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The winner of the 2026 Subaru raffle, Lynn Whittaker of Pittsfield, is announced last Saturday at the Berkshire Humane Society. The raffle is a major fundraiser for the animal shelter.

Berkshire Humane Sells Record Number of Subaru Tickets

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Humane Society raised a record amount of funds from its 13th annual Subaru Car Raffle day this past Saturday.

The Humane Society was able to raise $81,500 from the raffle; last year, the raffle raised $70,000.

"The one thing I look at most is the money we raised is so much more this year. That's just so many more animals that we know are in need that we're going to be able to help out now," Executive Director John Perrault said.

This is the first year the society was able to sell all 2,400 raffle tickets of $100 to win a 2026 Subaru from Haddad Subaru. 

"I don't think I've ever seen it as busy, as popular, and as long as I've been working and volunteering with the Berkshire Humane Society, this is the first year we've sold out of the tickets, which is exciting," said board President Laura Bykowski.

The daylong event for the raffle drawing started with a free rabies and microchip clinic, during which 67 rabies vaccines were administered and 55 microchips inserted.

"We had a very, very good turnout. And historically, when you get closer to the fall in this time of year, we don't see many and it's our fourth free one we've done this year, but they were still coming in strong," Perrault said. "So I'm very excited that we're able to help that many animals."

The shelter also waived adoption fees for the day. Two cats were able to be adopted through the event.

The collaboration for the event with Haddad Subaru started with the shelter's friend Chris Kramek, general manager at the dealership, who wanted to do something for the shelter. Their collaboration has helped the shelter raise funds and even get pets adopted, through their weekly animal sponsorship.

"Many, many years ago, my good friend Chris Kramek became the general manager at Haddad Subaru, invited me down and said 'I want to do something for your shelter, what do you want to do?’ I'm like, let's give away a car. He said, sure, let's figure out how to do that," Perrault said.

The prize was a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited, Forester Premium or Outback Premium with an extended warranty and three years of free maintenance.

Perrault announced the winner, who was Lynn Whittaker of Pittsfield.

 

Tags: Berkshire Humane Society,   fundraiser,   raffle,   

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Friday Front Porch: Luxurious Lakefront Property

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for a lakefront estate to spend your days? Then this might be the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 140 Hancock Road.

This house was built in 2015 and has eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It is 6,986 square feet on a little over an acre. 

The house sits on Pontoosuc Lake and includes private lake access and a pool with an expansive deck. 

The kitchen is equipped with Wolf and SubZero appliances and there is a full outdoor kitchen as well. The property has three additional separated living quarters, each with a kitchen and its own living room. 

The house also includes a big garage for multiple cars or more.

It is on the market for $4,900,000.

We spoke with Elisha Poirier from Stone House Properties LLC, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

What truly sets this property apart is the incredible scale combined with its premier lakefront setting. With over 7,400 square feet of space, eight bedrooms, multiple independent living quarters, and extensive garage capacity, it offers a level of versatility that is very rare in the Berkshires. The sweeping views of Pontoosuc Lake and Mount Greylock, along with private lake access, a pool, and exceptional indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, create a lifestyle that feels more like a private resort than a traditional home.

What was your first impression when you walked into this home?

My first impression was the sense of openness and how immediately your eye is drawn to the water. The layout was clearly designed to highlight the views, and the natural light combined with the scale of the space makes the home feel both grand and welcoming at the same time.

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?

The atmosphere is both luxurious and relaxed. It has the presence and amenities of a high-end estate, but the lakefront setting and thoughtfully designed living spaces make it feel comfortable and inviting. It's a home that works just as well for quiet mornings by the water as it does for hosting large gatherings.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?

This home would be ideal for someone who loves to entertain and host family and friends, or for a multi-generational family looking for both shared space and private living areas. It could also appeal to someone looking for a true retreat in the Berkshires, whether as a primary residence or a luxury getaway.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

It's easy to picture spending your mornings looking out over the lake, afternoons enjoying the pool or taking the boat out from your private dock, and evenings gathered around the outdoor kitchen or fire pit with friends and family. The property is designed so that everyday life feels like a vacation.

What do the current owners love most about this home?

What they love most is the incredible connection to the lake and the views. The property offers privacy while still feeling open to the natural beauty around it. They've also enjoyed the ability to host large gatherings while still offering guests their own comfortable and private spaces.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Some of the standout features include the chef's kitchen with high-end Wolf and SubZero appliances, multiple private living quarters with their own kitchens and entrances, and expansive outdoor entertaining areas with a built-in kitchen, pool, and fire pit. The home also includes a whole-house audio system, five laundry units, and premium Pella iron-clad windows and doors, all thoughtfully designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind. The property is insulated with spray foam throughout, maximizing energy efficiency while also providing superior protection from the strong winds often experienced on the lake.

You can find out more about this home on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

 

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