A professional, not-for-profit organization for chefs, was founded in 1929 in New York City by three chefs' organizations: the Societe Culinaire Philanthropique, The Vatel Club and The Chefs Association of America. The principal goal of the founding chefs remains true to the ACF today - to promote a professional image of the American chef worldwide through education among culinarians at all levels, from apprentices to the most accomplished certified master chefs of the culinary arts.