Berkshire United Way held its 2018 Leadership Reception on Monday, June 11, 2018 at Cranwell Spa & Golf Resort. Close to 150 people attended the event recognizing Berkshire United Way’s leadership donors. Chris and Kim Mathews were honored with the 2018 Ruth P. and Nicholas Boraski Leaders in Philanthropy Award and Gene Dellea with the J Edward Dery Memorial Award.
Berkshire United Way created the Ruth P. and Nicholas Boraski Leaders in Philanthropy Award in 2005 to honor the individual, couple or group who, by their personal example as well as financial commitment, have demonstrated their dedication to improving the quality of life for everyone in our community regardless of their means. Nicholas Boraski, a long-standing supporter of Berkshire United Way and past member of its Board of Directors, attended the event to present the award to the Mathews. “Faith and family are very important to the Mathews, who have a strong belief that those who have received have an obligation to give,” said Boraski. “This is a philosophy that they demonstrate by the way they live, and give. Chris and Kim share a great deal of talent, time and treasure to help make this a finer and stronger community,” he added.
The J Edward Dery Memorial Award was first presented in 1997 to honor the memory of Ed Dery who died very young but left a legacy of giving and caring for his community. Last presented in 2014, the Dery Award honors extraordinary commitment to the improvement of the quality of life for all in Berkshire County by an individual, foundation or organization.
Rounding out the evening, Christina Wynn, dean of enrollment management at Berkshire Community College and vice-chair, Berkshire United Way board of directors, announced the names of the 20 local businesses and organizations who achieved Pinnacle status in Berkshire United Way’s workplace campaign this past year. In addition, a parent participant in the Parent Child Home Program at CHP Family Services acknowledged leadership donors in attendance for helping her and her young family to develop the life-long tools and community connections they needed.