Schools

Chili Cook-Off Saturday Supports Platt Tech

The second annual fundraiser will feature food and games.

A tasty fundraiser is heating up in Milford.

Platt Tech’s second annual International Chili Society Cook-Off will take place on Saturday, May 14, on the school campus, 600 Orange Ave., Milford. The event promises to fill bellies, satisfy families’ search for something fun to do this weekend and, organizers hope, raise critical funds for the technical school.

The chili cook-off is one of only two Connecticut venues of the season and the winners will be eligible to compete for the World Championship in Manchester, NH, this fall.

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Last year’s inaugural Platt Tech chili cook-off brought in approximately $25,000.

“There’s a lot of support in the community,” said Ann Fabian, a Milford resident who serves as the vice president of Platt Tech’s Parent-Faculty Organization (PFO).

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The funds raised are vital to the school’s operation. Every year the school receives less state funding and must therefore rely more heavily on grants and the success of fundraising events like the cook-off, Fabian said.

And while funds are down, interest in the school is up.

Fabian said Platt Tech had 980 applicants for its freshman class this year – that’s up from about 700 in 2004. Only 240 freshmen are admitted into the school, which draws from 14 surrounding communities and prepares students for a career in a trade.

She said the success of the school cannot be overstated. Of Fabian’s three boys, one graduated from Platt Tech and is employed in the trade he studied; another is graduating this year and already has a job; the third is a freshman.

“My commitment to the school and support of the school is clearly because the school has done wonderful things for my children,” she said. “I can’t speak more [highly] about the school.”

Platt Tech’s athletic and activity programs have been the chosen charity for this event.

Fabian encouraged chili lovers, education advocates, sports fans and just about everyone to stop by Saturday to enjoy some good food and to support a good cause.

“The first cook-off was very successful for us and we’re hoping for the same thing on Saturday,” she said.


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