Bid for Change: LDEI Online Auction Opens November 2
Offering unforgettable travel experiences to culinary treasures, Les Dames d’Escoffier International invites bidders worldwide to invest in the next generation of women leaders in food, beverage and hospitality
NEW YORK, NY — Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI), the global philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing women in food, beverage and hospitality, invites supporters to participate in its annual Online Auction, running November 2–13, 2026.
Open to members and the wider public, this year’s auction features an exceptional collection of travel experiences, culinary adventures, artisan gifts and one-of-a-kind opportunities. In each bid lies a much bigger purpose: raising vital funds to support LDEI’s mission to advance women in the industry through education, mentorship, leadership development and philanthropy.
Highlights include a week-long Carnival Cruise, overnight escapes to Palm Springs and a New Orleans experience featuring dinner at the legendary Arnaud's restaurant, guided tours and a visit to the Jazz Museum. Bidders can also discover a calligraphy class with Dame Deborah Mintcheff of The Artful Pen, treats from Fairytale Brownies and a special Hawaiian heritage package, alongside many more generously donated experiences and gifts.
With a global network of accomplished women across the culinary, beverage and hospitality sectors, LDEI is committed to creating meaningful change through education, mentorship, leadership development and philanthropy. Funds raised through initiatives such as the annual auction help sustain the organization's work, strengthening its ability to connect women with the knowledge, networks and opportunities they need to thrive.
“Nearly everything in this auction was donated by people who believe in what we do, and many of them are Dames who built their businesses from scratch,” said Marilyn Freundlich, President of Les Dames d’Escoffier International. “When you bid on a calligraphy class or a weekend in Palm Springs, you’re supporting the women who made it possible and funding the scholarships and mentorship that will launch the next generation.”
At the heart of LDEI’s mission is a belief in the transformative power of investing in women. Through its international programs, chapter initiatives and philanthropic work, the organization supports emerging talent, shares expertise across generations and builds pathways to leadership for women at every stage of their careers. That impact reaches well beyond its membership, into businesses, kitchens, classrooms and communities around the world.
Every bid represents an opportunity to contribute to a wider movement: one that celebrates women's achievements, nurtures future leaders and helps ensure that talent and ambition are met with opportunity.
LDEI encourages members, friends, industry partners and supporters around the world to take part, place a bid and share the auction with their communities.
Whether bidding on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, choosing a distinctive gift or simply supporting a cause that matters, participants help LDEI continue its work to advance women and strengthen the industries they shape.
The LDEI Online Auction opens on November 2 and closes on November 13, 2026.
Browse the auction and place bids: View the LDEI Online Auction
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About Les Dames d’Escoffier International
Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) is a global organization of women leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industries, advancing women through education, mentorship and philanthropy. Founded in 1985, LDEI includes more than 2,600 members across 40+ chapters in North America and Europe. Each year, LDEI chapters collectively invest more than 50,000 in scholarships, grants and community initiatives supporting women at all stages of their careers. To date, the organization has contributed more than 10 million to educational and philanthropic efforts. For more information, visit www.ldei.org and follow LDEI on Instagram (@lesdamesintl) and Facebook (@LDEIdamesdescoffier).
Madeleine Nasch