Founded in 1924 as the Pittsfield Community Fund Association, our early organization grew to become an integral part of the community by increasing its fundraising and taking on community planning responsibilities.

Over time, we became the Pittsfield United Community Chest and in 1972, became the United Way of Central Berkshire, joining together many local United Ways. In the 1980s, the Lee Community Chest, the Dalton Community Chest, and the South Berkshire Community Fund merged with us and we officially became Berkshire United Way – serving all of central and southern Berkshire County.

YOU, and generations of the Berkshire community, have been immensely generous through personal donations, volunteer efforts, and activism. Celebrate with us! Join your neighbors to toast the spirit of giving and honor the past century of our dedication to a thriving Berkshire County.

Join us at 4:30 p.m. to mingle with local friends and family and enjoy hors d’oeuvres with a cash bar, and then move to the main stage for the Berkshire United Way Centennial Celebration presentation. After the program, toast 100 years with us and celebrate with cake and sparkling beverages.

Our featured guest speaker will be Frances Jones-Sneed, professor emeritus of History and Political Science at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, who will reflect on the shared history of Berkshire United Way over the past 100 years. Jones-Sneed is a scholar and local history expert whose research and writing has focused extensively on the Berkshires and the local dimensions of African American history. 

It will be a Berkshire County evening not to miss!

This year, we present the Daniel C. Dillon Helping Hands, Caring Heart Award to

Mary Wheat

Mary has been an active volunteer and guiding light with the South Community Food Pantry for more than 20 years.
She also was a founder and longtime chair of the Thanksgiving Angels meal program. 

This award recognizes an unsung hero who quietly, with little fanfare or recognition, makes our community a better place through volunteer efforts.

Payment

To pay or for questions about payment, contact Gretchen Weber at gweber@berkshireunitedway.org or call the Berkshire United Way office at (413) 442-6948.