Market 32 Raises Funds to Benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association

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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Price Chopper and Market 32 customers and teammates raised $182,990 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) during its annual March fundraiser where customers were encouraged to round up their change at the register. 
 
Combined with a $10,000 corporate match, the total gift of $192,990.36 -- nearly $78,000 more than last year's campaign -- directly benefits MDA's mission to empower the people they serve to live longer, more independent lives.
 
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is committed to saving and improving the lives of kids and adults living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related life-threatening neuromuscular diseases that take away physical strength and mobility. MDA specializes in providing funding for research, improving access to advanced care and resource centers, offering educational programs for the community, clinicians and specialists, and advocating for policies and programs that support families with neuromuscular diseases.
 
Over the past 40 years, Price Chopper/Market 32 has raised nearly $31 million for MDA through various events and campaigns.
 
"Our company, customers, and teammates are committed to our communities," said Pam Cerrone, Price Chopper/Market 32's director of community relations. "We're thrilled with these results and proud to be able to support MDA's research efforts and provision of care and assistance to children and adults who are impacted by muscular dystrophy and other related diseases."
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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 
 
Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.
 
Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.
 
"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."
 
The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.
 
"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.
 
She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.
 
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