BOCES Culinary Students Join Renowned Chefs at United Way Fundraiser

Culinary students from Putnam/Northern Westchester Tech Center are accustomed to preparing food for large events, and they wasted no time kicking off the school year, cooking and presenting a dish for a major fundraiser supporting United Way of Westchester and Putnam.

The “Best Chefs and Fine Wines” tasting event took place at The Garrison in Garrison, N.Y. and featured dishes prepared by many area restaurants and local chefs. From wine to Italian favorites and cupcakes, attendees were able to sample the best of Putnam’s culinary scene. The students from BOCES prepared a heart-healthy “Chili con Pollo” served over “Confetti Rice Pilaf” for their contribution to the event.

“Prepping for this affair had my students chopping piles of peppers, onions, garlic and fresh tomatoes, said BOCES culinary instructor Chef Stanley Rupinski, adding, “They also trimmed, marinated and grilled fresh chicken.

“While at the event, the students had an opportunity to showcase their talents, talk about the culinary program at The Tech Center and network with potential employers while sampling the various foods other contributors had brought,” said Rupinski.

The students who participated enjoyed interacting with both attendees and fellow presenters. Matthew Schnittert of Walter Panas High School said he enjoyed hearing guests comment that it was “the best chili they’d ever had.” He even managed to connect with a potential employer during the event, which in turn led to a job for the high school senior. 

James Sorbella, a senior at Carmel High School, served as a “greeter,” interacting with guests and talking about the food and the culinary program. “I really enjoyed trying out food from the other  restaurants and meeting some of Chef’s former students, who were also participating in the event.” he said.

“This kind of experience puts you out in the real world,” added Scott Emerson, a senior at Mahopac High School. “It was a great learning opportunity because we got to meet professionals from area restaurants and catering companies.”

The “Best Chefs and Fine Wines” tasting event raises funds for United Way’s health initiatives in Putnam County. According to the organization’s website, proceeds help get “healthy foods to low-income families, reduce childhood obesity, and steer teens away from risky behaviors like drugs and alcohol.”