Amy Krzanik reports from Pittsfield. The wind may have been whipping the autumn leaves into a wet frenzy outside, but inside Berkshire Community College’s Paterson Field House, the mood was warm and welcoming on Friday night, October 24. Supporters mingled at a preview party kicking off the annual Berkshire Orchid and Tropical Show. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from Ye Olde Forge Restaurant, treats from Chocolate Springs Café, and libations provided by Kelly’s Package Store as relaxing waterfall sounds played over the PA system. A short live auction and a competitive silent auction raised funds for the BCC Foundation as bidders attempted to win gift certificates from Catamount and Jiminy Peak ski resorts, services from Kripalu and The Clip Shop, wine from Balderdash Cellars and other sought-after items. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Foundation, which, among other duties, provides more than 150 scholarships to students in need. Above, Craig Smith, vice president for institutional advancement, with BCC President Ellen Kennedy and auctioneer John Economou.
BCC alums Jeff Bradway and Marcella Bradway, who also is a trustee, with Caroline Kacensky and Rosie Keefe, whose children attended the college; Linda and Ronald Giancola of Lee.
Torey Winn and Michael Hoffman; Michael and Marianne Miceli of Fairfield, CT with Linda and Joe Cancilla.
Julie Hannum, BCC's director of off-campus centers, with trustees Ellen Whittaker and Susan Lombard; Abby Wood from Berkshire Magazine, which was a sponsor of the event, with Jon Meczywor.
Linda Giancola, Janie Pellish, Mary Spina and Virginia Smith.
Ronald Carver and Chelsi Morrison-Rohlfs; John Gobel and trustee Keye Hollister of Gobel & Hollister, with trustee Dan Dillon and Linda Dillon of Greylock Federal Credit Union.
Mark Clatterbaugh, Andy Hochberg and Larry Pellish; Jill Reynolds of Cheshire Glass Works with Anne Nigrelli of Daffodils & More.
Just a small sample of the amazing orchids and lush tropical plants on view at the show.
Display by the vendor Black Jungle Terrarium Supply.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
