Amy Krzanik reports from Williamstown.Tuesday, May 21, turned out to be a balmy night as the Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) celebrated its second-annual Grown in the Berkshires Gala Fundraiser at the Orchards Hotel. BCAC CFO Maggie Sheehan (far left), Board Vice President Michael Bedford (middle), and Executive Director Deb Leonczyk (near left) greeted guests and pointed them toward the delicious array of food on tables flanking the room. The Orchards' own Executive Chef Chris Bonnivier offered up an appetizer made with melt-in-your-mouth Rawson Brook Farm goat cheese wrapped in bacon and garnished with a pickled ramp, while Red Lion Inn'sBrian Alberg put the finishing touches on a good-looking and great-tasting Zehr Farm mushroom and Wolfe Spring Farm asparagus conserva. Williams College chefs Mark Thompson and Molly O'Brien brought an array of goodies, including a cool treat for the hot night — fresh berry gelato made with cream from High Lawn Farm. As guests enjoyed specialties from restaurants like Wild Oats and Firefly, local brewers and wine distributors including Wandering Star Brewery, MS Walker, and Garardi Distribution kept the libations flowing. All food and services were donated by the participating restaurants and chefs, and all proceeds go toward BCAC’s efforts to address emergency services in the community.
Kyle Whalen, Elizabeth Connor and Christina Monska from Senator Ben Downing's office, and Zachary Gordon; Sous Chef Bill Sheridan and Executive Chef Chris Bonnivier.
Dan and Iona Smith; Pat and Stephanie Ricchi with Claudine Preite.
Nicole Palma and Michelle Tyer; Joshua Needleman and his amazing chocolates.
Brian Alberg; North Adams City Councilor Lisa Blackmer and husband Bill Blackmer.
Tim Ohearn, Tracie Bailey, and Karylee Doubiago; McCann Tech culinary students Emily Wilusz and Nathan Reiter serving up Purple Pub's pulled-pork sliders.
Steve Green and Sue Walker; Jeremy Trager supplies wine with a smile.
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Chase; Head of BCAC's Project Reconnect Bryan House, Aleta Moncecchi, Stephanie Ricchi, Deb Leonczyk, and Chairman of the Board for BCAC Mark Lincourt.
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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
