WOODBURY — Nonnewaug High School hosted an unusual fundraiser this fall: the cow chip raffle.

Headed by NHS principal Mykal Kuslis, the event combined fun with a serious mission — supporting agricultural education. The concept came after he reflected on last year’s inaugural Woodbury FFA Car Show.

“Honestly, I showed up and didn’t really know too much about it,” Kuslis said. “I ended up staying for the whole day.”

Inspired to get more involved, he proposed the cow chip raffle, a concept he was familiar with from his previous experience at Platt Tech.

“I thought, why not do a cow chip?” Kuslis said.

Despite only selling about 800 tickets, Kuslis remains optimistic for future editions of the raffle.

“I think once people start to know about it and look forward to it, we can really grow this event,” he added.

This year, the event raised around $2,000, a significant amount but not as much as Kuslis originally hoped. Tickets went on sale over the summer.

“We just didn’t have enough time to push ticket sales,” he explained.

Proceeds mainly benefited the agriscience program, although other clubs or teams that sold tickets received a portion of their sales.

“The purpose of the cow chip raffle was essentially to have another avenue for agriscience to fundraise for different projects,” agricultural production teacher Katie Gorman said.

The funds are important for supporting new initiatives and giving students the resources they need to explore agricultural education. The event also gave more exposure to the program.

“Events like this really help us show the community what FFA is all about,” Nate Berry, the Woodbury FFA sentinel, added. “It’s a great way to bring everyone together for a good cause.” 

“I think the more visibility we have in the program, the more interest it generates,” Kuslis agreed.

Kuslis has a clear goal for next year to improve the event.

“I want to get tickets printed early and get them out to groups now,” Kuslis said.

Looking ahead, he expressed his commitment to making the cow chip raffle an annual affair. 

“As long as the car show runs, I’d like to run the cow chip raffle,” adds Kuslis.

With a blend of tradition, community engagement, and educational support, stakeholders hope the raffle will become a cherished event in the Nonnewaug calendar, fostering excitement and interest in agricultural education for years to come.

“It will be a fun way to show everyone that FFA isn’t just farming,” said Berry.