More than 150 guests from the Berkshires, Boston, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Montreal attended the fundraiser. Representatives from the chamber's board, Tanglewood, Shakespeare & Company and other Berkshire-based groups also attended.

 

Kristine Hazzard, Berkshire United Way's president and CEO, thanked the guests for their support and shared some details about the organization's work in education and employment, including initiatives to promote childhood literacy and reduce teen pregnancy and teen substance use. 

 

Robin Gerson Wong, veteran of the Broadway stage and now proprietor of the Seven Hills Inn, served as the auctioneer for the live luxury auction. In addition, there was a silent auction. Items included gifts from gifts from Kripalu, Blantyre, Ventfort Hall, Tanglewood, Wheatleigh, Canyon Ranch, Cranwell, Tiffany's, Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado, Clifford Oil, Jacob's Pillow, Shakespeare and Company, Berkshire Theatre Group and Berkshire International Film Festival.

 

The event also featured performances from various musicians and theater groups. Performances included pianist Roy Gerson playing tunes from the Great American Songbook and actor Ryan Winkles of Shakespeare & Company presenting his comic monologue, "How to Carve a Turkey."

 

A, three-course, sit-down dinner was prepared by chef Michael Ballon of Castle Street Café, located in Great Barrington.

 

The event is expected to return toward the end of this year.