CityView Magazine

giving Retro Giving Get ready to shimmy back to the Roaring Twenties at the March of Dimes Signature Chefs' Auction at the Holiday Inn Bordeaux on November 20. This year is the 20th Platinum An- niversary for the event, with platinum, lavender and white for the color scheme and lots of flare from the 1920's. But, even better than the fun that's sure to be had is the opportunity to help this year's sponsored family: Tim and Jennifer Brooks of Lumberton. Their son Jackson was born premature at 26 weeks and spent months in the Neo Na- tal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Tim is the president of Healthkeep- erz, a home health and medical agency that is a family owned and operated business. The Brooks family also owns a pharmacy in Pembroke. Jennifer is a stay-at-home mother for their three chil- dren: Summer, age 9, Jackson, now 4, and baby Eli, who is 2 years old and also has experienced health problems. Today Jackson is a healthy boy with no developmental delays thanks to research and medication provided by the March of Dimes. Born prematurely at 25 weeks, Jackson weighed only 2 pounds 1 ounce at birth and he received two treatments of Surfactin, a life-saving treatment. "Being an ambassador family, we want Jackson's life to be an example for the need of the work of the March Of Dimes," said Jennifer Brooks." The Brooks family's desire is to prevent pre- maturity and to provide educational pro- grams and fund more research to pro- vide much needed life saving treatments. "We received excellent care at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and felt like part of the family, so loved and cared for by the entire staff." Jennifer said. "It's evidence of this that we still have a close relationship with one of our nurses. They have a heart for these babies and they loved them." This year the March of Dimes also plans to honor Sabeanay Jacobs, the nurse who formed a strong bond with Eli and the Brooks family during their trying time, when she had the opportu- nity to nurture and love on their baby. Throughout the year, the March of Dimes hosts many walks, runs and other events to raise both awareness and funds. The funds are needed to con- tinue research on medicines to further develop the lungs of premature infants and many other childhood diseases that affect the lives of children. Lorna Ricotta, a March of Dime board member, says the organization relies heavily on their volunteers. Vol- The March of Dimes Chefs' Auction has a jazz age theme BY KELLY TWEDELL unteers are busy behind the scenes col- lecting auction baskets and items, secur- ing restaurants and coordinating chefs along with public relations work for the organization. "The March of Dimes is hoping to have a more tangible effect within the community," Ricotta said. "Can we pro- vide some rocking chairs to local hospi- tals, etc. What do they need that we can help with?" Look to find about 15 local restau- rants and caterers at the Chefs' Auction, providing small plates of food that spot- light the delectable items that are on — and off — their menus. Many are also do- nating gift cards for auction packages. Key sponsors this year include Plati- num sponsor, Wells Fargo and also in- clude BB&T and Bank of America. So guys, grab your slouch hats, and dames — we hope to see you sporting el- egant longer skirts or short-hemmed flap- per attire, and of course your pearls, for a fun night of Roaring Twenties giving! Looking to sponsor a table for your company or to get more information on being a key sponsor? Contact Cath- erine Heindselman, Division Direc- tor of the Cape Fear Chapter of the March of Dimes. She may be reached at 910.483.3691 or by email to cheind- selman@marchofdimes.com. CV CityViewNC.com | 37

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