FOR MANY local organizations , this is the time of year to honor and celebrate community dedication , artistic excellence , and charitable endeavors . This year , some will mark significant anniversaries , echoing years of service and commitment to their respective causes . Beyond the sometimes dazzling soirées , gala season serves a dual purpose : joyous commemorations and crucial fundraisers . This season is more than just a swirl of opulent festivities for many nonprofits ; it is a lifeline , providing the means to sustain the impactful work they do throughout the year .
giving back
A Cause to Celebrate !
GALAS RAISE AWARENESS — AND MONEY — FOR ORGANIZATIONS THAT GIVE SO MUCH
FOR MANY local organizations , this is the time of year to honor and celebrate community dedication , artistic excellence , and charitable endeavors . This year , some will mark significant anniversaries , echoing years of service and commitment to their respective causes . Beyond the sometimes dazzling soirées , gala season serves a dual purpose : joyous commemorations and crucial fundraisers . This season is more than just a swirl of opulent festivities for many nonprofits ; it is a lifeline , providing the means to sustain the impactful work they do throughout the year .
Berkshire United Way ( BUW ) kicked off its 100th anniversary festivities on April 10 with a Centennial Celebration for members of the community at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield . The first of a series of events to celebrate this milestone , look out for a free community celebration this summer , as well as the return of United at the Table on October 30 at Gedney Farm in New Marlborough that will wind up the 2024 gala season . “ We are excited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Berkshire United Way with our friends in the community ,” says President and CEO Tom Bernard . “ We are proud to trace our history back to 1924 , when a group of dedicated volunteers saw a need in the region and worked together to raise money to support their neighbors . Today , we look back with appreciation and gratitude at the amazing spirit that has supported this work for a century .” berkshireunitedway . org
CATA ’ s 30th Anniversary Gala & Annual Performance is set to dazzle on Saturday , May 11 , at 5 p . m . Hailed as “ one of the most joyous events of the year ,” the event highlights the power of inclusion and creativity . Shakespeare & Company ’ s Tina Packer Playhouse in Lenox will host the celebration of artistic expression and community unity . A matinee will be held on Sunday , May 12 , at 1 p . m . cataarts . org
Celebrating the dedication of M . Christine “ Chris ” Macbeth , The Brien Center will host An Evening of Well Wishes on Thursday , May 16 , from 5 to 8 p . m . at the Berkshire Hills Country Club in Pittsfield . MacBeth , who will retire in June , joined the Brien Center as assistant executive officer in 2010 ; became chief executive officer two years later ; and was named president and CEO in 2018 . Under MacBeth ’ s leadership , The Brien Center has continued to grow and thrive , enabling them to continue providing the critical and important services that are vital to the behavioral health of Berkshire residents . briencenter . org
Harmonizing their way into summer , the Cantilena Chamber Choir will herald its 20th Anniversary Gala with a concert on Sunday , May 19 , at 3 p . m . at Trinity Church in Lenox . To celebrate this milestone , the singers have chosen their favorite repertoire from over 100 past programs . The concert promises a retrospective of musical highlights and heartfelt appreciation . cantilenachoir . org
MASS MoCA ’ s 25th Anniversary Gala : Dreaming Towards the Future will take place on Friday , May 24 , at 6 p . m . with a cocktail reception , family-style dinner curated by Mezze , and a slew of surprise guests and performances . Sure to be an unforgettable evening , the celebration will honor the ingenuity , vision , and committed support of the diverse community of people and partners organizations who took a chance on a bold experiment a quarter century ago . massmoca . org
June heralds a flurry of celebrations , including the Montessori School of the Berkshires ( MSB ) Carnival Fundraising Gala on Saturday , June 1 , from 4:30 to 7:30 p . m . at Balderdash Cellars in Richmond . The gala will honor outgoing Board of Trustees Chair B . Carter White , who has spent the past 13 years as a part of the MSB team and is a stalwart supporter of the students and the school ’ s mission . berkshiremontessori . org
Not to be outdone , the Norman Rockwell Museum invites guests to its Gone MAD Bash on Saturday , June 8 , at 6 p . m . in Stockbridge . Revelers can expect to mingle with artists , illustrators , and comic creators of MAD Magazine ’ s gang , including curator / satirical illustrator Steve Brodner , as well as share laughs with comedian Kevin Bartini . Catered by Kate Baldwin , it ’ s sure to be a night full of cheeky surprises ! nrm . org / madbash
The following day , on Sunday , June 9 , Berkshire Immigrant Center will host its Beacon of Hope Benefit at The Tina Packer Playhouse at Shakespeare & Company in Lenox . The eve-