PopCares Chix Dinner Fundraiser Returns

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Around 600 people had been attending the annual PopCares dinner and auction. The pandemic forced a shift to takeout but the in-person dinner is back this year.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The popular PopCares chicken dinner will be held in person this year for the first time since 2019. Tickets are now on sale for the dinner scheduled Saturday, Oct. 5, at GreylockWorks. 
 
The annual dinner and auction is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit, which supports local people affected by cancer. Since its inception in 2012, PopCares has distributed more than $1,000,000 to cancer patients and caregivers in Northern Berkshire County and Southern Vermont towns.
 
"This annual event is not only an important fundraising event for our organization, but it is an important time to gather as a community and celebrate those amongst us who are working hard in the fight against cancer," said organizers in a statement. "We have all been touched by cancer in some way and many have struggled with the day-to-day reality of the disease. We can offer support to those who are battling cancer so that no one has to fight this disease alone."
 
This year's dinner will again be catered by the Bounti-fare with a cash bar. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a chance auction, silent auction, live auction, and the coveted "dessert dash" auction. The dessert auction has included some seriously spirited bidding with whoopie pies and other confections selling for hundreds of dollars. 
 
PopCares Inc. was established by the St. Pierre family to honor the memory of Bill "Pop" St. Pierre, who taught them the importance of sharing small acts of kindness with others on a daily basis. The St. Pierre's said they were fortunate to have the support of each other as well as friends during Pop's battle with cancer. It is the mission of PopCares Inc. to ensure that every person fighting cancer, as well as their families and caregivers, in the local community has the opportunity to benefit from that same level of support.  
 
This past February, PopCares reached that significant milestone of $1,000,000 to support local families. Donations from the region, stay in the region. 
 
"While we wish the need for an organization such as ours did not exist, PopCares remains steadfast in its mission, and we are committed to continuing this journey with the incredible community that has been the backbone of our success," said the nonprofit.
 
Tickets to the dinner can be purchased here
 
PopCares Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit and is completely volunteer run. All donations and fundraising proceeds go directly to community members in need.

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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