The International Hypnosis Hall of Fame Explained

-History
-Convention
-Awards
-The IHHF Guild, Inc. Officers and Board Members
-The Mountain Is Our Home

History

The International Hypnosis Hall of Fame (IHHF), Blue Bell Pennsylvania, was founded in 1979 by Penny Dutton Raffa, to recognize and honor individuals and organizations for outstanding achievements, contributions and research methods and technques in hypnosis. The Hall of Fame honorees are those who have endeavored to educate the public, and to expand the awareness and knowledge in the field of hypnosis.

The International Hypnosis Hall of Fame Guild (IHHFG) Inc. was founded in 1988 to continue the support of the Hall of Fame after the loss of its benefactor, Thomas A Raffa. The Guild is a charter member of the Council of Professional Hypnosis Organizations (COPHO), and has established the "President's Club" to help promote unity in the hypnosis profession.

You are cordially invited to apply for your membership in the International Hypnosis Hall of Fame Guild, Inc. As a professional or a supporter in the field of hypnosis, you will find your Certificate of Membership a personal 'plus' that will add to your credentials. Membership in the Guild is by invitation to supporters and professionals in the field of hypnosis and associated sciences.

In joining this prestigious organization you will enjoy the Guild fellowship and benefits. As a Guild member you will receive a Certificate of Membership, a membership card, and be placed on the mailing list for all Guild publications. Your membership also entitles you to special discounts on Guild sponsored seminars, workshops and lectures. Annual membership fee is $45 (Canadian and other foreign currencies, please use US currency). The Guild supports the International Hypnosis Hall of Fame and wishes to thank you for your support.

To become an International Hypnosis Hall of Fame Guild, Inc. member, send your name and address, and we will snail-mail you a membership application.

Convention

The IHHF Convention awards ceremonies are held once a year to honor those worthy nominees who work so hard to advance Hypnosis.

'SEALAH' Awards Dinner

At this annual event, the International Hypnosis Hall of Fame recognizes and honors hypnotherapists and organizations who's work and contributions advance the hypnosis profession. The 'SEALAH' awards were first presented by the IHHF in 1979. The International Hypnosis Hall of Fame holds induction ceremonies at each year's convention to honor such contributors.

Aristophanic Awards Luncheon

Aristophanes was a Greek poet who wrote fun poems and comedies... A humorist with a world of wisdom, humor, jest, fun and loving insults... It is in the spirit of Aristophanes that these awards are presented.

Awards

'SEALAH' Awards

The International Hypnosis Hall of Fame's most prestigious award is the 'SEALAH' Award. The name is from the ancient Hebrew language and means "Pause and Listen". These awards, among others, are presented each year at the IHHF Convention.

In 1979, Thomas A. Raffa installed a system for selection of inductees into The International Hypnosis Hall of Fame which consists of an International Board and three award committees. Each year three to nine categories of awards are chosen to be presented. Nominees are processed through a point system similar to the point system used by the Olympics. All judges on these committees remain nameless by unanimous request, for obvious reasons.

We invite you to join in the committees forming to complete this giant task by sending in a background resume on yourself including copies of all hypnosis certifications. (We reserve the right of choice of judges.)

Woman of the Year

Presented each year to a woman hypnotherapist. Nominate your choice for the International Hall of Fame's "Woman of the Year Award."

Thomas A. Raffa Memorial Award

The memorial award is presented each year to an outstanding person for their dedication, fairness, achievement and persuits of excellence in all accomplishments and endeavors in their profession.

Barton John Dutton Memorial Hypnosis Scholarship

This hypnosis scholarship will be presented each year in Barton John's memory. Anyone, from college students to professionals, who is interested in furthering their education in a hypnosis field, such as forensic, etc., will be eligible to apply. To participate, send a written request for a scholarship application and include a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
IHHF Guild Inc.
Barton John Dutton Memorial Scholarship
1601 Erbs Mill Rd
Blue Bell PA 19422

The Silver and Gold Alumni Ceremonies

These ceremonies are conducted once every two and four years. The awards committees submit names of Hall of Famers who have continued to promote hypnosis to the Board of Directors, who evaluate the names and give them to the Board of Reviews to choose the recipients.

Bronze Bust

The International Hypnosis Hall of Fame's first presentations of bronze bust likenesses were received by Max Toth of New York City and Robert 'Bert' Freeman of Livonia, Michigan.

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The Mountain Is Our Home

In 1979 I had a vision,
The feeling is still strong inside of me,
So, I build for you, the highest mountain...
Higher than you could ever see.
I did not know which path to follow...
So...I made my own.
Now, WE ARE HERE IN ALL OUR GLORY...
THE MOUNTAIN IS OUR HOME!

Wherever I go, The vision still follows me...
So proud and perfect in every way,
This "HALL OF FAME" is built with honor...
And with your help, we'll make it stay.

THE HALL OF FAME...IT IS THE MOUNTAIN!

Stand tall and proud, because you belong...
So...Now you know which path to follow...
You will never be on your own...
Cause we are here in all our glory!!!

'THE MOUNTAIN IS OUR HOME'

-Penny Dutton Raffa

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"Few are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows,
the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society.
Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or
great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality
for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully
to change."

--Robert F. Kennedy