Patricia Boissevain reports from Great Barrington. A big tent, colorful banners, a roaming juggler and flashing rings on everyone’s finger could only mean one thing in our area: the 10th Anniversary Carnival Gala fundraiser for Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Berkshires hosted by Ski Butternut on Thursday, August 21. Guests had their Tarot cards read, were delighted by the antics of a mime, and charmed by a friendly man on stilts, but the main event of the evening was a dazzling live auction (as well as the fabulous food). The organization's mission is to provide access to quality healthcare for income-qualified, uninsured and underinsured residents of the Berkshire region in a respectful and caring manner through its free clinic. VIM Berkshires is a volunteer-based community organization of more than 140 local healthcare professionals and laypersons who are supported by a small paid office staff. Pictured above, co-chairs Hildi Black and Nancy Bernstein flank Elaine Roberts.
Board/Trustee Member, Director of Communications, and VIM Nutritionist, Nancy Fernandez Mills and Jane Bernstein; Sally Haver, Dr. Walter Scott, VIM physician, and Rhonna Foodman.
Sunny Schwartz and Molly Sheriff, Gala Committee member for the entire eight years; Dental Care Coordinator Margot Rockefeller, helps Henry the Juggler prepare for his entrance.
Executive Vice President of Salisbury Bank, Richard Aldrich,Phyllis Webb, who is owner of the Magic Flute in Sheffield, Massachusetts State Representative William "Smitty" Pignatelli, and Meredith Tiedemann, vice president and trust officer of Salisbury Bank.
Laura Lawson, Judith Choate, and Catherine Mandel, co-chair of 10th Anniversary Carnival Gala; Gala Committee and Underwriter, Clara Londoner, in her carnival finery, with Nancy Bernstein.
Chris Eyers Yerling of Mimelot kept everyone on their toes; The lovely Tarot Card reader, Tina Sotis, is also a fabulous local painter and graphic artist.
Trustee Jane Salamon chats with Elaine Roberts and Judith Bainberg; The lively bartender for the evening, Justin Smith, cordially serving in his carnival head gear.
Co-Founder, Board Member, and Committee Member, Marion Simon, and Jill Cancellieri, director of philanthropic services with Berkshere Taconic Community Foundation, show off their flashy rings.
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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
