Ethan Credi was born 26 weeks prematurely. He weighed only two pounds and 2 ounces.

Today he is a healthy 3-year-old boy. Ethan and his parents, Mike and Crystal, of Peru, will share their story as the March of Dimes ambassador family at March of Dime's ninth annual Illinois Valley Signature Chefs Auction Thursday, Nov. 5.

The organization works to save babies from the effects of premature birth and to treat those born with birth defects.

"We'll be doing this until there's a cure," said Kevin Woodson, owner of Woody's Steak House, 1321 La Salle St., and a participating chef for the event. "We've been doing it for nine years and if it takes 90 years, we'll be doing it."

The goal for this year's event is just $1 more than last year's goal.

"Considering the economy, if we do as well as we did last year, we'll be happy," said Lori Christopherson, division director for March of Dimes. The goal this year is $124,001.

Outside Chicago, March of Dimes — Heartland Division raises the most funds in Illinois.

"We went from $17,000 the first year to (nearly) $125,000 last year," said lead chef and honorary chairman Charlie Klinefelter, of the funds raised for the chefs auction. Dr. Paul Perona is the 2009 chairman.

The following restaurants will be providing food, which includes Starved Rock Lodge, Utica; Amici Ristorante, Peru; Andrews on the River, Seneca; Brandy's, Peru; Cajun Connection, Utica; Duffy's Tavern, Utica; Grinder's Gourmet Coffe & Ice Cream, Peru; Crawdads at Heritage Harbor Marina, Ottawa; Machelle's Backstreet, La Salle, Mark Allen's American Kitchen, Peru; Mickey's Massive Burrito, La Salle, Mi Margarita, Peru; The Right Spice Supper Club, Peru; Rudy's Liqor, Peru; Skoog's Pub & Grill, Utica; Waterstreet Pub, Peru; and Woody's Steak House, Ottawa. Also contributing are HyVee Foods, Peru; Kelsey's Kakes, Peru; Starved Rock Lodge, Utica; Chocolate Fantasy Tent; and Euclid Beverage, Peru.

Cabot Creamery Cheese, an award-winning Vermont cheese, is supplying 30 pounds for the event, which Klinefelter will cut into cubes for guests.

"It's something new and different," Christopherson said.

A coupon book, with discounts at the participating restaurants, also is a new addition this year.

Attendants will have the opportunity to bid on more than 70 items in a silent auction and 35 items in a live auction, which include four courtside Chicago Bulls tickets, two nights at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nev.

Tickets cost $75 and can be reserved by calling 815-223-3121. The fundraiser is 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Celebrations 150 in Utica. Live entertainment will be provided by 3 Olive Martini Band. The event is sponsored by Miller Group Charitable Trust, Illinois Valley Cellular, Illinois Valley Community Hospital in Peru and St. Margaret's Hospital in Spring Valley.