Rotary's Restaurant Raffle Braffle Sells Out For 5th Year, Raises $60K

BRANFORD, CT —Braffle, the Branford Rotary Club's restaurant raffle, has sold out for the fifth straight year, raising more than $60,000 and bringing its five-year total to $262,500.

Proceeds from Braffle 2025 primarily benefit the Branford Counseling & Community Services ‘Basic Needs’ program, which helps local families in need with food, rent, and utilities.

More than 1,300 people snapped up the 2,500 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. There are eight additional prizes.

The drawing will be held May 8 at 6 p.m. at The Stand in Branford, 196 S. Montowese Street. It will also be live-streamed at Facebook.com/BranfordRotaryClub.

Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove will once again pull the winning numbers. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win.

"We’re thrilled and grateful that so many people stepped up to help neighbors in need, and to give themselves a shot at winning some truly absurd prizes,” said Branford Rotary President Ellen Carucci. “It’s not just people from Branford. We have ticket buyers from every town in our area, people who know Branford is a great restaurant destination and would be happy to make the short trip. Possibly 55 times.”

The proceeds from Braffle are more welcome than ever, said Peter Cimino, Executive Director of Branford Counseling & Community Services.

"We’re seeing a lot more families facing hardships because utilities have gone up, because food is more expensive," said Cimino. “And particularly, we’re seeing more elderly people who can’t pay their rents because their social security just isn’t enough anymore."

"The funds that come in through Braffle make a big impact, and I just want to say thank you to everyone who bought tickets," he added.

Born during the pandemic to help struggling restaurants and those out of work, Branford Rotary’s Braffle has gone on to become the largest fundraiser for the town, according to Cosgrove.

About the Branford Rotary Club

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 2025 restaurants:
LOCKWORKS TAVERN * ROSSITTO’S * PASTA COSI * THE STAND * BUI * ARTURO’ S
* ELI’S * ROSSO VINO * MARCO’S * SALTBRICK PRIME STEAKHOUSE * THIMBLE
ISLAND BREWERY * DOMA * TAKUMI * INDIAN NECK PIZZA * NELLIE’S * THE EEL
POT * GUACAMOLE’S * DOCKSIDE * KAMPAI * SIAM ORCHID * LONGLEY’S *
BREAKFAST CONNECTIONS * PEARL WINE BAR * TOMMY SULLIVAN’S * HOME *
GW CARSON’S * CAPONE’S * LENNY’S * CAFE FIORE * DARBAR INDIA * 9 EAST *
NONNA GINA’S * SHORELINE CAFÉ * IL FORNO * PACILEO’S * CROSTINI *
PARTHENON DINER * GENARO’S * THE ESSEX * LITTLE RIGGS * P&M DELI *
LOMONACO’S * LA LUNA * THE OXFORD * JALAPENO HEAVEN * ASHLEY’S * MI
BELLA * SKY DINER * CHINA GARDEN * P&M DELI * BRANFORD TOWNHOUSE *
KAMANA * ARCHIE MOORE’S * HORNET’S NEST * THE TASTY YOLK *