The ONLY time we love a live auction is when a particular item inspires wildly competitive bidding. The March of Dimes surely loved it at the annual Signature Chefs Gala when Gary Petersen and Haag Sherman went at it dollar for dollar in a bidding war over dinner for 14 — to be prepared by RDG chef Robert del Grande in the home of Gina and Dr. Devinder Bhatia.

When the bidding reached $35,000, the two decided on a friendly solution — they would share the evening. It was just how things went in the auction in the ballroom of the Westin Galleria Hotel where 750 March of Dimes supporters raised their bid numbers over and over again. By night's end, the event had brought in a record of more than $530,000. Applause, applause for chairs Debra Grierson and Julie Oliver.

There was a bit of something for everyone at this cocktail-attire event. First, there was the revelry inspired by the "Krewe de Cuisine" theme — plenty of Mardi Gras beads (none bigger than the croquet ball-sized beads worn by Grierson), lively jazz by the Hustlers Brass Band, Mardi Gras-inspired decor and high spirits.

Second, there were the food stations where all manner of taste treats were offered by more than a dozen restaurants ranging from Brennan's famous turtle soup to Willie G's shrimp dish to Damian's Ceasar salad.

Then came the seated dessert, accompanied by the presentation of honorees, a video, speeches and live auction. The second half of the evening was in some ways a sedate counterpoint to the lively start of the party.

Receiving special recognition as Community Honoree was Alex Brennan-Martin, who was joined in a salute on stage by famed Houston chefs who began their careers at his side at Brennan's — Haven's Randy Evans, Pesce's Mark Holley, Mark's Mark Cox, Catalan's Chris Shepherd, Brennan's current executive chef Danny Trace and Brennan's GM Carl Walker. A standing ovation followed Brennan-Martin to the stage.

Welcome Wilson accepted the second Community Honoree award on behalf of the University of Houston. Dr. Susan E. Denson was recognized as medical honoree, her award presented by UT Health Science Center president Dr. Larry Kaiser. Millette and Haag Sherman and their two daughters were recognized as the Mission Family Honoree.

It was a glam crowd that included Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, Franco Valobra, Amy and Jim Lee, Debbie and Rudy Festari, Karen and Mike Mayell, Rosemary Schatzman, Susan and Mike Plank, Farley and Steve Erikson, Shelley Henshaw, Vanessa Sendukas, Carolyn Farb, March of Dimes board chair Sabrina Midkiff and after-party chairs Cerón and Mark Sullivan, who led the late-night partygoers to Gigi's Asian Bistro & Dumpling House.