14 Jun 2023 Norman M. Lipman Award Recipients

Each year, the Norman M. Lipman award is presented in Lipman’s memory and in recognition of individuals who have embraced the humanitarian qualities of wisdom, courage, optimism, commitment, and integrity in their personal and professional lives.

In 2023, we honor Beth & John Huff for Steadfast Commitment

Nashville Wine Auction is fortunate to have such dedicated and generous patrons as Beth and John Huff in our community. Since 1982 there has been a Huff in attendance at every l’Eté du Vin. We are thrilled to present the Norman M. Lipman award for Steadfast Commitment to Beth and John Huff.

John served as Medical Director of Baptist Hospital Breast Center and later Imaging Director and Chief of Breast Imaging at the Vanderbilt Breast Center. He first attended l’Eté du Vin in 1982, intrigued by connecting his love of wine with supporting the American Cancer Society.

Beth was introduced to l’Eté du Vin in 1986 when she was invited as John’s date. A nurse practitioner at Vanderbilt, Beth worked in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology for almost 25 years. She was equally passionate about fighting cancer and also fell in love with both John and the community.

Being involved early on in l’Eté du Vin meant not only attending but producing and running the events. The Huffs were integral in these volunteer efforts. John spent hours each year scouring books and magazines for wine reviews to write lot descriptions and put together the catalog (pre-internet!) with Tom Milam, Terry Murray, and wine, of course! Beth coordinated the first Vintners’ Tasting in 1994 which meant addressing invitations by hand at the dining room table and accepting RSVPs on her home phone! She went on to direct the Vintners’ Tasting for 12 years. To this day, the Huffs continue to donate and attend all l’Eté du Vin events.

From Beth and John:  We have such wonderful memories of the auction over these many years – from getting to the site early to set up the auction; to celebrating in Mario Ferrari’s room late one night with a kilo of caviar; to sharing “hair of the dog” and breakfast with volunteers the next day. The friendships that were created will stay with us forever. Plus, we are proud to have been a part of an organization that has created a visible presence in the wine world, both nationally and internationally, and has raised so much money to “Fund the Fight Against Cancer.”