Top Chefs Gala
for March of
Dimes
By JANE PORTO-TURNER

Fundraising for healthy babies is on the menu for the upcoming Signature Chefs Gala presented by the March of Dimes.  This year’s highly anticipated culinary event will be held October 15 at the beautiful Sky Room on the campus of the University of the Incarnate Word. Signature Chefs brings together some of the area’s top chefs to serve up their most mouth watering creations from appetizers to entrees and desserts. 

The March of Dimes fundraiser includes a live auction featuring unique packages compiled by each of the participating chefs.  The evening begins with a walk and dine, where guests will enjoy the edible autographs of San Antonio’s master chefs and peruse a selection of over 100 silent auction items.

Over the past 10 years Signature Chefs, previously known as Star Chefs, has grown into one of San Antonio’s premiere culinary affairs. Last year the event attracted a very special guest, Sara Moulton.  The executive chef of Gourmet magazine and host of the Food Network show “Sara’s Secrets” was on-hand to visit with guests, sign copies of her book, and partake of delectable creations presented by the region’s finest chefs.

This year’s talent lineup includes contributions from the likes off Chris Adams of 29, Brother Luck of Antlers Lodge, Mark Bohanan of Bohanan’s, Brian West of Café Mari Esther, Craig Ognoske of Craig’s Saute & Grill, Ernie Estrada of Francesca’s At Sunset (Westin La Cantera), Jesse Perez of Luciano’s Ristorante & Bar, Dan Ward of Piatti, Patrick Richardson of Silo Restaurant, Charles Bartsch of the St. Anthony, Mike Bomberg of The Spice of Life and Laurel Waters of The Laurel Tree.  They will be among the chefs hosting sampling stations where guests can taste their amazing signature creations.  Once the dining ends, the real entertainment begins with a live auction of fabulous dining and travel packages created by the Signature Chefs themselves.  These packages demonstrate not only each chef’s extraordinary gifts, but also their generosity of spirit in helping to support the March of Dimes.  Last year’s highest bid of $8000 went for the “Taste of the Great Southwest” package presented by Jesse Perez.  It included a dining, golf, and spa experience at Westin properties in Scottsdale, Arizona and San Antonio, along with dinner for six at Francesca’s at Sunset and cooking and wine lessons.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. In 1938, President Roosevelt founded the March of Dimes with a mission to eradicate polio.  Today, money raised by March of Dimes funds programs for research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies. 

For Signature Chefs tickets and information call (210) 696-1030.