The auction is posted online, along with the list of auction items and instructions for bidding: http://www.ifandbforumhalloffamesummit.com/auctions_2012.asp 
Auction items are still being donated, but so far, The Forum has received over 150 donations that anyone can bid on with a total value over US$ 185,000.00. The list of auction items is being updated and will be continue to be updated right up until the actual bidding begins on October 25th. Tell us about the International Food & Beverage Forum….how was it founded and what is it all about?
We founded the International Food & Beverage Forum was founded in 1993, while I was Vice President of Food & Beverage for Westin Hotels & Resorts. Along with the support of three Food & Beverage Vice Presidents and one Beverage Consultant, we wanted to create a global association of Food & Beverage industry representatives with the purpose to form a truly global think tank for this industry.
Therefore each member of our association had to be recognized internationally for his/her achievements and high professional standards.
Our goal was to cover all aspects of the upscale section in the Food & Beverage industry, so we recruited individuals representing segments such as upscale hotels, cruise lines, airlines, independent restaurants, education, Food & Beverage publications and others.
So, that was nearly 20 years ago. The International Food & Beverage Forum has grown significantly- where is it today and what is the Forum’s mission?
Today, The International Food & Beverage Forum has an active membership based on six continents and has participated in panel discussions and industry events in major cities on four continents. When we began, we outlined the structure of the association and created the mission to enhance global dialogue and knowledge of food and beverage. Early on, we also knew we wanted to foster the education of young hospitality professionals, so – with the help of major food and beverage related companies – we set up a scholarship fund. I’m happy to report that we have given over $600,000 in scholarships to deserving young hospitality students.
The Forum’s annual Hall of Fame Summit is coming up in November. Tell us about that…What is it? How can people get involved?
One of the founders of the International Food & Beverage Forum was food & beverage legend Fred Rufe who had for many years been instrumental in developing food and beverage concepts with hotel groups like Hilton International, Marriott, and with top restaurants like Tavern on The Green, Four Seasons in New York, and many others. When Fred Rufe passed away, we wanted to keep his legacy alive and the best way we thought was to honor top F&B individuals from around the world, so the Hall of Fame and the Summit was begun. Fred Rufe and Ruth’s Chris Steak House’s Ruth Fertel were the first honorees and scholarships were given in their names. In fact, when Ruth Fertel was honored, she was so excited that she personally doubled the scholarship amount given in her name.
We started with 2 scholarships worth $5,000 each annually then decided we needed to do more. So, now we average 3 inductees and six scholarships in their names that average $30,000. In addition, last year, we gave our first two international scholarships to a small culinary school in South Africa. Earlier this year, we gave three international scholarships to École Hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland.
Our goal is to give scholarships and to honor inspirational, role model figures in the hospitality food and beverage world that young people can look up to. People like Steve Wynn, Robert Mondavi, Alain Ducasse, Agustin Huneeus and other industry role models have been among our many honorees. The key here is to make young people aware of the passion we have for our industry.
Passion is something you cannot teach. Passion is something you see in people who inspire you. Passion is something you learn from people who often come from modest backgrounds to do something truly unique.
Joël Robuchon – one of this year’s honorees – is an example of such an inspirational individual. Robuchon, whose middle class family was not at all involved in the culinary industry, developed his passion for food & beverage very early on. Today, he is one of the world’s most acclaimed food and beverage professionals. Passion makes all the difference. Because of his passion, young people look up to him. They learn from his curriculum and from him they understand how important it is when you do something special.
That is why the Hall of Fame has become such an important part of our mission. How can people help support your organization’s scholarship efforts?
First of all, scholarships require funds and our leading source of scholarship funds is our online auction with bidding that starts on October 25th. With incredible auction items of stays at 5 star hotels, dinners at Michelin starred restaurants, golfing vacations, unique wines and other gifts that appeal to anyone interested in travel of food and wines. By supporting our auction, people can help us generate more scholarships and insure the passion for food and beverage continues with our young people.
Secondly, another great source of scholarship funds is our Summit Event in Las Vegas, scheduled this year from November 14th – 17th. The Summit includes at least 8 top chefs, winemakers from around the world, and various Forum members … all giving lectures to students from the host location Le Cordon Bleu in Las Vegas and to paid attendees. 
One of our first recipients was a young lady by the name of Holly Dove. Holly is a top player in the pastry world in New York. Holly still keeps in touch with The Forum, more than 15 years after receiving her scholarship. Why? Because, with our scholarship, we helped provide for an opportunity to fulfill her dream of becoming a pastry chef. The giving of scholarships is really about the giving of opportunities.
With our scholarships, we gave a German student Michael Sänger a chance to come to the United States and learn in a totally different environment than he knew previously. This is what comes about….a number of our scholarship recipients have had opportunities to work with world –renowned chefs like Gérard Vié in Paris or Alain Ducasse. Additionally, The Forum provides scholarship recipients an opportunity to make connections in the food and beverage world and further fuel their passion.
We intentionally keep the membership within The Forum at a low number of members to minimize overheads so that the vast majority of our fundraising can go directly to helping the students. We are a designated 501(c) (3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization.
This incredible auction is perfect for anyone loves to travel, loves great food and great wines. This auction is also a great way to plan your next year’s travel with great deals, to give great gifts to loved ones or to give a special thank you to associates.
Please keep in mind that every dollar collected will give a student a chance to improve his/her career! So, take a couple of minutes and review the list of spectacular auction items.
We know you’ll be as impressed as we are.
