Fortify at 45: Open to Dames to Help LDNY Grow its Scholarship Initiative

LDNY was founded on the principles of philanthropy, advocacy, and education. It exists to raise the image and presence of women in food, wine, and hospitality, as well as foster and nurture relationships that enable careers to grow.  With college tuition being a barrier to entry, scholarships play a key role in the organization’s mission. Since our inaugural scholarship awards in 1977, LDNY has bestowed over $2 million in funds to over 1,000 women. Today, we wish to carry on this mission and are launching a Fortify at 45 campaign as we reflect on the past 45 years of scholarship support. 

Your contribution to our Fortify at 45 campaign means LDNY will increase and strengthen the number and types of scholarships it presents to women pursuing successful careers in the thriving fine food, beverage, and hospitality industry. Help us reach our goal of raising a minimum of $45,000 by year end. Donate TODAY!

This campaign is open to Dames. Anyone who wants to donate to LDNY and its scholarship initiatives and is not a Dame, please see our general donation information on our Support Us page.

Les Dames d’Escoffier Annual Scholarship Reception in New York City, on July 13, 2022. Photo by Cynthia Carris Alonso

With a goal of raising $45K, the funds raised in this unique campaign will support our annual scholarships programs and general operating funds as follows:

  • 50% to support our scholarship fund
  • 30% to support internet, website, media and public relations expenses
  • 20 % to support programs, podcasts and entrepreneurship endeavors

Fortify at 45 Giving Levels


$45,000: all the benefits of a Dame Educator and a Platinum Sponsor

  • Titled Sponsor or “Presented By” Sponsor Logo and/or bio & photo at all events
  • Exhibitor booth/product display at an annual event for consumer brand sponsors
  • Logo displayed in marketing and event collateral where possible
  • Featured in the newsletter with logo
  • Featured on the website for a year
  • Featured in a podcast and logo in the end credits of podcast
  • 4 Tickets to all events, admission to online events & programs
  • Mail list access
  • Named Scholarship

$4,500: all the benefits of a Dame Ambassador and a Silver Sponsor

  • Featured in the newsletter with logo and/or bio & photo
  • Thanked on the website for a year with logo and/or bio & photo
  • Thanked on one podcast with logo and/or bio & photo
  • Admission to online events & programs, 2 tickets to live programs, 25% discount on two tickets to annual events

$450: all the benefits of Dame News

  • Thanked in the newsletter
  • Thank You on the website for a year

$45 a quarterly commitment: all the benefits of Dame Supporter

  • Thanked on the website for a year

$4.50 a monthly recurring donation: designation as a Dame 45.

  • Thanked on the website for a year