2nd Annual March of Dimes Signature Chef event raises money for research into preterm births [Video]

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The state of North Carolina was given a “D+” grade when it comes to its preterm birth rate, with 10.7% of births happening before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

It’s a statistic that the March of Dimes is hoping to change through advocacy and policy changes. March of Dimes does research and education into pre-term births, infant and maternal mortality and birth defects.

An event hosted by the organization on Friday featured several Wilmington chefs from restaurants and bars like Osteria Ciccheti, Olivero, Mocksie Craft Cocktails, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Butcher’s Market and Bluewater Waterfront Grill. Attendees could purchase tickets to try all of the food and participate in a silent auction.

The event raised $155,000 overall, surpassing last year’s amount of $130,000. Event chair Erin Kirk said it’s money that will go towards some of the research they do.

“All that money goes to a lot of …