Berkshire County Kids Place Honors Supporters
 Marilyn Sperling was presented the Community Leader Award at Berkshire County Kids Place's celebration fundraiser. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Eight-year-old Andrew's family life was one of violence. Kasey, also 8, was sexually abused by her stepfather, young Caleb by his uncle.
Their stories and those of other children exposed to abuse and violence were the reason for the sold-out gala at the Crowne Plaza on Friday night.
"It's very difficult to be able to explain to you about what Berkshire County Kids Place does — or to show you," Program Director Chrisa Collier said.
With the help of artist Sally Tiska Rice, some of the more than 350 children helped this year by Berkshire County Kids Place were able to express their experience through art.
The framed pieces and their accompanying explanations were a reminder of the importance of the program.
Kids Place has been providing a supportive environment for the investigation and well-being of abused children for 21 years. The Department of Children and Families fields 3,000 calls annually, 400 of which are screened for criminal investigation by the district attorney's office.
The nonprofit agency's work couldn't happen without the support of local businesses and individuals. Friday's fundraiser dinner and silent auction — "Music and Memories" — with Matt Cusson Band was also chance to honor those who have helped Kids Place over the past two decades.
"I appreciate our partnership with the Kids Place," said Marilyn Sperling, president and CEO of Greylock Federal Credit Union and this year's recipient of Kids Place's Community Leader Award. "You all do a wonderful job to help our kids get safe and out of harm, and thank you for the tough job you do every day."
Sperling was selected for the award for the strong support her organization has provided and her own efforts as a leader in the community.
"She's such a strong leader, solid, unflappable, tremendous mentor and business leader for women and men in Berkshire County, and I think she's done a fabulous job leading Greylock," said Ruth Blodgett, senior vice president of Berkshire Health Systems in presenting the award. "Greylock is a solid citizen in the community."
Sperling, however, had her staff take a bow for taking "charitable giving very seriously": "This award is for them."Also recognized was the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Golf Tournament Committee with the Founders' Award.
The annual tournament, founded by State Police Officers Patti Driscoll and Steven DelNegro, has raised more than $200,000.
The Sheri L. Quinn Leadership Award was presented to Lyndsay Barber, a paraprofessional in the Pittsfield Public Schools, who has been "a constant and loyal presence to the kids."
One mother spoke about bringing her daughter to Kids Place after learning her child had been abused.
"A trauma like this is long term, it doesn't go away in a week or a month ... it could be a lifetime of working through," she said. "We walk in that door and you know that environment is a loving and caring environment."
She credited the consistency of the staff in providing stable surroundings.
"Thank you, thank you, because those people wouldn't be there without your support."
Tags: Berkshire County, child abuse, fundraiser,
