Annual Subaru Raffle to Benefit Homeless Animals

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PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Haddad Subaru and Berkshire Humane Society partner for the 10th Year annual "Choose Your Subaru" car raffle.
 
One winner will have their choice of a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Limited, Forester Premium or Outback Premium with a value up to $33,000.
 
"Everyone knows about Berkshire Humane Society, but over the last 10 years we at Haddad Subaru have witnessed first-hand the tremendous work they do and the positive impact they have on our community and for the animals they serve," said George Haddad, President of Haddad Auto Group.
 
"We are honored to partner with John and his team at Berkshire Humane Society for the 10th annual Subaru Raffle. We know that the funds raised benefit our four-legged community significantly."
 
The raffle is limited to 2,400 tickets. If at least 1,000 tickets are not sold, the raffle will convert to a 50/50 drawing of net proceeds.
 
Tickets are $40 each or three for $100 and are available in Pittsfield at Berkshire Humane Society's main shelter and Haddad Subaru, in Lanesboro at Baker's Golf Center, in Richmond at Bartlett's Orchard and in Great Barrington at Catwalk Boutique and Purradise. They are also available by calling the shelter at 413-447-7878 extension 131.
 
The winner will be drawn on Saturday, October 29 at 1pm at Haddad Subaru, 652 East Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
 
"It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years already that we've joined with Haddad Subaru to offer this raffle. We are grateful for their partnership. They've helped us raise hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years, saving the lives of thousands of animals and helping pet owners throughout the Berkshires," said John Perreault, Executive Director of Berkshire Humane Society.
 
"We rely on donations to fund our day-to-day operations, so we encourage animal lovers to buy a raffle ticket to support our work and have the chance to drive away in a brand-new car."
 
Berkshire Humane Society has an annual budget of more than $1.5 million, impacting more than 2,000 animals each year through adoption and surrender, medical care, spay/neuters, vaccine clinics, Pet Food Bank, and Family Dog School.
 
The Society's humane education programs reach hundreds of school children annually and a SafePet Program provides free, temporary pet care for people in crisis.
 
All proceeds benefit homeless animals of the Berkshires. For more information, call 413-447-7878, extension 131. Follow the event on Facebook @BerkshireHumane or check the shelter's website for more information.
 

Tags: Berkshire Humane Society,   raffle,   

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ServiceNet Warming Center Hosted 126 People This Winter

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

ServiceNet manages the warming shelter next to the church. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — ServiceNet's warming center has provided more than heat to unhoused individuals over the last four months and will run to the end of April.

It opened on Dec. 1 in the First United Methodist Church's dining area, next to ServiceNet's 40-bed shelter The Pearl. The agency has seen 126 individuals utilize the warming center and provided some case management to regulars.

While this winter was a success, they are already considering next winter.

"I've been on this committee many years now. There's probably only a few months out of the year that I don't talk about winter, so I'm always trying to plan for next winter," Erin Forbush, ServiceNet's director of shelter and housing, told the Homelessness Advisory Committee on Wednesday.

"We are in this winter and I'm already thinking what's going to happen next winter because I want to be really clear, winter shelter is never a given. We don't have this built into the state budget. It's not built into our budget, so there is always trying to figure out where we get money, and then where do we go with winter shelter."

She pointed out that warming centers are "very different" from shelters, which have a bed. The warming center is set up like a dining room, open from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and folks are welcome to stay for breakfast.

"We are asking people to come in, get warm, be out of the elements," Forbush explained.

The warming center will close on April 30.

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