Fun fall activities

Fall is in the air as children are returning to school and Berkshire United Way is grateful to be the beneficiary of two great events as we work with partners throughout the county to prepare children for kindergarten, help teens develop a college or career path and put money in the pockets of working families.

Saturday brought cooler temperatures making it a perfect day for outside activities and we’re so grateful to our friends at Jiminy Peak for hosting their second annual community day to raise money for Berkshire United Way.  Children and families enjoyed discounted admission to the adventure park, and the opportunity to spend time at our crafts table, enjoy a story walk, receive balloon animals and have their faces painted courtesy of Balloon Ben and his daughter. 

Thanks to some creative thinking by Race Director Patty Spector and the Josh Committee, the 42nd Josh Billings RunAground will go on!  The race takes place this Sunday, September 16th, with a new route that culminates on the familiar grounds of Tanglewood.

Following the main race is the always popular kids race, which draws more than 100 participants and is a fun, competitive way to put a wrap on the day of competition.  For those children interested in registering, you can do so the day prior to the event at the Arcadian Shoppe or on the day of the event at Tanglewood.

For many years proceeds from the event have been donated to Berkshire United Way to help our organization ignite the collective power of individuals and organizations to build a stronger community together. 

Berkshire United Way is fortunate to have such great community partners in our efforts to make Berkshire County a dynamic, engaged community with opportunities for all.

Fun-filled family events

The transition from summer to fall is always a beautiful time in Berkshire County and with it comes two exciting events that will help build a stronger community while also benefitting Berkshire United Way!

On Saturday, September 9^th Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort will hold a Community Day, offering local residents and visitors to the Berkshires, the opportunity to purchase an All Park Pass for the one-day special price of $39 -including a hot dog, bag of chips and bottled beverage, while supplies last. That’s a savings of up to $26 per ticket!  Jack Waldheim will be performing live music throughout the day as well.  All proceeds from the day will benefit Berkshire United Way

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The following Sunday, September 17^th will be the 41^st Josh Billings RunAground, a combination bike, canoe/kayak, and running race that winds through the towns of Great Barrington, Stockbridge and Lenox, finishing at Tanglewood.  Participants compete as teams as well as ironpersons who are brave enough to tackle all three legs on their own. 

The Live United team poses for a photo following the 2016 running of the Josh Billings RunAground.

                                   

Over the past decade, the Josh Billings has contributed over $70,000 to Berkshire United Way’s mission of building a stronger community together.  I invite you to stop by and watch the race, it is an amazing Berkshire County tradition!

Duffy Judge
Development Manager