Berkshire Immigrant Center Closing Funding Gap11:26AM / Thursday, January 26, 2012
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Immigrant Center is nearing its goal of raising $45,000 for this fiscal year, a result say officials of an aggressive fundraising campaign to keep the center operational.
The center has received donations from private donors, local foundations and the business community including Berkshire Bank and Berkshire Bank Foundation – Legacy Region, the Pittsfield Rotary Club, Lee Bank, the New World Fund, Greylock Federal Credit Union, and Hoosac Bank. Additional financial support has been generated through fundraisers at local immigrant-owned restaurants.
Director Hilary Greene said cuts in federal Community Service Block Grant funds, which previously made up between $40,000 and $50,000 of the center’s $150,000 annual budget, threatened its ability to maintain basic services.
"We are so grateful to the community members who recognize the unique and important services the center provides our local immigrants," she said. "This recognition of the many contributions our immigrants make to our community and outpouring of support has been outstanding. While we are more than three-quarters of the way to our goal, we are hoping that our continuing 'dining night out' series will help us reach our target.”
The dining events have helped support BIC while simultaneously highlighting immigrant-owned businesses.
"Our last two events at Spice Root in Williamstown and Flavours in Pittsfield have been filled to capacity," said Marge Cohan, event coordinator and BIC advisory board member. "People have supported the Berkshire Immigrant Center and sampled delicious international cuisine. Diners have had fun while contributing to this important agency."
BIC will be holding a third dining out event on Thursday, Feb. 9, at Xicohtencatl Mexican Restaurant at 50 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington. The prix fixe menu ($25 not including tax and tip) will offer diners a choice of two courses from among the chef’s specialties. There will be two seatings, at 5:30 and 7:30, and reservations are recommended by calling 413-528 2002. The event will also include a silent auction. Xicohtencatl is pledging 50 percent of the evening’s dinner sales to help the Center during its funding crisis.
The Berkshire Immigrant Center, a program of Berkshire Community Action Council, offers citizenship and immigration information and application support, legal assistance, advocacy, and referrals to the growing immigrant population of the Berkshires and beyond. For more information: 413-445-4881 or info@berkshireic.com. Tax-deductible donations can be mailed to BIC, 88 South St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 or made at www.berkshireic.com.
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