“We were very, very fortunate,” Jim Steiert said, recalling those days at Children’s Hospital. “We were surrounded by people far less fortunate.”

Greg Jackson — who along with his wife, Ruth, organized this year’s chef’s auction — said a friend just endured a tragedy. His wife died while pregnant, and the baby would have died as well without the work of the March of Dimes.

Thursday’s event was one of the auction’s biggest, and more tables than ever were pre-sold.

Jackson said it reflects well on Mankato that, even in uncertain financial times, the community supports a good cause.

“Mankato continues to give,” he said, “whether it’s the March of Dimes, United Way and everything in between.”