Morty, seen in this April photo, was a 'long-termer' at Berkshire Humane Society who found a home thanks to a showroom conversation at Haddad Subaru. The dealership is again partnering with the shelter for its big fundraiser.
'Choose your Subaru' Fundraiser Benefits Berkshire Humane Society
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Humane Society has kicked off its 13th annual "Choose your Subaru" car raffle with Haddad Subaru.
The prize is a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited, Forester Premium or Outback Premium with an extended warranty and three years of free maintenance.
Tickets are $40 each or three for $100. The winner will be drawn on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. at the Berkshire Humane Society.
"Haddad Subaru does so many great things for us," said the society's Executive Director John Perreault, in a press release. "They help us raise money with the Subaru raffle — our biggest fundraiser of the year.
"Last year they designated us as a hometown charity in their Share the Love event, for which they just presented us a check for $9,000. They also help us secure grants and they underwrite an animal adoption each week for up to $2,600 annually."
Perreault said the representatives in the dealer's showrooms also talk up the shelter. For example, a showroom conversation with a married couple from Westfield who had just lost their dog led to an adoption.
"Morty, a wonderful senior dog, had been in and out of the shelter looking for a permanent home for about a year," he said "Now he's happy at home, not only with a family who absolutely loves him, but a new Subaru as well."
Berkshire Humane Society has an annual budget of more than $3 million, touching the lives of approximately 13,500 animals each year through adoption and surrender, medical care, spay/neuters, vaccine clinics, a wellness center, pet food bank and family dog school. Its education programs reach hundreds of school children annually and a SafePet Program provides free, temporary pet care for people in crisis.
Catherine Hibbard, communications manager for the shelter, said last year's raffle raised $70,000, netting the Berkshire Humane Society about $40,000. The shelter assumes the cost of the car and Haddad supplies the free maintenance and extended warranty.
"Our goal is to sell all 2,400 raffle tickets, the maximum amount that we'll sell," she said, adding depending on how the tickets are sold (individually or groups of three), "the amount we'd raise before expenses if we did that ranges from $80,000 to $96,000."
Chris Kramek, general manager and vice president of Haddad Subaru, said the company's partnership with the Humane Society remains strong.
"This year, the need is even greater. John and his team are continuing to face rising costs for food, veterinary care and everyday expenses," he said. "That's why we're determined to make this year's raffle the best yet. Get your tickets early because we fully expect to sell out."
Tickets can be purchased at the Humane Society on Barker Road, Haddad Subaru in Pittsfield, Nature's Closet in Williamstown, Roxie's Barkery in North Adams, Baker's Golf Center in Lanesborough, Bartlett's Orchard in Richmond, the Catwalk Boutiques in Lenox and Great Barrington, and Only in My Dreams Events in South Egremont.
They are also available by calling the shelter at 413-447-7878, Ext. 131.
The raffle is limited to 2,400 tickets. If at least 1,000 tickets are not sold, the raffle will convert to a 50/50 drawing. All proceeds benefit animal shelter services and programs.
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Teacher of the Month: Nickole Halvorsen
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For many students, kindergarten is their first experience in a school setting and the beginning of ongoing growth and change throughout their lives.
Kindergarten teacher Nickole Halvorsen strives to instill in her students the foundational academic and social-emotional skills they need to succeed not only in her classroom, but throughout their educational journey and beyond.
It is this dedication, along with the fun, safe and welcoming environment that students describe her as cultivating, that has earned her the iBerkshires.com Teacher of the Month designation.
The Teacher of the Month series, in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, features distinguished teachers nominated by community members. You can nominate a teacher here.
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So, really focusing on coming in, being here, being present [and] consistent for them matters the most for me, and they make me want to be here. I want to have fun with them. I want to enjoy every last bit we can of being in the school building."
For many students, kindergarten is their first experience in a school setting and the beginning of ongoing growth and change throughout their lives.
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