PopCares Chix Dinner Fundraiser Returns

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Around 600 people had been attending the annual PopCares dinner and auction. The pandemic forced a shift to takeout but the in-person dinner is back this year.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The popular PopCares chicken dinner will be held in person this year for the first time since 2019. Tickets are now on sale for the dinner scheduled Saturday, Oct. 5, at GreylockWorks. 
 
The annual dinner and auction is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit, which supports local people affected by cancer. Since its inception in 2012, PopCares has distributed more than $1,000,000 to cancer patients and caregivers in Northern Berkshire County and Southern Vermont towns.
 
"This annual event is not only an important fundraising event for our organization, but it is an important time to gather as a community and celebrate those amongst us who are working hard in the fight against cancer," said organizers in a statement. "We have all been touched by cancer in some way and many have struggled with the day-to-day reality of the disease. We can offer support to those who are battling cancer so that no one has to fight this disease alone."
 
This year's dinner will again be catered by the Bounti-fare with a cash bar. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a chance auction, silent auction, live auction, and the coveted "dessert dash" auction. The dessert auction has included some seriously spirited bidding with whoopie pies and other confections selling for hundreds of dollars. 
 
PopCares Inc. was established by the St. Pierre family to honor the memory of Bill "Pop" St. Pierre, who taught them the importance of sharing small acts of kindness with others on a daily basis. The St. Pierre's said they were fortunate to have the support of each other as well as friends during Pop's battle with cancer. It is the mission of PopCares Inc. to ensure that every person fighting cancer, as well as their families and caregivers, in the local community has the opportunity to benefit from that same level of support.  
 
This past February, PopCares reached that significant milestone of $1,000,000 to support local families. Donations from the region, stay in the region. 
 
"While we wish the need for an organization such as ours did not exist, PopCares remains steadfast in its mission, and we are committed to continuing this journey with the incredible community that has been the backbone of our success," said the nonprofit.
 
Tickets to the dinner can be purchased here
 
PopCares Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit and is completely volunteer run. All donations and fundraising proceeds go directly to community members in need.

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North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Jenna Thomas has participated in the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, earning numerous medals. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Monday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota.
 
"I think it's so appropriate as I'm about to proclaim Disabilities Pride Month that we recognize and honor Jenna," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who had Thomas join her at the podium."
 
Thomas was one of nearly 3,000 athletes who participated in the 2026 Special Olympics, which brought nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to celebrate the talents, determinations, and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She won bronze as a member of the Berkshire County Arc Titans bowling team, a fourth in doubles with teammate Katherine Meunier and placed in the top 10 for singles nationally.
 
She's been participating in Special Olympics since her teenage years, competing in cross country skiing, track and field since 2009. Thomas switched to bowling in 2019 and has won gold; she was recognized by the mayor in 2023 for her athletic accomplishments representing Massachusetts and North Adams. 
 
"Look at how beautiful that is — a bronze medal in bowling and placed fourth in the doubles competition, demonstrating her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship on the national stage," said the mayor. "She also got to meet the governor's partner, Joanna [Lydgate], who we went out with for ice cream. ...
 
"In returning home, she credited her participation to the friendships she's made and the joy of competing ... her accomplishments are a source of pride for the city of North Adams and should serve as an inspiration for the entire community."
 
The mayor also presented $730,741.06 in end-of-year transfers. These transfers are made from accounts with excess funds to accounts that have gone over. Every line with the exception of snow and ice must be balanced for the end of the year.
 
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