Associate Director McCaela Donovan, left, and Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires founder Liana Toscanini open the award ceremony.

 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Seven nonprofit leaders, described as "the best of who we are," have been recognized for their drive to make the Berkshires a better place.

The Nonprofit Center of The Berkshires held its 8th annual award ceremony on Tuesday at the Country Club of Pittsfield.

"What I love about this room is that it's a lot of nonprofit people and a lot of people who support nonprofits," said Liana Toscanini, founder and executive director of the Berkshire NPC.

"And I think that's something that we try to do, is introduce people face to face. So, faces behind the checks that support your work, faces of the people who actually do the work."

Board Chair Emily Schiavoni said that in a time when headlines warn of federal funding cuts and uncertainty it is more important than ever that people come together.

"And here in Berkshire County, we do," she said.

"We lean on each other, we support each other, we carry forward the essential work of caring for our communities together. Today is a celebration of the nonprofits, the volunteers, and dedicated individuals who rise above the challenges to make a difference. Your work uplifts lives, strengthens our communities, and reflects the very best of who we are."

Honorees include Berkshire Immigrant Center Executive Director Melissa Canavan, former board president and vice president of the Berkshire County Historical Commission Cynthia Farr Brown, Literacy Network volunteer and board member Pamela Conroy Breslin, Arts in Recovery for Youth program manager Rachael Bentz, Fairview Hospital Director of Community Relations and Development Lauren Smith, youth and wellness guide at Berkshire HorseWorks Chris Ciepiela, and Berkshire Environmental Action Team Executive Director Jane Winn.