BRANFORD, CT — For the sixth year in a row, Braffle, the town's largest fundraiser, has sold all available tickets. Since 2020, the unique and very popular Branford Rotary Club restaurant raffle has raised $322,000, organizers said.
Dubbed the Rotary's "Outrageous Restaurant Raffle," Braffle brought in $62,500 this year, and its 2,500 tickets sold out in just two weeks.
Proceeds primarily benefit Branford Counseling & Community Services ‘Basic Needs’ program, which helps families in need with food, rent, utilities.
More than 1,300 people bought tickets, giving them a chance to win Braffle’s Absurd Grand Prize of $5,500 in gift cards to 55 different Branford restaurants. The Ridiculous Second Prize is $2,750 in gift cards to those 55 restaurants, and there are eight more prizes.
The drawing will be held May 20 at 6 p.m. at the James Blackstone Memorial Library. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win. The drawing will also be live-streamed at Facebook.com/BranfordRotaryClub. Branford First Selectman Josh Brooks will be on hand to pull the winning numbers.
“Once again the people of Branford, and from a lot of surrounding towns, stepped up to help people in need, and we’re thrilled they did,” said Branford Rotary President Tery Elton. “We wish they could all win the grand prize, but win or lose, they should know that Branford comes out ahead no matter what.”
The proceeds from Braffle are certainly needed, said Peter Cimino, Executive Director of Branford Counseling & Community Services.
“Every year, Braffle is the biggest contributor to our ‘Basic Needs’ program, which helps families facing hardships,” said Cimino. “The last few years, we’ve really seen an uptick in elderly needs. Their Social Security isn’t enough anymore. Many have no family nearby. But that’s someone’s mother, someone’s grandmother. We don’t want them to freeze or starve or get thrown out on the street.”
“Yes, maybe people buy Braffle tickets to win the big prizes, but they should know they’re also helping their neighbors,” he added.
The Branford Rotary Club is an all-volunteer service organization comprised of women and men of all ages who give their time and effort to help those in need in Branford, across the shoreline, and around the world. Learn more at BranfordRotary.org
The 55 Braffle 2026 restaurants:
Saltbrick Prime Steakhouse • New England Brewing Co. • Doma • Little Pub • Nellie's • Mi Bella Restaurante • Dockside Seafood & Grill • Kampai • Siam Orchids • Longley’s • Capone's • Lockworks Tavern • Rossitto's Ristorante • Pasta Cosi • Cafe Fiore • Bui • Arturo's • La Luna • Rosso Vino • Marco Pizzeria • Breakfast Connections • Pearl Wine Bar & Bistro ∙ Drea's • Tommy Sullivans • Home Restaurant • GW Carson's • Lenny's • Radici at the Stand • Indian Neck Pizza • Darbar India • 9 East • Nonna Gina's Prepared Foods & Gelateria • Shoreline Cafe • Il Forno • Pacileo's • The Eel Pot • Parthenon Diner Restaurant • Da Carmine • Abe's • Little riggs • Stony Creek Market • LoMonaco's • Jalapeño Heaven Ashley's Ice Cream • Guacamole's • P&M Fine Foods • China Garden • Kamana • Branford Townhouse • Crostini • Sky Diner • Hornet's Nest • The Tasty Yolk • Archie Moore’s Branford • Eli’s
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