A frolicking performance at the 52nd and final UCP 'Starfest' Telethon on Sunday afternoon at the Crowne Plaza.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A 52-year-old tradition ended Sunday night.

 

United Cerebral Palsy of Berkshire County held its final telethon fundraiser Sunday afternoon. The event started in General Electric union halls in 1963 and grew to be an annual event held at the Crowne Plaza. 

 

"The phones don't ring as much as they used to," Executive Director Christine Singer said. "In the early days, the telethon was the event. Nothing was done ahead of time because we didn't have the technology."

 

But now it is much easier to reach people and show what the organization does, which is to help both children and adults with disabilities. The telethon was both a way to raise money but also to show off the work that it does.

 

"We know families are struggling. They are struggling with their families educationally, socially, and they are struggling to get as much adaptive socialization and recreation outside of school as possible. We really try to cover those gaps in their lives to make sure they have the best lives possible," Singer said.

 

With a new generation heading the marketing team, the organization finally opted to develop new ways to do what the telethon had done for years. 

 

"I think the hardest thing is that we don't know what next year's event is going to look like. So it is hard to say we like it better because we don't know what it is yet," Singer said. "How do you let go of something that has such a strong following? But, we believe the community support is so solid that they'll be behind us with whatever we do."

 

The event showed off local performers, organizations and politicians who helped generate funds. The goal for this final one was $35,000, which is about how much it has raised at telethons in the last few years. 

 

This year's main hosts were state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli and Sheriff Thomas Bowler. Also appearing were former Adams Town Clerk Paul Hutchinson, former state Rep. Daniel Bosley, WUPE's Cheryl Adams and WSBS' Dave Winchester. The fishbowl hosts were Dan Proskin and Jessica Peck.

 

Being the last, the event featured clips spanning from over the last 30 years and guest appearances from those who participated in previous ones.

 

"It is a legacy of sharing and caring," Singer said.

 

Singer herself announced that she will be leaving the organization after 18 years. Sunday was her 19th telethon; there has only been three executive directors in the organization's history. As Singer said, it is time to "let the next generation have their hand."

 

Even though there will no longer be a telethon, the organization will still continue with its 19 programs aimed to help those who need it. Every three years, the organization goes through a needs assessment and aligns programming accordingly, Singer said.

 

"We really thank the community for being behind us every step of the way," Singer said.

 

More photos of this event here.