STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — More than 200 people gathered at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health on Tuesday morning to recognize individuals who better the community through non-profit organizations.

 

Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires honored seven individuals who have gone above and beyond in their work: Jess Vecchia, Kate Barton, Jude Wesselman, Noelia Salinetti, Brenda Petell, Karen Richards, and Chris Melski. 

 

For the second year in a row, Kids 4 Harmony performed during the the ceremony. The chamber players, who are the most advanced students in the program, performed two pieces of which one was composed by a student. 

 

A panel of 21 judges from schools, businesses, and nonprofits combed through 62 nominations for the annual awards. They were solicited in seven categories: Executive Leadership, Board Leadership, Volunteer, Samya Rose Stumo Youth Leadership, Rock Star, Unsung Hero, and Lifetime Achievement. 

 

The morning was described as the "Oscars for the Nonprofits." During the ceremony, NPC founder Liana Toscanini and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier helped distribute the awards, House and Senate citations, and front newspaper pages made by NPC partner The Berkshire Eagle.  

 

Also recognized was longtime state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, who is leaving his seat after 11 terms. 

 

Although unable to attend the ceremony, Attorney General Andrea Campbell thanked the award recipients for the work they do in a video clip.