To mark the century since Beard’s birth, chefs and restaurants around the country are hosting benefit dinners and other events through 2004 as part of our Centennial Celebration program. The proceeds from these events will be earmarked for The James Beard Foundation House Preservation Fund, which has a goal of raising a $2 million endowment to ensure that the Beard House will remain the focal point for the culinary arts in America for generations to come.

We are deeply grateful for our partners in this immense, nationwide effort. Smithfield Foods Inc. is the title sponsor of the Centennial Celebration. Robert Mondavi Winery is also sponsoring the dinners. And without the support of the hundreds of chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers, and other talented and generous members of the food industry, there would be no James Beard Foundation.

For a listing of upcoming events, see below. If you are interested in more information about any of the dinners, please click on the name of the restaurant and location. If you are interested in hosting a Centennial dinner, please email specialevents@jamesbeard.org.