Honors of the Association - International Perfume Bottle Association

Since 1994, the IPBA Board of Directors has awarded the Honors of the Association, our highest level of appreciation, to an individual for his or her outstanding commitment to the organization.

OUR HATS ARE OFF TO THE FOLLOWING RECIPIENTS OF THIS AWARD

2023 Honoree
Verna Kocken

This person joined the IPBA on July 17, 2001, and has been on the IPBA Board for 3 full terms which included 4 years as Publications Chair, and two years as Vice President.

They authored more than 16 articles and book reviews for the PBQ. And this individual was given a shining star award at the Pittsburgh convention in 2014. Sharing their expertise in Czech perfume bottles and related items, this individual wrote the wonderful reference book “Perfume ottles for Purse and Dresser from Czechoslovakia 1920’s – 1930’s”.

You probably know by now; I am speaking about Verna Kocken. Over the years, Verna has gracefully presented four well-attended round tables at Convention and has recently kept her devotion-in-motion by becoming the co-chair of the Cascadia Pacific Northwest chapter.

She also wrote articles for our Young Collectors in the PBQ. She combined these articles into a book: “Two Improbable Friends”, Written by Verna and illustrated by her niece Audrey Poulsen. I had the good fortune of working with Verna on the IPBA board when she was Publications Chair. Always calm and creative and a voice of reason, she added enormous value to our board. She has provided our organization with a legacy of amazing PBQ’s during her tenure.

The IPBA is lucky to have a member and volunteer like Verna Kocken. Verna is an unassuming and powerful force within our association. On behalf of your board of directors, it is my pleasure to award the Honors of the Association, the highest award given by our association, to Verna Kocken.

2022 Honoree
Deborah Washington

Let me begin with a story: Years ago, our dear friend Deborah Washington had plans and a budget to remodel the bathroom in her gorgeous Chicago apartment when a perfume bottle beckoned her bid. It became an internal battle for Deborah: bathroom or bottle? … Bathroom or Bottle?! “I can’t spend the remodeling money, I just can’t!” she said. But before the gavel knocked the block, Deborah’s bathroom remodel had been flushed and replaced with another bottle for her collection! I’m sure we all recognize her dilemma and decision in ourselves.

Deborah Washington began collecting perfume bottles after receiving a Czech glass dresser set with two perfume bottles, powder jar and matching Irice boudoir lamps from her grandmother. Her early passion for filigree jeweled perfume bottles could be traced to a visit to the “world’s largest garage sale”; in a Chicago suburb. She purchased her first pair of matching perfume bottles at this event.

The internet and eBay became her new best friends, and her collection of these jeweled beauties grew over the years. In 2003 she led a roundtable discussion on these filigree jeweled bottles and vanity items at the Orlando convention. She also wrote an article for the PBQ on the items and the history of the companies that manufactured them.

Deborah Washington’s love for the IPBA began in 1992 when she joined this organization with her whole heart. She took on the roles of Board Treasurer from 2007 through 2011 … Convention Chair from 2011 through 2017 … IPBA President from 2017 through 2019, and Past-President from 2019 until her passing in 2021, perhaps most notably during our 2021 Virtual Convention.

Deborah left a legacy of leadership and love for the IPBA. In 2006, she helped start the Chicago Skyliners Chapter and hosted the first meeting in her home. In 2009, she and Joyce Geeser initiated IPBA’s Young Collectors Program; and in 2010, she and Rachel Prince helped IPBA segue into social media with the IPBA Facebook page.

She advocated for IPBA to live up to its name. She cherished her visits to UK Chapter events … was instrumental in developing the French Chapter. She attended the 2018 Guerlain meeting and the 2019 invitational tour of the Lalique Museum.

Beyond IPBA, Deborah had served the City of Chicago in City Planning … served on her condo’s Association Board, was an active collector and member of the Antique Purse Collectors Society and enjoyed her extensive collection of postage stamps and her association with The American Philatelic Society. She was also a devoted seamstress who made clothes for family members.

Regrettably, Deborah’s health issues took her much too soon. Therefore the International Perfume Bottle Association by Unanimous Resolution of its Board of Directors posthumously presents its highest award, The Honors of the Association to Deborah L. Washington.

2021 Honorees:
Jeffrey Sanfilippo and Rusty Hernandez Sanfilippo

As perfume bottle and vanity item collectors, we are intrinsically aware that the very best we can hope for is finding the perfect pairing … bottles with perfectly matched stoppers … compacts complete with puff and powder … vanity sets with all the pieces. To us, treasures like these keep our world spinning and hearts humming. And so it is when we recognize not one, but a perfect pair to bestow the Honors of the Association!

You will recognize them not only for their generosity of time, treasure and talents … but also for their gifts of wit, wisdom, and willingness to imagine and improve all things IPBA. Together and separately, this duo has stepped up time and again to serve and to steer this organization in bold new directions, and today, we get to humbly yet heartily say a resounding “Thank You!”

In case any of you are not fully aware of how blessed we are to bestow this Honor, here are a few selected highlights of their contributions:

For many years, above and beyond his already-busy schedule, Jeffrey has filled several second positions whenever needed. In addition to his recognized Board roles as President, Past-President, Membership Secretary, Convention Chair, and Treasurer, he has jumped in to generate the IPBA eNews, take Board meeting minutes, serve on the Strategic Planning and Nominating committees, and worked tirelessly to help build IPBA collaborations among several key affinity groups inside and outside of the IPBA. Sometimes, these “extra” duties have lasted for months on end!

Shifting our spotlight, Rusty has helped shape IPBA history over these many years, as he has steadfastly chaired three Conventions including Albuquerque, where he coined the phrase Convention Destination-Come and Stay! Rusty emailed attendees with convention updates and info on area sights. This was the beginning of the IPBA eNews. He was the co-developer of the perfume Movie Night and Pajama Fashion Show & Contest. Rusty is the IPBA’s Librarian and he has devoted countless hours alongside Jeffrey to position your IPBA securely as the International organization it has always meant to be.

Among that growing list of achievements, we acknowledge their across the pond creativity to organize and orchestrate a European expedition. On the home front — and unquestionably their biggest endeavor (yet) — they literally moved the pond to build the world-renowned Perfume Passage, a carefully curated museum devoted to preserving history while broadening our scope and connectivity though our common collecting passion.

Jeffrey and Rusty are proud and active members of IPBA’s Chicago Skyliners, the host chapter for our next worldwide convention in 2022.

Gentlemen, you are true ambassadors of good faith, good will, good humor, and good friendship. I feel confident to say we are ALL better for having you as part of our organization and our circle of friends.

The International Perfume Bottle Association by Unanimous Resolution of its Board of Directors presents its highest award, The Honors of the Association to Jeffrey Sanfilippo and Rusty Hernandez Sanfilippo.

2018 Honoree
Anne B. Conrad

Anne has always been on the hunt for Antiques! Growing up in Ohio she grew up antiquing with her Father. She bought, sold, and refinished Antique furniture during college. She was on the hunt for viniagarettes, when she stopped by an antique Mall in Dallas in 1993. There she met some members of the IPBA who invited her to the Dallas Convention. Anne joined immediately and started to unselfishly contribute her time and talents to the IPBA.

Anne served as IPBA’s Publication Chairman for 4 terms working to improve layout and design of our Perfume Bottle Quarterly while implementing various cost cutting measures. She has been a major contributor of articles to the PBQ.

One of the initial organizers of the Lone Star Chapter, Anne has served as Chapter treasurer, membership chairman, and newsletter chairman. Anne loves her perfume bottles and perfume buddies! And her collecting interests broadened. Anne is a massive collector of Perfume Bottles: Lalique, DeVilbiss, Baccarat, and all lovely Bottles. She loves her bottles, and actually gives each addition to her collection a kiss to celebrate.

Always enthusiastic, always on the hunt for more Perfume Bottles for her Collection, Anne defines the qualities of a Collector and Contributor to the advancement of the IPBA.

The International Perfume Bottle Association by Unanimous Resolution of its Board of Directors presents its highest award, The Honors of the Association to Anne Conrad.

2017 Honoree
Susan Arthur

Since we began this journey as part of the IPBA board 4 years ago, we’ve had the opportunity to work with a tenacious, persistent, determined, knowledgeable, and caring individual. I cannot think of a time when a project, a proposal, or an inquiry arose where Susan did not offer to help or give guidance. If you were to read our past board minutes, you would see Susan’s name on numerous projects and watch the action items be completed successfully.

Susan has demonstrated enormous dedication, passion and love for the IPBA in so many ways since joining back in 1998. She held several board member positions, serving four terms as Membership Secretary. Susan lead the IPBA as President and for the past four years served as Immediate Past President. And she has been an incredible mentor to me. Susan has served with distinction a total of seven terms in office on the Board of Directors, more than any other person.

Here are just a few examples of Susan’s contributions to the IPBA.

Susan’s early history goes back to 2001, when Elizabeth Creech was president. Elizabeth was fortunate to have a sharp, organized and efficient young woman taking over as Membership Secretary. At that time she demonstrated initiative, mastering the unwieldy and complex data base of all IPBA records and member contacts. That Board term was marked by two momentous events that negatively impacted the Association: 9/11 and the war with Iraq. Susan took the lead to find ways of maintaining our membership and encouraging convention attendance. She also stepped in to assist other board members which remained a pattern throughout her involvement on the board. Susan never hesitated to step in to do the hard jobs and to come to the aid of other Board members when they needed a hand.
Susan was involved in at least 24 articles for the PBQ in the last 4 years, either by writing individual pieces or contributing jointly with other members. These articles are thoughtfully, thoroughly and intelligently researched and presented.
Susan enhanced our e-News on-line publication, IPBA eNEWS in a very attractive format, providing fresh, relevant information for all members. She somehow manages to distribute this outstanding publication promptly at the beginning of each month to over 1000 contacts via email.
She spearheaded the initial efforts to redesign our web site, keeping and maintaining necessary updates to the Virtual Museum and interactive sections for membership and convention since its inception on a new platform.
During her tenure, special efforts to reach out and increase the involvement of the fragrance industry in IPBA activities has been a personal goal. The enormous success of the special presentation for Bond No. 9 is a perfect example of Susan’s contributions to the IPBA.
When the Association celebrated its 25th Anniversary during our Convention in Las Vegas, Susan was a driving force creating a spectacular presentation depicting special people and events in our history.
As a passionate collector, Susan has made an effort to search out the interesting, unusual and rare. She is a superb researcher and has shared her results in the form of informative and in-depth PBQ articles on bottles, designers and glass.

The International Perfume Bottle Association by Unanimous Resolution of its Board of Directors presents its highest award, The Honors of the Association to Susan Arthur.

2016 Honoree
Barbara W. Miller

This person stepped up to be the leader of the Flamingos many years ago and energized the chapter meetings with presentations, show & tell sessions, a raffle, a sale session, lunch, a business element and lots of fun;
This individual contributed numerous articles to the PBQ about The Crown Perfumery and Ancient Glass Perfume Bottles. They gave a symposium at the 2007 Convention in Atlanta on the Eight Wonders of the Ancient Perfume Bottle World;

This individual served on the Board for the 2011-2013 Term as Recording Secretary;

This person continues working and inspiring all of us by serving and volunteering at the registration desk at conventions year after year;

This individual spent seven years compiling; researching, and authoring a book about our association called The History of the IPBA. This story is a testament to the collecting interests of our group and it will stand as an important document capturing our history and journey together;

This person developed our First Time Attendees program at convention. Wishing they had someone to help navigate their first convention and seeing there was a way to improve the Orientation Program for the IPBA, this member came up with the idea of the Mentor Program for 1st Time Attendees. After establishing the program years ago, this person continues to volunteer time to the benefit of all new convention goers and mentors alike. The IPBA is a better, stronger association for having implemented this program;

The International Perfume Bottle Association by Unanimous Resolution of its Board of Directors presents its highest award, The Honors of the Association to Barbara Miller.

2015 Honoree
Jay Kaplan

FOR Exemplifying Sound Leadership, Guidance and Direction while serving on the Board of Directors during a critical time in IPBA History;

FOR serving as President for TWO terms (2007-2009, 2009-2011). With his new Board, Jay was able to stablize the organization, support the further advancement of the Strategic Plan, and make advancements in multiple areas of the organization;

FOR Sound Financial Advicement as Treasurer for two terms (2001-2003, 2003-2005), and continued dedicatiion as our Tax Advisor and preparer;

FOR His Continual Support of the very highest standards of Honor and Integrity in all of his actions on behalf of our Association;

The International Perfume Bottle Association by Unanimous Resolution of its Board of Directors presents its highest award, The Honors of the Association to Jay Kaplan.

2011 Honoree
Penny Dolnick

FOR Exemplifying Superb Leadership, Sound Guidance and Direction While Serving on the Board of Directors as President (1997-1999), Past President (1999-2001), and Convention Chair (1995-1997; 2009-2011);

FOR Generously Sharing Her Vast Knowledge of Perfume Bottles Through Numerous Well Researched Books and Articles for the “Perfume Bottle Quarterly”, as well as Presentations and Round Table Discussions at Conventions;

FOR Her Continual Demonstration of the Very Highest Standards of Honor and Integrity in All of Her Actions on Behalf of Our Association;

And Notably FOR Stepping Forward to Offer Her Leadership When the Association Was in Difficult Times.

The International Perfume Bottle Association by Unanimous Resolution of the Board of Directors presents its Highest Award, The Honors of the Association to Penny Dolnick.

2009 Honoree
Bonnie Salzman

FOR performance with distinction and dedication to the highest standards of honor and integrity on behalf of our Association;

FOR services as Convention Chair, 2005 – 2007;

FOR exemplary convention site selections that required extensive research and site visits;

FOR negotiation of favorable hotel and other legal contracts;

FOR willingness to undertake projects beyond scope of office.

The International Perfume Bottle Association by Unanimous Resolution of the 2007- 2009 Board of Directors presents its Highest Award, The Honors of the Association to Bonnie Salzman.

2008 Honoree
Joan Walter

FOR serving seven years as Registration Chair at the Annual Convention with distinction and dedication;

FOR exemplifying superb leadership, sound guidance and direction as Treasurer on the Board of Directors;

FOR generously sharing her vast knowledge pertaining to perfume bottles and glass through many extremely well researched and beautifully presented articles in the Perfume Bottle Quarterly and Convention Presentations;

FOR constantly demonstrating the very highest standards of honor and integrity in all her actions on behalf of our Association.

The International Perfume Bottle Association, By Unanimous Resolution of the Board of Directors, Presents its Highest Award, The Honors of the Association to Joan Walter.

2005 Honoree
Marti DeGraaf and Toby Mack

FOR their individual contributions in service on the IPBA Board of Directors, one as President and Immediate Past President, and one as Convention Chair and Treasurer;

FOR working together to enhance the quality and worth of our association by:

Establishing IPBA as a 501-C-3 Nor for Profit Association;
Constructing the model and format of our Annual Conventions;
Conceiving our very successful Member-Get-A-Member campaigns;
Creating and maintaining our IPBA Web site;
Chairing the Strategic Planning Committee, providing guidance for our Association’s future;

FOR generously sharing their vast knowledge pertaining to perfume bottles with all members of our Association.

The International Perfume Bottle Association, By Unanimous Resolution of the Board of Directors, Presents its Highest Award, The Honors of the Association to Marti DeGraaf and Toby Mack.

2005 Honoree
Elizabeth Creech

A relentless advocate for the IPBA, her superb leadership skills have enabled the organization to grow and prosper. Elizabeth exemplifies grace under pressure and tirelessly moved the Board of Directors toward consensus on complex issues. Most respectful of others’ opinions, she is a diplomat extraordinaire. She demonstrates integrity and is a gracious, intelligent, and loving individual. While a friend and colleague to our members from around the world, she embodies the epitome of Southern gentility.

Having served as President, Past President, and assistant publication chairperson to her beloved husband, Frank, her accomplishments are extensive. With a vast knowledge of perfume bottles, a quick wit, and an enchanting tale about each treasure in her own collection, she has generously shared information and resources with members of the organization.

The International Perfume Bottle Association, By Unanimous Resolution of the Board of Directors, Presents its Highest Award, The Honors of the Association to Elizabeth Creech.

2004 Honoree
Ruthie Rosenfeld

FOR her prodigious work and sustained dedication as Show Chair and for two terms as IPBA Convention Chair;

FOR her tremendous enthusiasm, creativity and irrepressible spirit in organizing and presenting fabulous conventions for the IPBA membership;

FOR tirelessly promoting the IPBA and recruiting substantial numbers of new members, year after year; For giving with a huge heart and with boundless energy to every task for the betterment of our Association;

FOR generously sharing her vast knowledge pertaining to perfume bottles with all members of our Association.

The International Perfume Bottle Association, By Unanimous Resolution of the Board of Directors, Presents its Highest Award, The Honors of the Association to Ruthie Rosenfeld.

2004 Honoree
Lenore Worth Hiers

FOR serving three terms on the IBPA Board of Directors with distinction and dedication;

FOR redesigning the membership database while serving as Secretary, thus greatly enhancing the administration and efficiency of our Association’s affairs;

FOR exemplifying superb leadership and sound direction as President;

FOR providing the energy and persistence as Past President to achieve substantial improvements in the IPBA web site;

FOR generously sharing her vast knowledge pertaining to perfume bottles through many well researched and beautifully presented articles in the Perfume Bottle Quarterly and convention presentations;

FOR constantly demonstrating the very highest standards of honor and integrity in all her actions on behalf of our Association.

The International Perfume Bottle Association, By Unanimous Resolution of the Board of Directors, Presents its Highest Award, The Honors of the Association to Lenore Worth Hiers.

2003 Honoree
Jean-Marie Martin-Hattemberg

FOR his Great Enthusiasm and Boundless Energies in promoting the Vigor and Growth of our Association;

FOR Authoring three excellent books on Perfume Bottles and Perfume Bottle Collecting;

FOR Contributing numerous splendid article for publications in the Perfume Bottle Quarterly;

FOR Serving as the first Vice President for International Affairs on our Association’s Board of Directors;

FOR Generously Sharing his Vast Knowledge pertaining to perfume bottles with all other members of the Association.

The International Perfume Bottle Association, By Unanimous Resolution of the Board of Directors, Presents its Highest Award, The Honors of the Association to Jean-Marie Martin-Hattemberg.

2002 Honoree
Randall B. Monsen

FOR his Clear Vision, enhancing the vitality, Growth and direction of the Association;

FOR his Superb Leadership and Sustained Dedication in serving on the Board of Directors as Secretary for two terms, as President and as Past President;

FOR organizing and Conducting the outstanding Monsen and Baer Auctions, greatly augmenting our annual Conventions;

FOR Generously Sharing his Scholarly research and Vast Knowledge pertaining to perfume bottles with all other members of the Association;
FOR his Impeccable Integrity and Constant Devotion to the Ideals and Well-being of the Association.

The International Perfume Bottle Association, By Unanimous Resolution of the Board of Directors, Presents its Highest Award, The Honors of the Association to Randall B. Monsen.

2001 Honoree
Frank Creech

FOR the Excellence of his work as Publications Chair;

FOR his Support of the Association in many ways;

FOR Generously Sharing both his Knowledge about Perfume Bottles and the Enjoyment of Collecting with all other Members of the Association.

The International Perfume Bottle Association by Unanimous Resolution of the Board of Directors Presents its Highest Award, The Honors of the Association, to: Frank Creech.

2000 Honoree
Ken Leach

FOR his Service to the International Perfume Bottle Association as Keynote Speaker;

FOR his Achievement in the Research and Collection of Commercial and Decorative Perfume Bottles;

FOR his Authorship of the book Perfume Presentation;

FOR Sharing Generously both his Knowledge and Joy of Collecting with all other Members of the Association;

The International Perfume Bottle Association by Unanimous Resolution of the Board of Directors Presents its Highest Award, The Honors of the Association, to: Ken Leach.

1999 Honoree
Fran Peters

FOR having made the First Initiative in 1988 to Organize Collectors of Perfume Bottles, which led to development of an organization known today as the International Perfume Bottle Association;

FOR Sharing Generously both her Knowledge and Joy of Collecting with all other Members of the Association.

The International Perfume Bottle Association by Unanimous Resolution of the Board of Directors Presents its Highest Award, The Honors of the Association to Fran Peters.

1998 Honoree
Donna Sims

WHEREAS you have given Dedicated Service to the International Perfume Bottle Association in many difference capacities;

WHEREAS you have Deepened our Knowledge and Appreciation of Czechoslovakian Perfume Bottles; WHEREAS you have Caringly Guided the Perfume Bottle Quarterly through a four-year period of Growth and Development;

WHEREAS you have generously shared your knowledge, your scholarship, and your love of collecting;

THEREFORE, Be It Resolved: By unanimous declaration of the Board of Directors of the International Perfume Bottle Association, That the Honors of the Association, our Highest Award, be bestowed upon: Donna Sims.

1998 Honoree
Mary Lou and Glenn Utt

WHEREAS you have been active members of the International Perfume Bottle Association since before its first Convention in 1989, and have worked in many different capacities, including that of Keynote Speakers, to further the growth of the Association;

WHEREAS you have been pioneers in the collection of perfume bottles of Rene Lalique and the Lalique Company;

WHEREAS you have shared your knowledge and the beauty of your perfume bottle collection by the publication of Lalique Perfume Bottles;

1997 Honoree
Helen Farnsworth

WHEREAS you have been an active member of the International Perfume Bottle Association since before its first Convention in 1989, and have worked in many different capacities to further the growth of the Association;

WHEREAS you have contributed your outstanding scholarship through numerous publications in the IBPA Quarterly and by freely sharing your knowledge with all;

WHEREAS you have been a dedicated and knowledgeable collector of perfume bottles used by the fragrance industry and you have developed archival research on the history of the perfume bottles of many different types;

WHEREAS you have generously shared your knowledge, your scholarship, and your love of collecting;

1996 Honoree
Christie Mayer Lefkowith

WHEREAS you have been an active member of the International Perfume Bottle Association since before its first Convention in 1989, and have attended all Conventions;

WHEREAS you have contributed your scholarship through publications in the IPBA Quarterly and by sharing your knowledge at our Conventions;

WHEREAS you have been a pioneer collector of perfume bottles used by the fragrance industry and you have worked to research the history of the fragrance industry;

WHEREAS you have shared your love of collecting, your knowledge, your scholarship, and the sheer beauty of your collection itself with all other collectors by the publication of your book The Art of Perfume;

THEREFORE, be it resolved: By unanimous declaration of the Board of Directors of the International Perfume Bottle Association that the Honors of the Association, our Highest Award, be bestowed upon: Christie Mayer Lefkowith.

1995 Honoree
Joyce Geeser

WHEREAS you were one of the Eighteen Pioneer Members who formed the Perfume and Scent Bottle Collectors in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1988;

WHEREAS in your multi-faceted performance that first year, you carried out the duties of many offices; your organizational talents were essential;

WHEREAS you were the Association’s first Newsletter Editor and served in that Capacity for five years;

WHEREAS the Association’s Growth the first year was unprecedented because of your news releases and contacts with dealers and collectors;

WHEREAS in your position as Newsletter Editor you advanced the goal of Education by publication of Excellent Articles and you advanced the goal of Camaraderie via our Annual Convention;

1995 Honoree
Jeane Parris

WHEREAS you were one of the Eighteen Pioneer Members who formed the Perfume and Scent Bottle Collectors in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1988;

WHEREAS you have developed great Knowledge and Expertise for Art Glass as it pertains to Perfume Bottles;

WHEREAS you have shown great Trustworthiness and a Long Record of Service as the First Treasurer of the International Perfume Bottle Association;

WHEREAS your work in planning our early Conventions was essential to the Development of the Association;

WHEREAS your Guidance and Devotion to the Development and Growth of the Association is appreciated by all members;

1994 Honoree
Madeline France

WHEREAS you have demonstrated extensive knowledge and scholarship in the field of perfume and scent bottles;

WHEREAS you have worked diligently to advance the work of this association both here in the United States and also in Europe;

WHEREAS you have made many contributions toward the organization of our first conventions in Dearborn, San Francisco, and Chicago;

WHEREAS you have promoted and guided the development of our Exhibition and Sale, to the extent that it is the finest event of its kind in the United States;

WHEREAS you have shown great leadership during the founding of our organization, and have acted as its first President;

THEREFORE, be it resolved: By unanimous declaration of the Board of Directors of the International Perfume and Scent Bottle Collectors Association that the Honors of the Association shall be awarded on Madeline France.

IPBA Honors of the Association

OUR HATS ARE OFF TO THE FOLLOWING RECIPIENTS OF THIS AWARD