Lenox Library Association Announces Gala Return

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LENOX, Mass. — The Lenox Library Association announces the return of its signature gala, "A Novel Night Out — The Joy of Community," on Saturday, June 13, at the Belvedere Lenox.

After a six-year hiatus, this evening marks a reunion in celebration of community, connection, and the enduring power of libraries.

This event will bring together the community for an evening in support of the Lenox Library's programs, services, and future. Tickets are $200 and available here

According to a press release: 

"A Novel Night Out" will kick off summer in the Berkshires with a lively cocktail hour featuring jazz by the Andy Wrba Trio and a GrossyPelosi inspired signature cocktail. The evening will include remarks from cookbook author and food personality Dan Pelosi, sharing stories of food, community, and connection.  Lenox Library Director Katie O'Neil will highlight the library's vibrant programming and community impact, followed by two patrons sharing powerful stories, including one who credits the library with saving her life. Dinner, catered by Some Things Fishy, LLC, will feature recipes inspired by Dan Pelosi's cookbooks, with former State Representative Smitty Pignatelli serving as Master of Ceremonies. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Dan Pelosi, whose passion for bringing people together through food mirrors the library's mission to nourish minds and foster connection," said Mary Daire, LLA trustee and Gala Planning Committee chair. "Like a well-loved book, this evening promises to be rich with stories, flavor, and the kind of joy that reminds us why community spaces like our library matter so deeply." 

Guests can also participate in a raffle featuring a curated collection inspired by Dan Pelosi's Grossery List, alongside some of the very best Lenox has to offer. From food and entertaining favorites to local experiences and treasures, the raffle celebrates the spirit of community, generosity, and the joy of sharing great finds. Raffle tickets will be available for $20 each or six for $100. 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Josh Billings Athletes Can Support Local Non-Profits

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. - A new fundraising initiative is giving participants in  one of the Berkshires’ most recognized community traditions a simple way to support local  nonprofits.
 
Launched this year by the Josh Billings RunAground and Mill Town Foundation, the Finish Line Fund allows participating teams to select a Berkshire-based nonprofit and invite friends, family members, colleagues, and others to support the organization through a  team fundraising page.
 
With time still remaining before the Sept. 20 event, participating teams already have raised more than $16,000 for local nonprofits.
 
“The Finish Line Fund is about expanding participation in local philanthropy,” said Andy Wrba, Program Director at Mill Town Foundation. “You don’t need to make a large gift to have an impact. When hundreds of people contribute $10 or $20 to organizations they care about, those individual gifts can add up to something significant. We want to make local  giving accessible, personal, and connected to an event people are already excited to be part of.”
 
Rather than directing all fundraising to a single beneficiary, the Finish Line Fund places the  choice in the hands of participants. Teams select a Berkshire nonprofit that is meaningful to them and use their own networks and personal stories to build support for the organization.  Donations made through each team’s fundraising page go directly to its selected nonprofit.
 
The initiative reflects a peer-to-peer approach to philanthropy in which individuals become  ambassadors for the organizations and causes they value. In addition to raising funds, the  program is designed to introduce more people to Berkshire nonprofits, expand their networks of supporters, and encourage community members to see themselves as active participants in local giving.
 
To encourage broad participation, Mill Town Foundation will also contribute an additional $500 to the nonprofit represented by each of the five teams that attracts the greatest number of individual donors. The incentive is based on the number of unique supporters – not the total amount raised – reinforcing the message that gifts of every size matter.
 
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