Signature Chefs Gala Raises $1 Million to Improve the Health of Babies

Jingling belly dancers, colorful lanterns and exotic flavors set the scene for the Spice it Up – themed March of Dimes Signature Chefs Gala at the Hilton Americas on October 18. The gala event was hosted by Honorary Chairs Sue and Lester Smith and Chairmen Stephanie Cockrell and Laura Davenport, the event broke the $1 million mark, making it the first in the U.S. ever to do so, and, again, securing the title of the largest Signature Chefs event in the country—both in terms of attendance and dollars raised.

The $1,000,000 raised will go directly to support the March of Dimes’ whose mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

The March of Dimes Signature Chefs Gala, presented by Wells Fargo, is Houston’s original and largest culinary affair, attracting more than 800 of the city’s best-known and well-healed philanthropists for an evening of foodie and wine connoisseur heaven. Guests sampled tantalizing creations from 24 celebrated local chefs, including Culinary Honoree Michael Cordúa.

The culinary talents of various chefs left most of us flabbergasted and confused as to decide who was the best. Platinum Sponsor, Cordúa Restaurants offered a unique experience to tables at the $25,000 levels, with personal table service and a four-course tasting menu. Chef Kiran Verma’s tandoor–roasted rack of lamb with mixed berry chutney and bison sliders with vindaloo aioli was named “Best Culinary Creation” and Chef Mark Cox of Mark’s American Cuisine was awarded “Best Presentation” for his seafood torte with spicy sauteed shrimp.

Well if you are a foodie and you missed the gala make sure to make this your top priority next year. The March of Dimes-Houston Division were very grateful to the culinary sponsors for making the Signature Chefs Gala the most successful and fabulous one yet.