BOCES Students Served Guests at Charity Event
Five culinary students helped raise funds for the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York at a recent event.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Food and Drink
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Students from the Capital Region BOCES Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology program prepared and served dishes at the CHEFS: Big Apple fundraiser. The event, held at the Albany Capital Center, supported the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York.
Why it matters
This collaboration provides students with professional culinary experience while contributing to local food security efforts. It highlights the community-based work performed by students in regional career and technical education programs.
Five students participated in the event out of more than 100 currently enrolled in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology program. The program operates at campuses located in Albany and Schoharie.
The players
Lucas Dauphinee
He is a student in the Capital Region BOCES Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology program who served food at the event.
Christian Emerson
He is a student in the Capital Region BOCES Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology program who served food at the event.
Katherine Mazariego
She is a student in the Capital Region BOCES Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology program who served food at the event.
Gabriella Shaw
She is a student in the Capital Region BOCES Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology program who served food at the event.
Aidan Britt
He is a student in the Capital Region BOCES Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology program who served food at the event.
The details
Students prepared and served a menu featuring trout, mini-cannoli, pretzels, mini bagels, and black and white cookies for attendees. They completed these tasks under the guidance of Chef Paul Rother, teaching assistant Emily Tice, and volunteer Joan Dembinski.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: Students participated in the CHEFS: Big Apple event.
Industry Dynamics
This event reflects a broader trend of integrating career-technical education with local community initiatives. By partnering with regional institutions, programs like the Capital Region BOCES Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology program prepare students for professional culinary environments.
The public can support the Regional Foodbank of Northeastern New York by attending future fundraising events or donating directly to their initiatives. These events offer attendees unique access to high-quality dishes prepared by rising local culinary talent.
The takeaway
Engaging students in real-world charity work helps build professional confidence while serving the needs of local non-profits. Residents interested in supporting local education and food relief can look for upcoming benefit events hosted at regional convention centers.
Further reading
Learn more about the local industry by visiting Food and Drink.
More information
View full details on the Culinary arts program information.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Troy Record.
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