March of Dimes Hosts annual Signature Chefs Gourmet Gala

The March of Dimes held its annual Signature Chefs Gourmet Gala on October 20, 2014 at The Terrace at Biagio’s Restaurant in Paramus, New Jersey. The event, which was attended by over 250, raised over $142,000 to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Top 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, a silent auction and enjoying top of the line as well as the newest wines, spirits and liqueurs. Bud Maltin and his orchestra provided music for the evening along with Roz Brown and Her Soul Sisters trio, and world class professional dancers from Hudson Dance Studio presented professional ballroom dance demonstrations.

Restaurants and establishments that participated included Axia Taverna, Ben and Jerry’s of Ridgewood, Bibi’z Restaurant & Lounge, Carlo Russo’s Wine & Spirit World of Ho-Ho-Kus, Chart House, David Ellis Catering, Escape, Fire & Oak, Goya Foods, Havens Riverfront Restaurant, Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, Liberty House Restaurant, MEAL, Noodles & Company, Off the Hook Seafood, Ridgewood Culinary Studio, Stone House at Stirling Ridge, Sweet Love & Cakes (formerly Heavenly Treats), The Manor, The Melting Pot, The Plum and The Pear, The Ryland Inn, and The Terrace at Biagio’s.

The evening, which honored Dr. Gaines M. Mimms, Division of Neonatology at Morristown Medical Center, also affiliated with Atlantic Health and St. Clare’s Health Systems, as well as a senior partner at MidAtlantic Neonatology Associates, was sponsored by Atlantic Health, Carlo Russo’s Wine and Spirit World, Eisai Foundation, Ferreira Construction Co., Inc, Goya Foods, J. Fletcher Creamer & Sons, Joseph & Arlene Taub Foundation, KPMG, MidAtlantic Neonatology Associates, PSEG, Russo Development, Sanzari Enterprises, and Wainscot Media.

Premature birth is the most serious infant health problem in the United States today. It affects more than half a million babies each year nationwide and over 11,000 right here in New Jersey. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have lifelong disabilities. Funds raised from this event will help support prenatal wellness programs, research grants, advocacy efforts, Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait and a Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Family Support program, all for stronger, healthier babies.

Pictured: David Karlovich, Gabrielle Karlovich, Dr. Gaines Mimms, Susan Karlovich. The Karlovich family spoke at the Signature Chefs Gourmet Gala, sharing their story of Gabrielle’s twin who did not survive their premature birth. Gabrielle recently reconnected with Dr. Mimms, who was their doctor when they were born, and has since decided to become a neonatologist.