Gourmet giving on the menu at March of Dimes event

Foodie philanthropists will want to nab a seat at the table at “The Farmer & the Chef,” a fundraiser for the March of Dimes’ Georgia chapter.

The event is planned for 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead. Atlanta broadcaster Mara Davis, known for her on-camera work with the Peachtree TV show "Atlanta Eats," the video series Tastemade Atlanta, and music commentary on 90.1 FM/WABE, will serve as emcee.

“I’m so excited to host this,” she said. “It’s a fabulous cause with an all-star chef lineup. I can’t wait to see what they cook up with outstanding ingredients from local farms. It’s going to be a blast!”

Chefs Kevin Rathbun (Kevin Rathbun Steak, Rathbun's, KR SteakBar, Krog Bar), Todd Ginsberg (the General Muir, Yalla, Fred's Meat & Bread), Eli Kirshtein (the Luminary), Franck Steigerwald (the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead) and Andrea Kirshtein (formerly with the Spence) will collaborate on the event's five-course dinner, using locally sourced ingredients.

"This night of Georgia giving has everything — phenomenal food, incredible support, a fine host, and a truly great cause," said event chair Lindsay Caulfield, senior vice president of marketing and public affairs at Grady Health System.

The fundraiser also features live and silent auctions offering items such as culinary experiences, vacation getaways, sports and spa packages.

The March of Dimes, which has chapters nationwide, works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Proceeds from “The Farmer & the Chef” benefit March of Dimes programs including prenatal education and volunteer mentoring programs to improve access to prenatal care, neonatal intensive care family support and Angel II, a special mobile NICU unit that stabilizes and transports sick and premature infants.

Tickets are $500 each and can be purchased online. See marchofdimes.org/georgia.