Challenge Grant to Assist Berkshire Red Cross Disaster Fund11:02AM / Thursday, August 07, 2008
PITTSFIELD - Berkshire Bank and Petricca Industries, Inc. have announced a $10,000 Challenge Grant to benefit the victims of the recent fire that destroyed a large downtown Pittsfield apartment building at 716 North Street displacing 14 families consisting of 43 individuals. The two businesses will donate the funds to the American Red Cross Berkshire County Chapter which is coordinating relief efforts for the victims through its Disaster Relief division.
The donation is intended to provide financial assistance to help last weeks displaced families as well as victims of future disaster victims residing in Berkshire Count. Most of last week’s victims are currently living with relatives and friends and trying to put their lives back together.
Under the terms of the Challenge Grant, Petricca and Berkshire Bank, through the Berkshire Bank Foundation, will match, dollar for dollar, all donations made to the local Red Cross during the next 30 days up to a maximum of $10,000.
Michael P. Daly, President and CEO of Berkshire Bank, said, "Last week forty-three of our fellow Pittsfield residents were recently burned out of their homes and have sustained a cruel blow. Most have lost all their life possessions and are being forced to start all over. We at Berkshire Bank wanted to assist in a meaningful way and Red Cross officials emphasized the need for cash donations. We also wanted to encourage others in the city, both businesses and residents, to reach out and help as well.
Perri Petricca shared the same sentiments and also wanted to help. As a result, we decided to issue a Challenge Grant, using our donation to inspire others to give. We did this with the Christian Center in the spring and the results were very positive and helped the Center over its financial crisis.”
Perri Petricca, President of Petricca Industries, said, “The Red Cross is well positioned to help families, this is what they do best, but with all the demands on their resources, locally and nationally, they need additional funding. There has already been a tremendous outpouring of support for the victims of the fire and we are hoping that our grant will enable the Red Cross to raise enough money to fully fund their assistance for families.”
Kathleen Phillips, Executive Director of the Berkshire County Red Cross said” We cannot adequately express our gratitude to BerkshireBank and Petricca Industries for this outpouring of care. Last week’s North Street fire was devastating and the Red Cross has been there from the beginning for the victims as we are for all disaster victims throughout the year. This one incident cost more than our total annual disaster relief budget. The people at BerkshireBank and Petricca Industries understand our need for funds. The Challenge Grant is a way for these two companies to embrace the entire community for the good of our neighbors.”
People interested in donating to this effort can send a check to the American Red Cross, Berkshire County Chapter, 480 West Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201 or call Kathleen Phillips, Executive Director of the Red Cross at 442-1506 x 11 for additional information on ways to help. For additional information contact Peter J. Lafayette, Executive Director, Berkshire Bank Foundation, (cell) 281-3126 |
