Chef Donny King, Ocean Boulevard, at the 16th Annual Signature Chef's Auction.As a reminder of how great it is to be associated with the Outer Banks, the 16th Annual Outer Banks Signature Chef's Auction is perfect.
Held on Sunday at Duck Woods Country Club, there's a little bit of glamour, some great food, it's for a great cause and the generosity of the Outer Banks is on full display.
A fundraiser for the March of Dimes, the Chef's Auction featured 12 area chef's at their creative best. That alone is a great reason to come to the event, but there is also the auction.
There's a silent auction as everyone is sampling the food, but the fundraising highlight has got to be the Live Auction Items. Seventeen packages were bid on this year, and there were some spectacular packages.
A week on Ocracoke for six; personal chef service for a 25 person party; dinner and a sunset cruise on a yacht—there was something for everyone. And the bid reflected that, ranging all the way up to $6500.
But the evening was really all about the Outer Banks families who have children who may not have survived if it wasn't for the March of Dimes and the research the organization has been doing.
The Nola Bryne was this year's ambassador. Nola and her mom went through a tough time at birth and three-and-a-half years later Nola still has some issue, but she is an active, cheerful child with a smile that can light up the largest room.
That's what the Chef's Auction was all about. After the food has been eaten—and it was great food; after the auctions and everyone goes home and hugs their kids, the evening really is about hope and the generosity of the Outer Banks community.
Participating restaurants
Aqua Restaurant and Spa-Chef Cory Bryant
Black Pelican-Chef Jason Jordon
Cravings Steak and Seafood-Scott Foster
Duck Woods Country Club-Chef Joey Russo
Eastside Restaurant-Chef Jeff Readman
Mike Dianna's Grill Room-Chef Mike Dianna
Ocean Boulevard-Chef Donny King
Red Sky Cafe-Chef Wes Stepp
Kimball's Kitchen, Sanderling Resort-Chefs Tyler Powell, Brian Riddle
Steamer-Chefs Chris Braswell, Michael Blanchard
Stripers Bar and Grille-Chef Alfredo Landzuri
The Saltbox Cafe-Chefs Randolph and Amanda Sprinkle
