Market 32, Price Chopper Launch Fundraising Campaign for Special Olympics

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Through Jan. 30, Market 32 and Price Chopper customers will have the chance to help Special Olympics athletes score big by rounding up their change at checkout in all 129 stores.
 
The campaign will raise funds for Special Olympics programs that provide year-round athletic training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities—promoting inclusion, confidence, and a sense of belonging through sports.
 
Every dollar raised will help provide the coaching, equipment, and opportunities needed for these athletes across Market 32 and Price Chopper's six-state footprint. Market 32 and Price Chopper will also match donations, up to $10,000.
 
"Market 32 and Price Chopper are committed to nourishing life by supporting organizations that strengthen families and communities," said Pam Cerrone, the company's director of community relations. "Special Olympics plays a vital role in creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities to compete, connect, and succeed. Through this round-up campaign, our guests can make a meaningful difference by directly supporting an organization that champions inclusion."
 
The round-up campaign for Special Olympics is one of many ways the company partners with guests to give back to causes that reflect its mission of helping people feed and care for their families.
 
"Retail campaigns like this play a powerful role in advancing the Special Olympics movement and ensuring inclusive opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities," said Stacey Hengsterman, president and CEO of Special Olympics New York. "Thanks in large part to partners like Market 32 and Price Chopper and their customers, we are able to provide opportunities to athletes at no charge to them or their families. Please choose to round up; every donation helps change an athlete's life." 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Council Reviews Public Safety Budget, Keeps SpotShotter

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On the fourth day of budget deliberations, the City Council preliminarily approved public safety and public service budgets. 

See the first two days of budget review here; and the third day here.

Councilors deliberated the Pittsfield Police Department's $16,439,421 spending plan for more than 90 minutes. Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren unsuccessfully motioned to cut $220,000 for ShotSpotter services. 

He said the acoustic gunshot detection technology is not well used throughout the country, citing other communities that have opted out or are exploring it. 

Pittsfield has two more years on its contract; while councilors voted down the budget reduction several were willing to explore the impact data and see if those funds could be used elsewhere. 

Police Chief Marc Maddalena reported that there has been a significant decrease in shots fired calls, and attributed it to the surveillance technology assisting enforcement. He said it also comes in faster than 911 calls. 

"If people know that just by that noise alone that we're responding within seconds, that's preventing them from utilizing that weapon," he said. 

"So that in of itself is saving lives." 

It has an about 20 percent accuracy rate, and police respond to every activation. 

On Sunday, at least two homes in the area of Memorial Drive and Doyle Drive were struck by gunfire and investigators located 17 shell casings on scene. This was brought up during conversation; it was reported that there were 13 impulses on ShotSpotter during the incident. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories