Tomorrow's Top Chefs: ProStart Students Impress at Golf Classic Dinner

What a day! The 2025 CRA Golf Classic & CHEF Farm Dinner was an absolute smash, perfectly blending networking with a vital mission: supporting the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF). Thanks to incredible sponsorships, a lively raffle and silent auction, the foundation raised $10,540! These funds will directly fuel CHEF's initiatives, including the CT ProStart Program, scholarships, and crucial workforce development.

The evening's CHEF Farm Dinner was truly special, with guests indulging in a delectable three-course meal. But here's the best part: it was prepared by our talented featured chefs, assisted by six amazing ProStart students from five different high schools across Connecticut! Students from Berlin High School, Enfield High School, New Haven Adult Education, Norwich Free Academy, and Simsbury High School spent their day diligently prepping and plating for nearly 300 attendees.

This year the students worked with six featured Chefs including Chef James Arena of DORO Restaurant Group, Chef Ryan Carbone of Ore Hill & Swyft, Chef Joe Cusano of Le Mazet, Chef Megan Gill of BLDG, Chef Alison Milwe Grace of AMG Catering & Events and Chef Kevin Masse of Small State Provisions. 

The chefs collaborated to create an incredible menu featuring passed hors d’oeuvres, breads & spreads, and a three-course meal, all sourcing from local farms and purveyors. (Click here to see the full menu!) 

This industry connection event allows for students in the ProStart program to gain real life industry experience. It also showcases the talent coming out of the program to our member restaurants and chefs. 

ProStart is a two-year career-building program for high school students that prepares them to work in the hospitality industry.