7 DAYS FOR SIDS, June 11-17, 2007

June 11-June 17 2007 is 7 DAYS FOR SIDS week in the Cincinnati area. SIDS is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, which is the number one cause of death for infants aged one week to one year. 7 DAYS FOR SIDS was founded by Jean-Robert de Cavel and his wife, Annette following the tragic death of their baby daughter Tatiana to SIDS on June 13 2002.

Money raised from 7 DAYS FOR SIDS benefits the Sudden Infant Death Network of Ohio by providing research, education, and parental support as well as the Tatiana de Cavel Scholarship Fund at the Midwest Culinary Institute. The mission of the Sudden Infant Death Network of Ohio is to work towards the reduction and eventual elimination of SIDS through a multidisciplinary approach of: the promotion of infant health and wellness, community outreach, education, and medical research. In addition, the Sudden Infant Death Network is dedicated to providing supportive services to those who have been affected by the loss of a child, age 2 and under, from a Sudden Infant Death (SIDS) or Other Infant Death (OID).

More than 30 restaurants and businesses are participating in the event.

In just four years, 7 DAYS FOR SIDS has raised more than $300,000, making it the largest SIDS fundraiser in the United States. While de Cavel is elated by this success and grateful for other restaurants’ generosity, the week of his daughter’s death is still painful.

“It is not necessarily a week when I have a good time,” he says. “But I think it’s the best thing I could’ve done for the memory of our daughter.” (via Cincinnati Enquirer)

One of the showcase events of the week is Chefapalooza on Tuesday June 12 at the Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. Chefapalooza features famed New Southern Cooking Movement chef Nathalie Dupree who joins Jean-Robert de Cavel and David Cook (of Daveeds at 934) for lively cooking demonstrations. Samples of the food prepared by these three chefs will be available, paired with wine, after the event. Hosts for the evening are Jean-Robert de Cavel and Meg Calvin. This event is affordable at $50/pp but tickets to this event go rather quickly, so reserve while tickets are still available.

Another important event is Homerama Cooks for a Cure on Wednesday June 13. The ultimate test kitchen: chefs from the area’s top restaurants present cooking demonstrations in designer homes, and you get to eat the results! Tickets are available at the door, $12.

The events of the week culminate in a Father’s Day Brunch & Silent Auction at the Cincinnati Museum Center. All your brunch favorites prepared by chefs from the best restaurants in town: Andy’s Mediterranean Grille, Aqua, Boca, Behle Street Cafe, Cumin, Daveed’s at 934, Deco Dining, Encore Bistro & Bar, Heidelberg Distributing, Honey, JR French Restaurant Group, Kona Bistro, Lattitudes, Nectar, One Restaurant & Lounge, RED, Taste from Belgium, Trauth Dairy, Vinyl, and Woodford Reserve. Advanced purchase tickets are $60 or $70 at the door.

For a full list of participating restaurants and their specials, see this PDF poster or visit the 7 DAYS FOR SIDS web site.

Says de Cavel: “When we hear people want to help, it’s no longer surprising. But it’s still overwhelming.”

Just remember: your appetite can help the cause!