Hundreds of local residents filled their plates, and opened their wallets, to help save babies Wednesday night.  The Northeast Division of the March of Dimes held its annual Suburban Signature Chefs Auction at Bolingbrook Golf Club.  

WJOL's Scott Slocum took the podium just after 7, to help auction off silent and live packages, provided by chefs from 16 area restaurants.  Bidders had the chance to wet their appetites before the auction, sampling food from each of the chef’s stations in the Main Ballroom.

Preliminary totals show the group raised $45,000 from the event.  The money goes to support local residents like Jorge and Nirma Marroquin. 

The Marroquin’s shared their story of survival with the packed Ballroom last night, recalling how their son, Nicolas, overcame breathing difficulties while in the care of Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital’s Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit.  Nicolas was born premature, and required lung surfactant to help his lungs develop.  The medication was discovered through research, funded through a March of Dimes grant.

Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital served as premier sponsor for the event.  Other major sponsors included Harrah’s Casino, the Law Offices of Laird M. Ozmon, Bolingbrook Golf Club and WJOL radio.    Bolingbrook Mayor Roger C. Claar resumed his role as Honorary Chair, while Miss Teen Illinois, Kristin Mlady, worked the crowd, selling tickets for one of the many raffles held that night.

Restaurants in attendance included:   Bolingbrook Golf Club, Branmor’s American Grill, Chef By Request, Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant, Francesca’s at the Promenade, Gordon Biersch Winery and Restaurant, Harrah’s Joliet, Heaven on Seven of Naperville, Hollywood Casino Joliet, Joliet Junior College, Mago Grill & Cantina, McQ’s Sportsbar, Meson Sabika, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Two Brothers Brewing Co. and Andy’s Frozen Custard.

If you missed out on Wednesday’s event and would like to help the cause, contact the March of Dimes at (815) 600-8087.  Donations can also be made online at https://www.marchofdimes.com/illinois/support_giving.html 

Funds raised support the March of Dimes “Saving babies, together” campaign - a nationwide initiative to reduce low birth weight, infant mortality and prematurity.  The campaign supports programs of community service, advocacy, research and education to help ensure a healthy start for every baby.