Berkshire HorseWorks Gala Celebrates Year of the Horse

10:42AM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026Print Story | Email Story

RICHMOND, Mass. — Berkshire HorseWorks, Inc., a 501c3, which for 13 years has offered Eagala Model Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Equine-Assisted Learning, Equine Assisted-Team building, and other therapeutic and recreational activities with horses, invites you to celebrate the "Year of the Horse: A Year of Transformation Gala", on Sept. 18, from 6:00pm-9:00pm, at Berkshire Equestrian Center in Richmond, MA (40 Perry's Peak Road, Richmond, MA 01254).

This gala marks over a decade of providing programming to over 4,200 at-risk youth, active duty, veterans, families, and other vulnerable populations. The event and will honor NPC founder, Liana Toscanini, and be emceed by former Massachusetts State Representative, Smitty Pignatelli. The news was announced today by Hayley Sumner, founder, executive director, and CEO of the nonprofit.

Interact with BHW's rescued herd of 11 horses and ponies, and its clients as you learn about the ranch's experiential, strength-based programs.

Enjoy specialty drinks and hors d'oeuvres from 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm with music by The Berkshire Dreamers, before a live auction and paddle raise from 7:30 pm- 9:00 pm. Auction to support scholarships for equine-assisted programs at the ranch for those at-risk with mental health, behavioral, and academic challenges in the community and to cover medical costs for equines medical care.

Attire is festive Berkshire casual, with comfortable footwear suitable for both the lawn and riding arena, strongly encouraged.

"Thanks to the generosity of Carl and Nancy Dunham, BHW was able to launch its nonprofit at the Berkshire Equestrian Center, enabling us to offer much-needed evidence and ground based programming to those with PTSD, addiction, trauma, and illiteracy, including Hillcrest Education Center, Department of Children and Families (DCF), Berkshire Health Systems, Berkshire County House of Corrections, Pittsfield School System," stated Sumner.

Tickets are limited so visit OneCause to purchase now: onecau.se/_mrwau1

For More Gala Information Visit OneCause: https://onecau.se/_mk95z1

For More Information Visit BHW's Website: https://berkshirehorseworks.com/gala

Link For Donating: onecau.se/_mk96h1

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Letter: Southern Berkshire Ambulance Expresses Gratitude for Support

Letter to the Editor07:00PM / Saturday, August 08, 2026

To the Editor:

Over the next nine months, the Southern Berkshire Ambulance Squad (SBAS) will take delivery of two new ambulances, at a cost of roughly $1 million, to replace two vehicles that are very much on their last wheels. Lacking that $1 million, SBAS had to put out an emergency call of its own. I write to share the wonderful news that Berkshire Preservation Inc. (BPI) more than answered our call.

BPI's board, which includes Carole Owens, Louis Schroeter, Wende and David Carver, Nelson Furlano, and Todd Ehrlich worked tirelessly to organize a benefit concert at the Colonial Theatre that netted $98,877 for SBAS. We saw firsthand how hard they worked to bring it off, and we could not be more grateful to be the beneficiaries of their efforts and generosity.

SBAS answers your emergency calls 24/7/365. It means a great deal to us that when we were the ones in need, BPI answered ours. If you would like to learn more about BPI, and you should, please go to preservationinc.org.

With deep gratitude,

Ken Schumacher
Great Barrington, Mass.

Ken Schumacher is president of the board of directors
of the Southern Ambulance Squad

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