors and high bidder; expires November 30, 2017

Generously donated by Chef Danny Trace, Brennan’s, Socialite Music, and GTX Event Productions.