March of Dimes Hosts Annual Signature Chefs Auction

The March of Dimes held its Signature Chefs Auction on October 5, 2015 at the McLoone’s Pier House in Long Branch, NJ. The event, which was attended by over 175 people, raised over $93,000 to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Top Central Jersey chefs offered attendees an opportunity to enjoy a great night out while raising funds, making friends and increasing awareness of the March of Dimes mission to improve the health of all babies, along with an elegant, upscale evening of fine dining, dancing, and the opportunity to bid on incredible live and silent auction packages.

Ronica Cleary from “Chasing News” on Channel 9 emceed the event and Carl Gentry and the Kings of Suburbia provided music for the evening.

Restaurants and establishments that participated included 709 Point, AMA Ristorante, At the Table, B2 Bistro, Beach Haus Beer, Buona Sera, Café Mumfords, CATB Liquor Import, Chocolate Carousel, Dino’s on Main, Drew’s Bayshore Bistro, Lil Cutie Pops, McLoones Pier House, Quaker Steak & Lube, R & R Marketing, Red Bank Chocolate Shop, Scarborough Fair, and Shore Point Distributors.

The evening honored Tim & Beth McLoone, President and Founder of McLoone’s Restaurants and Phil & Marilyn Perricone, Perricone Family Charitable Trust. Senator Joseph M. Kyrillos Jr. had resolutions made for them, and Monmouth County Freeholder Serena DiMaso presented them with certificates declaring October 5th to be Tim & Beth McLoone and Phil & Marilyn Perricone Day.

Sponsors of note included Phil and Marilyn Perricone, Ken & Ann Nahum, Carol Stillwell & Mary Ann Larkin, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, PSE&G, Acelleron Medical Products, Barbara Black,George & Ruth Harms Foundation, Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Foundation, Ocean First Bank, CentraStateHealthcare, and Tim & Beth McLoone.

Premature birth is the most serious infant health problem in the United States today. It affects nearly half a million babies nationwide each year, including over 11,800 babies in New Jersey. Premature birth is the #1 killer of babies, and those who survive an early birth face serious health challenges and are at risk for cerebral palsy, lung problems, vision and hearing problems and learning disabilities. The March of Dimes is committed to reversing this trend by funding research to find the causes of premature birth and developing strategies to prevent it.

Pictured are Phil Perricone, Marilyn Perricone, Ronica Cleary, Beth McLoone, Tim McLoone

Photo credit: Tom Zapcic Photography