International Dinner Raises Money for High School Italy Trip

On March 15th Brewster High School’s Italy travelers hosted an International Dinner for the community in order to offset the costs of their upcoming trip this summer.

“The International Dinner was planned by students who are attending the Italy trip in order to raise money for it,” teacher Antonio Franzè said. “It’s quite expensive, costing about $4,000 per student. So we try to cushion the cost.”

The students are all expected to work equally. “We’re selling tickets, we’re getting raffle prizes, we’re going out into the community and getting food,” Franzè said. “They’re collaborating and it really holds them accountable for their work. At the end, if you checked off all three boxes, we divide the money up equally.”

Students reached out to some of the best restaurants across Putnam County and were able to get trays of food donated from some of their favorite places including: La Strada, Pagoda Kitchen, Gaetano's, Fiesta Mexicana/ Las Mañanitas, Sinapi’s, Cameron’s Deli, Southeast Grill, Il Forno, The Carriage House, 121, and Prato Trattoria.

They also secured some pretty incredible raffle prizes. Prizes included two airplane vouchers for the 48 states, a $500 gift basket, a $300 gift basket and two Michael Kors watches. Donations from local business included: Jina’s Nails, Kobackers, 31 Gifts, Arbonne, Carmel Movie Theatre, Empire Movie Theatre, and Suburban Propane.

“We just went out into the community and asked for their generosity,” Franzè said. “We’re really proud because it shows how great the community is. We all come together to help the students.”

More than 220 people passed through the Brewster High School cafeteria for the event, helping to raise more than $8,000 for students.