PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire United Way kicked off its 2020 to 2021 campaign year with virtual fundraising efforts

 

This year will look different for Berkshire United Way's 140 workplace campaigns, but the goal to raise money while having fun remains the same.

 

"These campaigns are the backbone of our fundraising efforts, so this year we have modified our processes due to the pandemic, from virtual kickoffs and creative special events to customized campaign web pages that enable employees to virtually make gifts," Duffy Judge, BUW development manager said. "We have also launched a campaign kickoff video to replace in-person gatherings."

 

The organization has modified its processes due to the pandemic, from virtual kickoff celebrations and creative special events to customized campaign web pages that enable employees to virtually make gifts. BUW has also launched a campaign kickoff video to replace in-person gatherings.

 

Longtime supporter Unistress Corporation kicked off BUW's fundraising year with a two-week campaign in September, reporting a 6 percent increase in participation. 

 

"Here at Unistress we are acutely aware of how important a role Berkshire United Way plays in improving the lives in our community," Perri Petricca, Unistress president said. "As such, we were pleased to be their first workplace campaign this year, as hundreds of our employees generously made pledges to support BUW."

 

To date, all the businesses that ran campaigns last year plan to participate again this year, and BUW welcomed a new workplace partner Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing. Berkshire Sterile recently held its first special event – a socially distant company picnic featuring a dunk tank.

 

"We are encouraged. The last seven months have been challenging for many families and businesses, but we are overwhelmed by the generosity in our community," Candace Winkler, president and chief executive officer of BUW said. "We recognize the effort it takes to run a campaign during this public health crisis, but we also know the need is great this year. Every gift makes a difference in someone's life."

 

In partnership with Miraval Berkshires, BUW is offering a new incentive for participation. Anyone who pledges to this year's campaign will be entered to win a three-day, two-night wellness getaway to Miraval's new resort in Lenox.

 

To learn more about Berkshire United Way's Annual Campaign, contact Duffy Judge at djudge@berkshireunitedway.org.