One of South Florida’s most popular annual food and wine charity events, the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, will return for its 14th year on Thursday, October 6, 2011, featuring signature chefs from dozens of Miami’s most popular restaurants.  The event, presented by Goya Foods, begins at 6:30 p.m.at The Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables.  Celebrity Emcee Jackie Nespral of NBC 6 will host the evening and Dr. Deise Granado-Villar of Miami Children’s Hospital will be honored for her continuous support of the March of Dimes.

This year’s extravaganza will feature some of Miami’s top chefs, including event Chef Chair Paula DaSilva 1500° at the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach, Host Chef Thomas Russo of the Westin Colonnade, Coral Gables as well as Chef Tim Andriola of Timō Restaurant; Chef Tom Azar of City Hall – the Restaurant; Chef Timon Balloo of Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill; Chef Sean Bernal of Blue Door Fish; Chef Andre Bienvenu of Joe’s Stone Crab; Chef Michael Bloise of SUSHISAMBA dromo Restaurant; Chef Alberto Cabrera of The Local; Chef Jamie DeRosa of Geoffrey Zakarian’s Tudor House; Chef Fernando Desa of Goya Foods; Chef Alexander Feher of InterContinental Miami; Chef Daniel Ganem of Kane Steakhouse; Chef Jouvens Jean of Sawa; Chef Jonathan McCaan of Atrio Restaurant & Wine Room at the Conrad; Chef Jorge Montes of Chef George Catering; Chef Makoto Okuwa of Makoto Restaurant; Chef Ralph Pagano of STK at the Gansevoort; Chef Didier Pouzier of Azul Restaurant at the Mandarin; Chef Luis Quant of Por Fin; Chef E. Michael Reidt of Area 31 Restaurant & Bar; Chef Patricio Sandoval of Mercadito Midtown Miami.  Other participants to date include Ms. Edda Martinez of Edda’s Cake Designs and Ghirardelli Chocolate.

“People love Signature Chefs Auction because they get to enjoy a variety of fine wines and dishes from Miami’s top restaurants,” said Event Chair Erin Knight, Senior VP of Private Banking at Stonegate Bank.  “And at the same time, they have the satisfaction of knowing that they’re helping the March of Dimes in its mission to ensure that all babies are born healthy and full-term.”

In addition to a stellar roster of local celebrity chefs and amazing food, guests will enjoy wines and champagnes from the world’s finest vineyards and distilleries, courtesy of Southern Wine and Spirits.  Aside from a who’s who of attendees, this year’s event promises exciting entertainment as well as live and silent auctions featuring an array of items including dining packages, fine wine and champagnes, travel and hotel stays in exotic locations, fine art pieces, and other specialty items, with all proceeds benefiting the March of Dimes.  This year’s event image, “Untitled Wine” was created by renowned pop artist and philanthropist Romero Britto.  In addition to Presenting Sponsor Goya Foods, sponsors of note  include Perry Ellis International, Future Energy Solutions, Marjorie D. Raines, Miami Children’s Hospital, TD Bank and Publix Super Markets, Inc.  Media sponsors to date include WTVJ NBC 6, WSCV Telemundo 51, WMXJ Majic 102.7, The Miami Herald, Miami.com and Dining Out magazine.

VIP Tickets for the event are $250 per person, which includes admission to the exclusive VIP Champagne Reception at 6:30 p.m.  General Admission (7:30) tickets are $150 per person. All proceeds from the event benefit the March of Dimes.  The Westin Colonnade is located at 180 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134.  For more event information and sponsorship opportunities, call 305-477-1192 or visit marchofdimes.com/florida.