March of Dimes Chef's Auction Oct. 24 at Stambaugh

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction will return for its 22nd year in the Mahoning Valley on Oct. 24. It will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Stambaugh Auditorium, 1000 Fifth Ave.

Individual tickets for the event are $100 and a table for 10 is $1,000. A VIP table for eight is $1,200. Wear cocktail attire. For tickets and information, visit www.signaturechefs.org/youngstown or contact Vanetta Perry, a local March of Dimes representative, at 216-503-8421.

The event will feature signature dishes paired with fine wine and spirits prepared by prominent local chefs. Nick Melito, of Springfield Grille, will serve as the honorary chef of the evening and will be joined by chefs from area restaurants including The Youngstown Country Club, Cassese’s MVR, Station Square, Kravitz Deli, DonaVito’s Restaurant & Catering, Fusillo Catering, Middlefield Original Cheese, Margherita’s Grille, The Cake Boutique, Edible Arrangements and Sysco. Silent and live auctions and Fund the Mission will follow the tasting.

The honorary chairmen of the event are Jeffrey Ryznar and Dr. Meredythe McNally-Ryznar, and the honorary medical chairman is Dr. Firas Saker of Akron Children’s Hospital of the Mahoning Valley. The Ambassador Family of the event includes David, Gloria, Daniel and Sarah Stacks.

Sponsors include 898 Marketing, Sysco Cleveland, Hollywood Casino, DeBartolo Corp., Sweeney Chevrolet, Buick and GMC, Schroedel, Scuddel and Bestic, Greenwood Chevrolet, Omega Laboratories, Knightline Embroidery and Screenprint, WFMJ/WBCB and The Vindicator.

The leading cause of infant mortality is premature and pre-term births, which contributed to 46.6 percent of infant deaths in 2013. Mahoning County’s premature birth rate is 11.7 percent, Columbiana is 10.3 percent, and Trumbull is 9.3 percent. The March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization which funds research, education and vaccines to promote infant health and limit the number of premature deaths.

Money raised by the event will support prenatal wellness programs, research, neonatal intensive care unit family support programs and advocacy efforts for mothers and babies.