Anthony Bourdain’s possessions are being auctioned off for a study-abroad scholarship
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
On June 8, 2018, the world lost an icon and titan of the travel world: Anthony Bourdain. When the news broke, the heartfelt tributes poured in — he was truly an inspiration to so many of us in the industry, as well as to travelers around the world.
The chef, author and television personality connected us all to the world, and taught us the importance of travel. He urged people to connect with others, to challenge themselves and to be open to learning something new. He lauded the journey, and celebrated the unknown.
Though it’s been more than a year since Bourdain’s passing, his passion for travel, food and people continues to live on. He’s won posthumous Emmy Awards, and there’s even a Bourdain-inspired food trail in New Jersey. And now, many of his possessions are being auctioned off for a very good cause.
Starting on Oct. 9, nearly 200 of Bourdain’s most valued possessions — including artworks, books, apparel, watches and more — will be showcased in an iGavel auction. According to reports, 40% of the proceeds will benefit the Anthony Bourdain Legacy Scholarship at his alma mater, the Culinary Institute of America. The scholarship was established with Bourdain in mind, and aims to support students at the school who are either studying abroad or participating in one of the college’s global cuisines and cultures international programs.
The remaining 60% will go to Bourdain’s daughter, Ariane Busia-Bourdain, and his ex wife, Ottavia Busia.
Bourdain’s passions — everything from travel to cooking, art, film and writing — are well represented by the items being sold at auction. Some of the highlights include a custom Bob Kramer steel and meteorite chef’s knife, a Chrome duck press from the Paris episode of “The Layover” and a script with signed inscriptions for “The Food Wife” episode of “The Simpsons.” There’s also a Danish midcentury Peter Lovig Nielsen writing desk, an original manuscript for Bourdain’s novel “Bone in the Throat” and artworks by Ralph Steadman and John Lurie, among others.
Items are estimated to range in value from $200 to $6,000 per item, for an approximate total value between $200,000 and $400,000, according to Afar.
“[Bourdain] was a larger-than-life personality with so many interests other than food, and this sale reflects his multidimensional persona,” auctioneer Lark Mason said in a statement, explaining that estimated values were kept low so that “everyone who loved [him] will have the opportunity to purchase something … and know that part of the proceeds will be going to a good cause.”
Everything will be available for online preview starting Oct. 2, and the action will run until Oct. 30. Exhibitions of the belongings will tour during the auction and be visible in New Braunfels, Texas, New York City and Savannah, Georgia.
Culinary Institute of America president Tim Ryan, said that, with this auction, Bourdain’s “legacy [will live] on in the future leaders of the food world.”
“The ability to travel and experience other cuisines and cultures first-hand,” Ryan said, “is a priceless gift ….”
Featured image courtesy by David S. Holloway/CNN.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
WELCOME OFFER: 80,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION*: $1,650
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 2X points on all travel and dining, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. View our latest valuations here.
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn up to $50 in statement credits towards grocery store purchases within your first year of account opening.
- Earn 2X points on dining including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories.
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.