NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A chance to be a "United Way hero" — and get a box of homemade cupcakes — drove the School Department's donations to Northern Berkshire United Way across the $10,000 line last week.
The hero was Robin Grandchamp, librarian at Colegrove Park Elementary School, who was first to pledge the $14 that would take it to the $10,000 mark.
"I only wanted to help and I made an initial donation," she said on Monday as she accepted the chocolate cupcakes. "When I heard Ellen [Sutherland's] baked goods were at stake, I couldn't hit that enter fast enough."
Campaign coordinator Ellen Sutherland, assistant to the superintendent, said the drive has collected a record $10,200 so far, more than double that of just a few years ago. School Department employees and retirees were exceedingly generous, but it helped to have a little incentive, Sutherland said, in the form of raffles of donated items and gift cards.
"It's from people who are on all spectrums of the pay scale," she said. "We try to make it fun: Who doesn't like to win something?"
Raffle items ranged from gift cards to area restaurants and businesses and a lot of handmade and homemade items, like real maple syrup from the Caproni family, afghans made by Pat Boulger and Marie McCarron's homemade baklava.
"We usually end it just before Thanksgiving so it's 10 days of raffle prizes, some days there's a couple," Sutherland said. "We make it fun. We had [Facilities Manager] Matt Neville model the afghan. ...
"You're seeing people who are not only reaching into their wallets to make a donation to the United Way but giving a prize to build incentive."
Sutherland also this year reached out to retired employees who had donated in the past, generating $700, including $100 that came in on Monday, and "some really nice notes from people who had retired from the district."
On Thursday, she realized the total amount donated was at $9,986.
"When I came to the totals I thought, 'oh my gosh, we're $14 away from $10,000. I bet I could get that,' " Sutherland said.
So she went to her email list and set a challenge: "If anyone wants to be a hero and donate $14, I will bake and deliver a tray of cupcakes to you on Monday."
Grandchamp was the first one but Sutherland said she had a dozen people "who responded in a minute." Grandchamp had missed out already on some goodies, like Sutherland's whoopie pies, and was happy to have opened her email at the right moment.
"She gives great little incentives ... she makes you want to be part of it all," Grandchamp said.
Christa Collier, NBUW's executive director, said her organization was thrilled by the "generous educators and staff of North Adams Public Schools."
"These dollars, will support our 20 member agencies who provide the critical human service programs in Northern Berkshire, serving the towns of Adams, North Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Savoy, Florida and Williamstown," she said. "Funds raised will support programs in the areas of education, health, financial stability and safety net services."
Collier also credited Sutherland, a member of the nonprofit's board, for her successful campaign efforts.
"First asked to be a campaign coordinator for one of the schools, she eventually became the coordinator for the entire district under Superintendent James Montepare," Collier said. "Since then, she has worked to increase the campaign each year. Of significance is that in 2016-2017, the campaign saw an increase of 30 percent and this year an increase of 25 percent."
Sutherland said more than 40 percent of the district contributed to the drive.
"This district does so much for families. There's so many programs that people don't even know about, that the public doesn't know," she said. "I'm a big advocate for the United Way ... the United Way serves our families in so many ways and, really, it's just such a nice connection."
2017 United Way Campaign Raffle Prize Winners
Marie McCarron, $50 gift certificate to Bounti-Fare Restaurant
Tracy Piekos, two pair earrings from Irish Girls Art donated by Cathleen King
Claire Daub, book lovers gift bag donated by Superintendent Malkas
Michelle Nicholas, Cheryl Boillat & Andrea Filkins, quart of Caproni maple syrup
James Blair, $50 gift certificate to the Richmond Grille
Brian Pious & Jaana Mutka, handmade afghan donated by Pat Boulger
Wendy Nelson & Jill Kelley, $25 gift certificates to Empire Antiques
Ashley Penna, $50 gift certificate to Moulton's Spectacle Shoppe
Shane Steinman, two passes to Ramblewild
Carrie Silva, $50 gift certificate to Bount-Fare Restaurant
Jaime Hamilton, chimney cleaning from Western Mass. Chimney ($160 value)
Richard Wood, plate of Marie McCarron's homemade baklava
Sara Luczynski, whoopie pies (or any other request) baked by Ellen Sutherland
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Northern Berkshire Celebrates Spirit of Caring Award Recipients
By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
NBUW Executive Director Patti Messina recognizes two 'dynamic' women retiring this year: Janice Broderick and Christine MacBeth.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire United Way on Thursday saluted members of the community who have stepped beyond their roles to help and support others.
Among them was state Rep. John Barrett III, former longtime mayor of North Adams, who was recognized not only for his efforts on behalf of the city for so many years but a "softer side" not always apparent.
The celebration was NBUW's sixth annual Spirit of Caring Awards, held at Norad Mill and attended by its member agencies, sponsors and community members. The room was packed at 3 West for the presentations of the Spirit of the Future Award to Officer Stephanie Mirante, the newly named Steve Green Spirit of Community Award to Wild Oats and the Al Nelson Spirit of Caring Award to Barrett. Also recognized was Adams Heating & Plumbing for campaign of the year. Barrett also provided a proclamation from the House to his fellow recipients.
Executive Director Patti Messina first wanted to recognize two women who are retiring after years of serving the community: Janice Broderick of the Elizabeth Freeman Center and Christine Macbeth, president and CEO of the Brien Center.
"They leave behind a legacy of dedication, commitment and hard work to this community," she said. "We salute you and thank you for your accomplishments."
Sharon DeMyer-Nemser and Ellen Sutherland, both members of the board of directors, presented Barrett, elected to the House in 2017, with the award.
"Although John really needs no introduction, we would like to take a moment to review John's past and storied history in our community," said DeMyer-Nemser, ticking off accomplishments including fighting for the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and convincing political leaders that arts and culture are vital components in building a strong creative economy in the Berkshires during his 26 years as mayor and representing North Berkshire on Beacon Hill.
The Northern Berkshire United Way on Thursday saluted members of the community who have stepped beyond their roles to help and support others. click for more
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