2011-2012 Annual Campaign Launched!
The Williamstown Community Chest has launched its Annual Fundraising Campaign for 2011-2012. Supporting local agencies in Northern Berkshires for generations, they once again are seeking the generous support of its local neighbors and business partners to help reach another successful campaign goal.
The Williamstown Community Chest theme of “Creating Community” has been an important driving factor during its 85 year existence. Never has this been more apparent than its support of The Spruces Park this fall. After the disastrous effects of tropical storm Irene, the Community Chest made a contribution of $10,000 to help establish “The Community Fund for The Spruces”, along with local churches, banks, and businesses. Over $85,000 in small grants were made available to assist displaced residents with the necessities and funds to move forward.
According to Linda Conway, president of the board, “The Community Chest is blessed to have an emergency fund that can be called on at times of crisis in the community. We were happy to be part of the launching of the Community Fund for the Spruces and to serve on the Coordinating Committee for disbursement of Fund grants.”
Along with its annual Community “Fun Run” and the “Penny Social”, a cornerstone of Williamstown’s festive Holiday Walk, the Williamstown Community Chest is an active volunteer driven effort. One of only a few such remaining organizations in the country, they believe in the importance of supporting the important work of the many non-profit agencies that serve our community.
This year’s fundraising goal is $250,000, with one hundred percent of funds raised directly serving all of their 15 member agencies. Agencies the Community Chest benefits are: The Berkshire County American Red Cross, Berkshire Children and Families, Brien Center for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, Child Care of the Berkshires, Ecu-Health Care, Elder Services of Berkshire County, Elizabeth Freeman Center, Equus Therapeutic, Inc., Family Life Support Center, Little Red Schoolhouse, Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, Northern Berkshire YMCA, United Cerebral Palsy, Williamstown Community Preschool, and the Williamstown Youth Center.
As in years past, any first time donor’s support will be matched through a special gift. The co-chairs for this year’s campaign are Laurie Marrs and Rich Alley.
To learn more about how the Williamstown Community Chest, its agencies, and how you can support the campaign, contact the Community Chest at 413.458.2443 or visit their newly designed website at www.williamstowncommunitychest.org.
