42nd annual event raises record-breaking
$1.47 million for the health of moms
and babies
ARLINGTON, Va., May 16, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The 42nd Annual March of Dimes Gourmet Gala, held
at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC Wednesday evening, united 55
Members of Congress for a cook-off competition where the Members
showcased their culinary skills by serving up their favorite dishes
to a panel of renowned local chefs and more than 700
guests. The event, which raised more than $1.4 million, highlighted the commitment of the
community to support March of Dimes' advocacy, research, and
education nationwide.
In addition to the cook-off, the gala featured the inspiring
story of the Donaldson Family, who shared their journey of
overcoming challenges when their son Carter was born preterm at 25
weeks, weighing only 12 ounces. Their story underscores the impact
of March of Dimes' work to provide support and resources to
families with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit
(NICU).
"Our annual Gourmet Gala is more than a culinary event, it's a
celebration of hope and resilience for families across the US,"
said Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, March of
Dimes President and CEO. "We're incredibly grateful for the support
of our Congressional Chefs, sponsors, attendees, and volunteers who
make these events possible—their generosity allows us to continue
to fight to improve health outcomes for all moms and babies."
Chefs local to Washington, DC,
including Chef Pepe Moncayo of
Cranes, Chef Robbie Meltzer of Jose
Andres Group, Chef Matt Baker of
Gravitas and Michele's and Chef Gabe
Thompson of Thompson Italian, judged the dishes with winners
named in the following categories:
- Easiest Preparation - Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) and Dr. Marcia Latta, Oreo Victory Dessert
- Hometown Hero - Rep. Robin
Kelly (D-IL), Tater Tot Casserole
- Healthiest Recipe - Rep. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Mrs. Ann Scott, Wild Rice Chicken Salad
- Judge's Choice - Rep. Dan
Goldman (D-NY) and Mrs. Corinne
Goldman, Challa
- Best Presentation - Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH) and Mrs. Sarah Landsman, Shrimp Louis
- People's Choice - Rep. Sanford
D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) and Mrs. Vivian Bishop, Grandma Betty's Yellow Corn Grits
& Southern Style Spicy Shrimp
This year's Gourmet Gala Finance co-chairs were Nicole Collier and Whitney VanMeter while honorary co-chairs
included Senator Mark Warner and
Mrs. Lisa Collis of Virginia, Senator Bill and Mrs. Chrissy Hagerty of Tennessee, Congressman Jimmy Gomez and Mrs. Mary Hodge of California, and Congressman Adrian and Mrs.
Andrea McDaniel Smith of
Nebraska.
Honorable mention goes to the following Members who've
participated in the annual Gourmet Gala for over a decade: Sen.
Angus King (17 years), Sen.
John Cornyn (13 years), Rep.
Doug Lamborn (11 years), Rep.
Sanford Bishop (13 years), Rep.
Robert Aderholt (19 years), Rep.
Mike Thompson (20 years), and Sen.
Jim Risch (13 years).
March of Dimes is grateful for the more than 100 sponsors who
supported this year's event, including Blue Cross Blue Shield
Association, Chevron, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, NACDS Foundation,
Samsung, and P&G/Pampers.
To learn more about March of Dimes Gourmet Gala, including event
photos, please visit marchofdimes.org/gourmetgala.
About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and
babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education
and advocacy so that every family can get the best possible start.
Since 1938, we've built a successful legacy to support every
pregnant person and every family. To learn more about March of
Dimes, please visit marchofdimes.org.
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SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.