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Mike Rahall's NECI Campaign

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As many of you know, culinary has always been my passion. I was drawn to cooking for as long as I can remember. Coming from a large family, food was always synonymous with Love and Family. I knew at a young age that memories were made in the kitchen. This passion was shared and encouraged by my brother Peter Diani Jr., who was also a chef. He brought me as a young child into the restaurants he worked in, put a chef's coat and apron on me, and taught me hands on, practical cooking techniques. When he fulfilled his life dream to be a chef at the University of Connecticut, Storrs, we all rejoiced. He lit my fire.
         At 11 years old, after a couple of years of gastro-intestinal issues, I was diagnosed with Fatty Liver Disease. ( NAFLD/NASH). I met with a dietitian and a liver specialist, and learned that I could reverse the effects of my disease with healthy eating and an active, healthy lifestyle. I changed my eating habits, and the eating habits of my family, and virtually cured myself. This sparked a desire in me to learn and prepare healthy foods that tasted wonderful. Again, upon diagnosis, Pete went at this with passion, and creativity. He helped me take regular comfort food recipes and flip them into healthy ingredients, and was always supportive and excited to create something new with me. Pete was a self-taught chef, but had always dreamed of a formal culinary education. He was my biggest supporter when I told my family that I would be going to college for culinary.
         In January of 2017, I lost my brother Pete to suicide. He had battled for years with depression, and on that day, he lost the fight. It put my entire family into a tailspin, his Wife and children, all of us. We lost a Husband, Father, Brother, Son, Uncle and Friend. I lost my Mentor. 
           My Mother took a year off from working to help put our family back together, and this gravely affected her credit. When the time came for me to register for school, I took the trip with my Mom and Sister to Montpelier, Vermont, and found my Place. My school. The place where I knew I needed to be, where Pete knew I needed to be. The New England Culinary Institute. As I toured the campus, and visited the classes and teachers, I knew I had found my place. I applied for the 3 Semester Accelerated Bachelor's Program and was immediately accepted. I was a member of National Honor Society, and had always kept my academics on point, so I would have every chance of getting into a good school. I played Varsity Basketball, took part in many community service campaigns, and helped with Cub Scouts and Baseball when I was needed. I believe in giving to your community, and I also believe the Universe gives back to you what you put in.
                   I applied for every bit of financial aid, grants, scholarships and every avenue I could find. We have attempted school loans, personal loans, have had two wonderful people attempt to co-sign, and were denied at every door. I have no options left. Once I am enrolled and paid for my first semester, I can take part in work study and scholarship programs at NECI that will keep me there. I am $17,000.00 short. I know this a lot of money, but my family has literally exhausted every option we have. I will do anything, absolutely anything, to start school this fall, at NECI, with Pete on my shoulder. This is hard for my family to ask. But if you can help, please do. Thank you.
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Donations 

  • Julie Sablone
    • $50
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Mike Rahall
Organizer
Hampton, CT
June Rahall
Beneficiary

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