At the Annual Meeting and Dinner, held at Found Kitchen & Social House on Monday, June 13, the Chicago Chapter of LDE recognized and celebrated the addition of our fifth Dame of Distinction, Nancy Brussat Barocci, only the fifth in our 34-year history. Nancy joins former recipients Elaine Sherman, Marion Tripp, Alma Lach, and Joan Reardon in this rarely bestowed honor, nominated and voted on by our group of Past Presidents, and awarded to a member of long-standing who has excelled in her profession and shown great dedication to the Chicago Chapter.

Nancy had some thoughts to share with us:

To the members of the Chicago Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier:

I am still getting over the shock and surprise of being presented with The Dame of Distinction award at our Annual Meeting this past Monday. I was totally surprised and extremely honored. The downside of being surprised is that I didn’t have time to collect my thoughts and express my gratitude to an organization that has played an extremely important role in my life since 1982.

First of all thank you to Julie Chernoff and all the Past Presidents for this recognition. A big thank you to Past Presidents and dear friends Nancy Harris and Barbara Glunz and to my daughter, friend and partner Candace Warner for their kind words.

To all you “seasoned” members and those of you who have taken an active role in this organization I don’t need to tell you the many benefits Les Dames can give you. I have not only treasured the friendships I have made over the years but also value the business networking associations that have come as a result of working on various projects together. How very proud I have felt when we have presented Les Dames’ scholarships to deserving students or participated in one of the many organizations we have supported and volunteered for since 1982.

All those benefits don’t come without putting in your time – so I encourage all of you new members to “jump in” – to participate. Saying you’re too busy in an organization like this doesn’t fly! The very definition of our organization – a group of professional women who are leaders in the field of food, beverage and hospitality – says busy right up front. I’m so happy that I somehow found the time to come to programs, serve on the board and participate in fundraisers. What I have received in return far outweighs the hours I have put in! Thanks you all from the bottom of my heart!

Sincerely,

Nancy Brussat Barocci