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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BVNA Nurses Raise Funds for Berkshire Bounty
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Nursing Association members of the Berkshire Visiting Nurses Association raised $650 to help with food insecurity in Berkshire County.
The nurses and health-care professionals of BVNA have given back to the community every holiday season for the last three years. The first year, they adopted a large family, raised money, bought, wrapped and delivered the gifts for the family. Last year, they sold raffle tickets and the money raised went to the charitable cause of the winner.
This year, with food insecurity as a rising issue, they chose to give to Berkshire Bounty in Great Barrington.
They sold raffle tickets for a drawing to win one of two items: A lottery ticket tree or a gift certificate tree, each worth $100. They will be giving the organization the donation this month.
Berkshire Bounty seeks to improve food security in the county through food donations from retailers and local farms; supplemental purchases of healthy foods; distribution to food sites and home deliveries; and collaborating with partners to address emergencies and improve the food system.
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