Quad Cities March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction

BETTENDORF, Ia. – So, yes I’m a little behind…. BUT… it’s all in the name of great photos!

The Signature Chefs Auction, held just a couple weeks ago, is one of the biggest fundraisers for the March of Dimes. The event entails a lot of great food from area restaurant chefs, a silent auction, and some incredible live auction packages. The end result is tons of money be raised for a worthy cause – that of improving the health of babies born premature or with birth defects through research, education and advocacy.

This was my third year shooting the event. And this time around I had assistance from fellow photographers Teresa Ousley and Elisabeth Somes for the beginning part of it.

Here’s some highlights:

The chefs tables were busy busy busy with people eager to try some gourmet samples.

There’s honestly so much great food at this event it’s hard to know where to start. The combination of items are just incredible. The food is imaginative, creative and tasty. Here’s a glimpse of some of the yumminess from the chefs:

And there was plenty of wine bottles to auction off  as well:

People were having a good time. I was having a good time. After having shot this event the previous two years, I admittedly didn’t shoot as much as usual because there were a number of people who stopped to chat or say “hi.” It was great! After less than 40 frames in the camera I sat and scarfed down some food.

Then the program part got underway, starting with some brief words by Andy Sallee – this year’s event chair and president of Tri-State Windows, Siding & Roofing.

The top chefs were also honored for their culinary talents, with first place (from left) going to Happy Joe’s, second place to The Black Watch Room (at Pebble Creek Golf Course), and third place to Thunder Bay Grille.

Radio DJ and MC Steve Ketelaar moved throughout the tables of guests and picked out New Orleanian Ben Doolittle, the new executive chef of the Hotel Blackhawk. The historic landmark is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation and is expected to open in December.

Afterward, the Wichman family came up. They are the Ambassador Family for the QC area, and dad Jim shared the story about the youngest Rhett, who was born 5 weeks early and spent 23 days in the NICU.

After their presentation, there was no shame (and shouldn’t be) by the auctioneer in using Rhett to help raise money. After all, at age 3 I imagine he was already past his bedtime and had no interest in impressing anyone with shoes and socks.

I’m so fortunate to shoot this event, especially given the money raised (some which impact specific hospital procedures people don’t normally hear about) have helped babies of my friends who have grown to be healthy kids.

A great event!

Cheers,

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