• Blythe Roberts, chef instructor for the Community Culinary School of Northwest Connecticut, based in New Milford, shares with graduate Kim Hynd of New Milford his gratitude to her for sharing her story of how she overcame personal obstacles and turned her life around. Ms. Hynd explained how she became a chef at a local business during the seventh annual Dinner With Friends dinner-dance and benefit auction to benefit the school, April 6, 2013, at the Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury. Photo: Deborah Rose
    Blythe Roberts, chef instructor for the Community Culinary School of Northwest Connecticut, based in New Milford, shares with graduate Kim Hynd of New Milford his gratitude to her for sharing her story of how she overcame personal obstacles and turned her life around. Ms. Hynd explained how she became a chef at a local business during the seventh annual Dinner With Friends dinner-dance and benefit auction to benefit the school, April 6, 2013, at the Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury. less
    Blythe Roberts, chef instructor for the Community Culinary School of Northwest Connecticut, based in New Milford, shares with graduate Kim Hynd of New Milford his gratitude to her for sharing her story of how ... more
    Photo: Deborah Rose
Photo: Deborah Rose
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Blythe Roberts, chef instructor for the Community Culinary School of Northwest Connecticut, based in New Milford, shares with graduate Kim Hynd of New Milford his gratitude to her for sharing her story of how she overcame personal obstacles and turned her life around. Ms. Hynd explained how she became a chef at a local business during the seventh annual Dinner With Friends dinner-dance and benefit auction to benefit the school, April 6, 2013, at the Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury. less
Blythe Roberts, chef instructor for the Community Culinary School of Northwest Connecticut, based in New Milford, shares with graduate Kim Hynd of New Milford his gratitude to her for sharing her story of how ... more
Photo: Deborah Rose

The seventh annual Dinner With Friends dinner-dance and benefit auction to benefit the Community Culinary School of Northwest Connecticut proved a rousing success April 6.

The event was attended by hundreds at the Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury.

The nonprofit culinary school, based in New Milford, provides job and life skills training that enables economically at-risk individuals to gain a new life for themselves and their families.

The school's job placement rate is 95 percent, with an 89 percent job retention rate post six months graduation.

Highlighting the event was the presentation of the Exceptional Service Award to Diana Broderick, a member of the school's board of directors.

Union Savings Bank was the recipient of the school's Distinguished Appreciation Award for its support for the culinary school and the community.

The dinner-dance also featured a silent auction, with jazz guitar and piano music provided by Billy Michael, followed by dinner, a live auction and dancing to the sounds of DJ Jimmy Daniels.

Some auction items include a photo safari for two to South Africa, a hot air balloon ride for two, cooking classes, gift baskets, vacation trips, sports tickets and gift certificates.

For more information, visit www.communityculinaryschool.org or call 860-350-2737.

For more photos, visit www.newmilfordspectrum.com.

Deborah Rose