August 5, 2021
Berkshire United Way hosted a reception Tuesday evening at The Mount, home of Edith Wharton, to recognize and thank leading donors who give annually at the Greylock Society level.
Among those honored were Amy and Carlo Zaffanella, who received the Ruth P. and Nicholas Boraski Leaders in Philanthropy Award, and Peter Marchetti, recipient of the J. Edward Dery Memorial Award.
The philanthropy award honors an individual, couple or group who have demonstrated by personal example, as well as financial commitment, their dedication to improving the quality of life for everyone in our community regardless of their means.
Carlo, who is vice president and general manager of maritime and strategic systems at General Dynamics Mission Systems, shared that “We aren’t special, we’re doing what I think anybody in our station of life would do. Folks like us need to be the people who are committed the most to helping others.”
The Dery 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 that few can ever hope to match. It is presented to an individual, foundation or organization to honor extraordinary commitment to improving the quality of life for all in Berkshire County.
“Community service for me is a vital part of my life,” said Marchetti, senior vice president of retail banking operations at Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and past member and treasurer of the BUW board. “Change does not happen by itself and it does not happen by one person. It really takes a community to make change happen.”
In her welcome, BUW President and CEO Candace Winkler thanked donors for attending: “Truly, you are the heart and soul of the organization. You are our supporters, our donors, our volunteers, our community partners, and we can’t do any of our work without you.”
”This organization has a lot of people who have given a lot of time, energy, and effort, and it’s making a big difference in the community.” – Candace Winkler, BUW President & CEO
Brennah Brickle, assistant market crew leader and HIP coordinator for Roots Rising, volunteered for BUW’s food packing event during the #HereForGood Volunteer Month in April. “I left that day feeling so connected to my community and empowered,” she shared.
In closing, Father Sam Smith, vice chair of the BUW board, said, “We get to live in this bucolic place and we’re here for good. We’re here not only to stay, but to do good works for this community to be sure every one of us rises up, has the ability to be the very best they can be, and to help us all be the best.”
A string quartet from Kids 4 Harmony, a program of 18 Degrees, provided a brief musical selection prior to the speakers and awards. They were accompanied by Artistic Director Courtney Clark and introduced by Sarah Cook, CEO of 18 Degrees.