The Bristol Fall Classic will hold its 15th annual fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 21, honoring longtime community supporter Dominic Petolillo and raising money for students in Bristol Borough.

Run by the Academic Oversight Committee, a group formed 15 years ago to establish after-school learning programs in Bristol Borough, the event aims to benefit year-round programs at community learning centers in the borough’s public and parochial schools. 

Each year, the fundraiser honors an integral community member, highlighting the individual’s volunteer and career accomplishments. This fall, the event celebrates Petolillo, owner of local Italian restaurant Cesare’s Ristorante and historic supporter of the committee’s efforts.

Amy McIlvaine, vice president of the AOC, said that honoring Petolillo this year has been a long time coming. When the organization was first formed, the restaurateur was the first person from the community to help them establish the learning programs.

“He’s been very gracious, and he’s been very generous,” McIlvaine said. “I don’t want to say that we’re late in acknowledging him, but I’m grateful that we’re acknowledging everything that he’s done for us, for the community and the schools for so many years.”

Additionally, a student from Bristol Borough School District, as well as four teachers from Snyder-Girotti Elementary, Bristol Middle, Bristol Jr/Sr High and St. Mark Parochial School, will be announced as student and teachers of the year.

Preparing students for the future

The learning centers in Bristol Borough put a focus on STEM education.

With a community history rooted in the arts, McIlvaine said that the AOC has tried to implement some humanities lessons, but acknowledged that focusing on science and technology is critical to the job market today.

It’s necessary for students today to be exposed to topics like experiential learning, according to McIlvaine. They need to be able to look at data and make analytical decisions in an ever growing technological world.

“It’s really important that those skills be introduced at the earliest possible grade level, so that it’s intuitive and second nature to these kids,” McIlvaine said.

Attending the fundraiser

Tickets for the Bristol Fall Classic cost $100 through Oct. 21 and go up to $125 after. The price of admission includes a buffet dinner, wine, beer and soft drinks.

This year’s fundraiser is set to be held on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bristol Borough Public Works Building.