Albert Bueno is taking a stand for healthier babies.

The Chapin resident is the chairman of this year’s Signature Chefs Auction fundraiser for the March of Dimes. The event will be Nov. 4 at Embassy Suites in Columbia.

“I’m proud to be part of this event that will help the March of Dimes continue working towards the day when every baby has a healthy start in life,” Bueno said. “The generous contributions of the restaurants, event sponsors and attendees will truly impact the lives of babies and families in our community.”

The event will highlight the culinary excellence of many of the area’s top chefs and will feature samplings of each participating chef’s signature dish as well as silent and live auctions with dining, travel and entertainment packages.

Proceeds from the event will fund research for the causes and prevention of premature birth, which impacts a half-million babies and their families each year, including more than 9,000 in South Carolina. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have lifelong disabilities.

Tickets are $150 per person or $1,500 for a corporate table of eight. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities also are available by calling the March of Dimes at (803) 252-5200.

Interested chefs, sponsors and restaurants should call Rebecca Walker at (803) 403-8531.

Central Carolina taps new development director

Heather Sherwin is Central Carolina Community Foundation’s new vice president for development.

Sherwin will develop new charitable funds and work with professional advisers and their clients to help them fulfill philanthropic goals.

Before joining the foundation, Sherwin was director of principal gifts for Cleveland Museum of Art. She also has worked with the Great Lakes Theater Festival and the American Red Cross.

Central Carolina Community Foundation serves 11 Midlands counties and helps charitable individuals and businesses respond to various community needs.

Helping youngsters cope with loss

Applicants are being accepted and volunteers sought for this year’s Palmetto Health Hospice Brett’s Rainbow Bereavement Camp.

The camp, now in its 20th year, is for children ages 5 to 18 who have experienced the death of a family member or other significant person in their lives. This year’s camp will be Oct. 27 at the White Oak Conference Center in Winnsboro.

“Families often find it can be challenging to help their children deal with death, especially when the adults themselves are overwhelmed with grief,” said Karen Brazell, Palmetto Health Hospice bereavement program coordinator and a volunteer coordinator. “The mission of Brett’s Rainbow is to improve the emotional, psychological and spiritual health of grieving children and their families.”

To request an application or learn about volunteering, call Karen Brazell, Brett’s Rainbow camp director, at (803) 296-3331. Applications are due Oct. 22.