PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation Friday honored outstanding contributors to the Berkshire County sports scene at its third annual Awards Dinner at the Polish Falcon Club.

 

The foundation supports youth sports throughout the county each year.

 

In 2025-26, those donations totaled more than $30,000 to groups ranging from youth football and cheerleading programs, Pittsfield Little League, Northern Berkshire Softball and the Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club Recreation Therapy Program, to name a few.

 

Funds raised by the foundation also go to support its annual Vera Barborotta Memorial Sportsman Scholarship, which this year went to Lee High School graduate Joey Abderhalden and Taconic grad Madeline Harrington.

 

Two other recently graduated high school standout athletes were recognized as winners of the Al Bianchi Memorial Athletes of the Year: Madison McCarthy and Cooper Calvert, both of Wahconah Regional High School.

 

Pittsfield High School girls basketball coach Kristy Conyers and Hoosac Valley boys basketball coach Matt Larabee received the foundation's Coach of the Year Awards.

 

John Castonguay received the Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation Living Legend Award. A.J. Ziter took home the Connie Bianchi Memorial Award of Merit. And Mark Moulton rounded out the honorees with the foundation's Volunteer of the Year Award.

 

The Bianchi-Barbarotta Foundation has a couple of fund-raising events lined up for the coming year, starting with its 30th annual golf tournament at Wyndhurst Golf and Club at Miraval of the Berkshires on Oct. 11. The foundation will hold a beer tasting event on Saturday, March 13, 2027, at Berkshire Hills Country Club.