Berkshire Bank Foundation announces 'Summer of Fun' giveaway program

Date: 7/23/2012

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank Foundation announced last month that it has launched a $25,000 grant giveaway program, called "The Summer of Excitement."

The initiative, which runs through Aug. 31, is part of the foundation's effort to allow the community to help decide how some of their grant funds are awarded. Voting is taking place at www.facebook.com/BerkshireBank.

"The Summer of Excitement Giveaway" allows the public to click for their cause and help award grants totaling $25,000. Those participating may visit Berkshire Bank Foundation's Facebook page, "Like" the page, and then click on the page tab/app titled "Vote Here Summer of Excitement," and vote for their favorite non-profit organization.

The non-profit organizations receiving the most votes in each of the bank's four regions — Berkshire County and the Pioneer Valley, Massachusetts, southern Vermont and the New York — will receive a grant of $5,000. The foundation will also award five $1,000 grants drawn at random, one in each of the bank's five areas including Berkshire County and the Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts, eastern and central New York and southern Vermont.

All nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)3 tax-exempt status located in the bank's service area are eligible to participate.

Peter J. Lafayette, executive director of Berkshire Bank Foundation, said, "We are excited to solicit the public's help in deciding which nonprofit organizations should share in $25,000 in grants. We believe the true measure of a community minded bank is not only to be a good corporate citizen with charitable donations and volunteerism but also to invite the community to help us decide how some of our charitable funds should be invested. 'The Summer of Excitement' grant giveaway is a good example of what it means to be 'America's Most Exciting Bank.'"

Berkshire Bank Foundation's Facebook page is a platform where the public, non-profit organizations and the bank can engage with each other, discuss issues affecting the community, and learn about upcoming foundation events, grant awards, and all the work Berkshire Bank does in the community.

For more information, to view the official rules, and to vote visit the bank's Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BerkshireBank and click "Like."