'Choose Your Subaru' Raffle Benefiting Homeless Animals

05:25AM / Sunday, July 05, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Humane Society and Haddad Subaru have launched their 14th annual "Choose Your Subaru" car raffle.

One winner will have their choice of a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Limited, Forester Premium or Outback Premium with an extended warranty and three years of free maintenance. Hybrid options are available for the Crosstrek and Forester.

Tickets are $40 each or three for $100. The winner will be drawn on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 1pm at Berkshire Humane Society, 214 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Tickets are available in Pittsfield at Berkshire Humane Society's Dr. John Reynolds Adoption and Education Center (main shelter), Wellness Clinic and Haddad Subaru, in Williamstown at Nature's Closet, in North Adams at Roxie's Barkery and Boutique, in Lanesboro at Baker's Golf Center, in Richmond at Bartlett's Apple Orchard and Farm Market, in Lenox at Chez Pet and Catwalk Boutique and in Great Barrington at Catwalk Boutique and Purradise. They are also available by calling the shelter at 413-447-7878 extension 131.

The raffle is limited to 2,700 tickets. If at least 1,000 tickets are not sold, the raffle will convert to a 50/50 drawing. All tickets include a $20 discount for services at Haddad Subaru.

"Well, I said it last year, we will sell out," said Chris Kramek, General Manager and Vice President of Haddad Subaru. Guess what? We did. This year won't be any different. Supporting this cause is a Berkshire mainstay and an event everyone looks for annually. I believe this will be our best year ever! The vehicles are of the highest value, especially the hybrid models. Come support and give yourself a great chance to win the Berkshires' most popular vehicle, a new Subaru."

"We're excited to collaborate with Haddad Subaru again this year for this thrilling opportunity for the community and the animals," said John Perreault, Executive Director of Berkshire Humane Society. "People love this raffle. It's our biggest fundraiser and a great way of helping local animals and disadvantaged animal lovers while having the dream of scoring a brand-new Subaru. Last year's winner lived less than two miles from our shelter in Pittsfield."

Berkshire Humane Society has an annual budget of more than $3 million, touching the lives of approximately 16,500 animals each year through adoption and surrender, medical care, spay/neuters, vaccine clinics, a Wellness Center, Pet Food Bank and Family Dog School. The Society's education programs reach hundreds of school children annually and a SafePet Program provides free, temporary pet care for people in crisis.

"Companion animals and their people in our community depend on you," said Perreault. All proceeds benefit animal shelter services and programs.

For more information on the raffle, call 413-447-7878, extension 131. Follow the event on Facebook @BerkshireHumane or check the shelter's website, BerkshireHumane.org.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

Save & Earn with Greylock

3.30% APY 6-month certificate. Click to learn more! Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

View Full Story