BOCES Culinary Students Will Join Albany Fundraiser

Five students will prepare gourmet dishes to support the Regional Foodbank at the Albany Capital Center.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Healthy Food

Bold vector editorial illustration of culinary tweezers placing a garnish on a plate, representing professional student chef training. — Five Capital Region BOCES culinary students will demonstrate their skills at the CHEFS: Big Apple fundraiser to benefit the Regional Foodbank on September 29. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Five culinary students from the Capital Region BOCES program will participate in the CHEFS: Big Apple fundraiser on September 29, 2026. The event takes place at the Albany Capital Center to support the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York.

Why it matters

The fundraiser connects local student chefs with professional networking opportunities while directly benefiting the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York. Participation allows students to apply their classroom training in a high-profile, charitable environment.

Five students from the Capital Region BOCES program will serve a menu featuring trout, mini-cannoli, pretzels, mini bagels, and black and white cookies. The culinary program currently supports over 100 juniors and seniors.

The players

Capital Region BOCES

This educational institution provides career and technical training to students across the region.

Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York

This nonprofit organization works to alleviate hunger in the community through food distribution and support programs.

Paul Rother

He is a professional chef leading the culinary delegation from the student program.

The details

Under the guidance of Chef Paul Rother and teaching assistant Emily Tice, the students will prepare and serve a variety of professional-grade culinary items. This opportunity allows the delegation to showcase their skills for attendees at the Albany Capital Center.

The CHEFS: Big Apple fundraiser is scheduled for September 29, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Culture Shift

This event aligns with a growing emphasis on community-based vocational training that integrates professional service with local philanthropic goals. It mirrors the broader trend of culinary programs moving beyond the classroom to engage directly with the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York's annual outreach schedule.

Residents attending the fundraiser can support local student development and food security initiatives simultaneously. This event highlights the practical skills being taught in local vocational programs for prospective industry employers and the general public.

The takeaway

Supporting local culinary students provides a tangible bridge between academic training and community service. Readers can learn from this model by identifying local vocational programs that offer similar opportunities for skill development and civic engagement.