Chef Rock to Rock Signature Chefs Auctions® Nationwide

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., AUGUST 28, 2008 – From Hell’s Kitchen to a kitchen near you:  Chef Rahman “Rock’’ Harper will be making the rounds at ten March of Dimes Signature Chef Auctions open to the public nationwide this fall.

Chef Rock is the March of Dimes first national celebrity chef spokesperson.  In this role, Chef Rock, winner of Fox Television’s 2007 Hell’s Kitchen, will help raise critical funds and mission awareness for the March of Dimes.  As part of his tour, Chef Rock plans to participate in ten Signature Chefs Auction galas where his culinary skills and celebrity will inspire top bids.  Chef Rock will share his personal story while greeting donors and guests treated to signature dishes and auction packages donated by 20 to 25 chefs at each event.

“Hell’s Kitchen was nothing compared to what we experienced with the birth of our first child. We are devoted to helping the good work of the March of Dimes . . . giving EVERY baby a healthy start in life,’’ Chef Rock said.

Chef Rock became a volunteer for the March of Dimes after he and his wife, Tamara, lost their first child, who was stillborn.  Their youngest daughter, Leah, was born with DiGeorge Syndrome, a serious heart defect.  She spent many weeks in the hospital’s newborn intensive care unit.

“We’re delighted that Chef Rock — who shares a special connection to the March of Dimes goal for healthier babies — will be giving so much of his time, energy and enthusiasm to our Signature Chefs events,’’ said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes.

Chef Rock’s appearances for the March of Dimes will be:
• St. Louis, Sept. 3
• Houston, Oct. 9
• Los Angeles, Oct. 15
• Miami, Oct. 22
• Washington D.C., Oct. 27
• Baltimore, Oct. 28
• Myrtle Beach, Nov. 3
• Chicago, Nov. 10
• Jacksonville, Nov. 13
• New Orleans, Nov. 23

Information on Signature Chefs Auctions in each state can be found at the bottom of the signature chefs’ page.

Twenty to 25 chefs appear at each of the galas, preparing and serving up their own signature dishes and meals, ranging from fish to beef to soups and desserts.  Live auctions also are held.  Signature Chefs events have raised almost $100 million for March of Dimes programs of research, community service, education and advocacy for babies since its inception in 1989, including $15 million last year.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.