Amy Krzanik reports from Pittsfield. Before the Berkshire Autism Initiative and its partners “light it up blue” for Autism Awareness Month in April, they lit it up green for a St. Patrick’s Day dinner-dance at Berkshire Hills Country Club on Friday, March 16. “Heartbeats for Autism” featured a buffet dinner, a silent auction and the evening’s entertainment, The Heartbeats, an 11-piece dance band from Philadelphia who donated their time for the cause. Proceeds from the event benefit Autism Connections' programs and support for people with autism and their families in Berkshire County. As autism rates rise — from approximately 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 68 children in 2012 — Autism Connections helps families, schools, professionals and organizations understand autism and fosters inclusion in the community. [Above, Chris Tracy with Berkshire Autism Initiative chairperson Robin MacPherson.]
From Autism Connections: Katie Drumm, director Karen Serra, Liz Flaherty and Joanne Lucey; from Hillcrest Educational Centers: Roxanne Malloy, Tom Leonardo, Yvette Stoddard and Jon Kellogg.
Margo and Tom Mazzeo, Jen Astore, Glenn Sime, and Kellie and Glenn Houle.
Robyn and Brian Staubach; Elizabeth Deegan, Carol Kondel and Sarah and Taylor Williams.
Tony Cutillo, Sarah Voisin, Erin Mucci and Mike Mucci.
Volunteers from the Berkshire Autism Initiative: Pam Sandler, Megan Sherman, chairperson Robin MacPherson, Sharon Chapman and Nancy Salvatore.
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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
