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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Pittsfield Lights Now 12-Foot Christmas Tree
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
Events coordinator Jennifer VanBramer says the annual tree lighting has been held since 1945.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city lit its permanent Christmas tree, now 12 feet tall, to dozens of cheering community members on Friday.
The annual tree lighting ceremony drew adults and children to Park Square as they waited for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive. It has been a Pittsfield tradition for 80 years, and a dedicated Christmas tree was planted in 2023.
"This event has been a long-standing Pittsfield tradition since 1945, and every year it reminds us just how special our city truly is," Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer said.
"Each light on this tree is a symbol of each of us, our families, our neighbors, our shared hopes. When we come together, we shine brighter. Whether you've lived here your whole life or are joining us for the first time, thank you for being part of what makes Pittsfield such a special place to call home."
Two children flipped the magic switch that lit the tree after a 10-second countdown. Soon after, Santa arrived on a firetruck and heard gift requests.
Mayor Peter Marchetti thanked people for coming out on "probably one of the coldest nights of the year.
"But it's not raining, and we've all been here in the rain before to light the tree," he said.
The young fir started around 9 feet tall, and is expected to grow up to 50 feet in time.
The restaurant at Bousquet Mountain will reopen under new management. The McNinch Restaurant Group will operate Drifters Bar & Restaurant, opening on Dec. 12. click for more
Community members can escape the harsh temperatures and have a hot beverage at ServiceNet's warming shelter, which began in November and has been busy since. click for more
On Thursday, the Berkshire County House of Corrections storage facility was overflowing with toys making it the county's very own Santa's workshop.
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