Pittsfield Couple Win Car in United Way Promotion
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A lucky city couple has won a new car as part of Berkshire United Way's annual campaign.The Rev. Dr. Richard Floyd and his wife, Martha Talis-Floyd, have their choice of a new 2009 Nissan Sentra or $10,000 in cash.
Each person who participates in the Berkshire United Way annual campaign receives one entry into the car drawing. Those who contribute $3 or more per week or $150 or more per year are eligible for two car entries.
"We were delighted to learn that our names had been drawn from among all the United Way supporters and very grateful to receive the new car donated by Greylock Federal Credit Union and Johnson Ford-Lincoln-Mercury-Nissan," said Floyd. "We have always supported Berkshire United Way and know the important role it plays in our community."
Floyd, a retired minister, is pastor emeritus at First Church of Christ and his wife is a community wellness nurse at Berkshire Health Systems.
BUW President and CEO Kristine Hazzard drew the winning name from more than 17,000 entries as more than 250 chamber members and United Way supporters looked on at the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce Chamber Nite held at Greylock Federal Credit Union on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
The Car Drawing event, now an annual tradition, marked the ninth year that Greylock Federal Credit Union and Johnson Ford-Lincoln-Mercury-Nissan have sponsored a car give-away to help promote the campaign. It has also become a tradition for the Chamber of Commerce to add its support by placing the drawing on its popular Chamber Nite event calendar.
The keys to the car were presented to the Floyds on Friday, Jan. 30, at Berkshire Medical Center. The presentation was made by Hazzard, Angelo Stracuzzi, president of Greylock Federal Credit Union, and Tary Johnson, vice president of Johnson Dealerships.
Diane Kelly, BMC's interim chief operating officer, was on hand to extend her congratulations as well.
"Berkshire Health Systems and our employees are longtime United Way supporters," she said. "I was very happy to hear the news that one of our employees had been selected as the winner of the car this year."
"The car promotion continues to have a positive impact on the success of our annual campaign, effectively boosting Berkshire United Way's visibility and employee participation in our workplace campaigns," said Hazzard. "We deeply appreciate the extraordinary support that Greylock Federal Credit Union and the Johnson Dealerships have provided for the past nine years."
The dollars raised through corporate and employee campaigns represent nearly 60 percent of the total raised each year. Berkshire United Way is a private nonprofit organization committed to improving people's lives by leading, collaborating and mobilizing resources to address community needs in Berkshire County. For more information, visit www.berkshireunitedway.com.
