Smashing Hunger: Pickleball Tournament to Benefit Berkshire Bounty

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PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Third Annual Fun(D)raising Pickleball Tournament for the benefit of Berkshire Bounty returns.

Pickleball players are invited to rally against food insecurity at this fun and friendly benefit for Berkshire Bounty, a not-for-profit organization with the mission to creatively advance community food security through food rescue and delivery..

Registration will be open Aug. 1 through Sept. 18, 2026, with the actual tournament taking place, rain or shine, on Saturday, Sept.26, 2026 at Bousquet Sport Club in Pittsfield.

"These types of benefits are gratifying to our organization and show how our community pulls together. We're so thankful," said Mark Lefenfeld and Jay Weintraub, Berkshire Bounty co-founders. 

Teams of two may register in either the Beginner/Intermediate or Intermediate/Advanced Divisions. Entry Fee is $120 per team, with all proceeds going to Berkshire Bounty. 

Current event sponsors include the Gilson Family Foundation, Osteo Strong, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Lance Vermeulen Real Estate, Berkshire Money Management, Beacon Bank, Ethan Kelpetar Law Firm, and October Mountain Financial Advisors.

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

Pittsfield's Christian Center Rebrands as 'The Center'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Christian Center is becoming The Center, and assures the community that while the logo and name have changed, "Our heart has not." 

The rebrand was announced on Tuesday after months of listening sessions, community conversations, and surveys.  It was emphasized that the organization's heart, mission, and commitment to the community are unchanged. 

The Center will host its annual Community Day, including a name change celebration, on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"While our name is shifting, our core purpose remains steadfast. Alongside our new name, we are introducing our defining tagline—Nourish. Empower. Connect.—which reflects the three principles guiding everything we do," Executive Director Jessica Jones wrote in a newsletter. 

"Whether through our food pantry, meal program, free clothing boutique, or community events, our work remains focused on helping our neighbors access essential resources, build connections, and thrive."

The new logo features a fork, carrot, heart, and shirt, representing the pillars of The Center's service. 

The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974, but it dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission, founded by the Methodist Church. 

Today, its main focus is food insecurity, but it also provides clothing, household items, and sanitary supplies to those who need them.  The Center operates a food pantry, upstairs free shop, and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as offering assistance in accessing resources. 

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