| |
Daily DigestElection Day Approaching
 The last day for Massachusetts residents to register to vote in the Nov. 4 presidential election is Wednesday, Oct. 15. Out of town that day? Apply for an absentee ballot at your town or city clerk's office.
For more information or to find out if you are registered:
North Adams City Clerk: 413-662-3015
Williamstown Town Clerk: 413-458-9341 |
16. A ball atop a stone
17. Town and country |
Find out what's happening in the Berkshires |
| Need to contact iBerkshires? Here's how. |
Obituaries | Orville Hamilton Thornall, 90 |
Newest VideosSales FliersWhat's PlayingColumnistsOutside the BerkshiresRelated Stories |
| |
Bounti Fare Community Night Pays It ForwardBy Sharon Leary - July 19, 2007
Pay It Forward, the 2000 movie starring Haley Joel Osment and Kevin Spacey, promoted the idea that doing good deeds promotes other good deeds that at some point will affect your life.
"I look at Community Night as a way of paying it forward," said Bounti Fare Restaurant owner David Nicholas.
In the movie, Osment's teacher, Spacey, challenges his class to come up with an idea to make the world a better place. Osment's character comes up with a plan in which one person initiates good deeds with the hope that it will have a ripple effect and continue to move forward.
The movie wasn't a blockbuster, but the idea stuck. A national insurance company is currently using the concept in their advertising campaign.
Community is the Key
"We want to assist organizations that have a direct impact on our community," said Nicholas. "We asked for suggestions from our group on who we could benefit."
The group includes motorcycle enthusiasts, family, friends and frequent diners at the Bounti Fare Restaurant.
"We thought about a motorcycle run; it was a popular idea," said Nicholas, "But, then someone suggested since we get together almost every Tuesday anyway, why not do something at the restaurant to benefit the community?"
Every Tuesday night from June to mid-September, Nicholas opens the courtyard of the Bounti Fare Restaurant in Adams for a barbeque. The proceeds generated from food sales and raffle ticket sales go to local community organizations.
He has impressed the non-profit community at large. A lot of the organizations that will benefit from community night count on grants and donations to help them stay afloat. Many organizations have approached Nicholas to inquiry about getting involved next summer.
"The idea that a local business would dedicate a night to the community is very impressive," according to REACH for Breast Health Program Manager Polly Macpherson. "We sincerely appreciate all donations and its a great way to bring awareness to the community as well."
Community Night has already raised close to $900 for local organizations.
Volunteers Welcome
"People have been coming out of the woodworks to help out," said Nicholas. "I'm very proud of how much we have accomplished and we've only just begun."
And, Nicholas noted that Bounti Fare suppliers have been supportive as well. Coca-Cola, Commercial Beverage and Giardi Distributors all have donated raffle prizes.
Volunteers have included Margaret Landy, Bob and Deb Noel, Rick and Stacy Cantoni, Barb and Tony Falco, and Mike and Nancy Lewis. They sell raffle tickets, assist with the barbeque and promote support of the community organizations.
"When you hear a community member talk about a local organization in a positive manner, you are more apt to pay attention to what they are doing and support them in their efforts," said Liz Baker, executive director of Adams' Youth Center, Inc.
"We were amazed at the dedication of the volunteers who wanted to help out local kids. I had a very positive experience," Baker continued.
Don't Forget About the Food
The food stays true to a classic barbeque: hamburgers, hot dogs and corn on the cob. But there are also steamers as well as hot sausage for sale. Nicholas has promised to add items as they come into season.
Community Night kicked off on June 19th with plans to run through September. The Shriners, Louison House, the Adams Youth Center and REACH Men's and Women's Health Programs were the first community organizations sponsored.
Upcoming participants of community night include Adams Cub Scouts Troop #38 on July 24th, Alert Hose Company on July 31st, Adams American Legion on August 7th, BFair on August 14th, the Children's Memorial Fund on August 21st and SHARE in September.
Margaret "Maggie" Landy added "we hope to wrap up community night in September with a benefit featuring live music for all of the local organizations who we've committed to this year. It's been a great experience so far." |
| How incredibly wonderful! | | from: k-paxian | on: 07-20-2007 |
|
|
Enter your email address below to receive our FREE iBerkshires.com Newsletter
|
