Auction Raises Dimes Galore For Preemies

By BILL RETTEW JR. | Highlands Today
Published: October 04, 2007

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SEBRING - The Four Points by Sheraton, Chateau Elan was the place to be on Wednesday night during the March of Dimes 9th Annual Highlands County Chef's Auction.

More than 200 March of Dimes supporters benefited prevention of premature births, which is the leading cause of death in American newborns.

The event raised more than $23,000 for grants, research and community education.
Sebring High School sophomore Stephanie Taylor weighed one and a half pounds at birth in 1991 - at a time when only 3 percent of newborns her size survived.

"I know in my heart that I'm one of the lucky ones from 1991," said Taylor.
Auctioneer John Martz, of Insight Auctioneers, kidded with the audience often.
"But it's only money and it's for a good cause," he said, while trying to coax higher bids from the participants.
Several local restaurants served the supporters.