Lisa Green reports from Great Barrington. Most people identify Jane Iredale as the founder of the eponymous cosmetics company headquartered in Great Barrington, but at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center’s Gala on Sunday, October 12, she was Jane Iredale, honoree. First during dinner under a tent at Great Barrington’s former train station, and later (just before singer Bernadette Peters stepped onto the stage), Jane’s generosity to the Mahaiwe was lauded. “She was among the first to recognize [founder] Lola Jaffe’s vision, and has contributed gifts, good advice and advocacy," said Maggy Buchwald, chair of the Mahaiwe’s Board of Directors. Acknowledging Jane’s love of gardening, the board presented her with a holly bush to be planted in her garden, along with a plaque of gratitude for her involvement not just in the Mahaiwe but the entire community. Following the concert, audience members stepped outside to a fanfare of fireworks, while a select group of benefactors met the singer at a private reception. Above, Eugene Dellea, president of Fairview Hospital, with honoree Jane Iredale.
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Mandy Pieczarka, Stephanie Solar and board member Dick Solar, all of whom were gala benefactors, and Maggie Buchwald, chair of the board of directors; Matthew Rubins, Julia Lazarus and Jeff Lazarus.
Rosalie Berger and Betsey McKearnan, a gala benefactor; Karen Rosengren and Mark Rosengren.
Beryl Jolly, the Mahaiwe's executive director, chats with Rep. Smitty Pignatelli at the reception.
Bernadette Peters and Mahaiwe founder Lola Jaffe meet at the post-concert reception; Merle Kailas and Leo Kailas, gala benefactors.
Monique Blake, Sue Allegrone, singer Mary Verdi and Jim Culliton; Gala benefactors Stephanie Solar, Connie Coolidge and Mary Cohen.
Kwik Print'sCheryl Raifstanger, who served on the gala committee, with Paula Kurman; both are on the board of directors.
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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
