-Berkshire Bank Partners with Teen to Support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute-
PITTSFIELD, MA, January 18, 2017 – Berkshire Bank, America's Most Exciting Bank®, is excited to announce that Rachael Ray, celebrity cook and author, will present a $5,000 donation on behalf of Grace Connor to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston from Berkshire Bank. After hearing Grace Connor's story, The Rachael Ray Show decided to dedicate a segment to celebrate Grace's achievements and the success of Little g ice cream co. The feature will air on national TV on Thursday, January 19.
The special segment featured Grace Connor, a 17 year old Boston teen, who was diagnosed with a Rathke cleft cyst, a tumor on the base of her brain that pushed on her pituitary gland. With a passion for baking and culinary creations, Grace utilized her skills to jumpstart a life-long dream of owning an ice cream company. The launch of "little g ice cream co." in January 2016 was a key component throughout her recovery. Today, Little g sells unique and creative ice cream concoctions which are sold in Boston-area Whole Foods as well as six other grocery stores in Massachusetts and Connecticut. The budding business is celebrating its first anniversary this month.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to assist a young entrepreneur in her determination to help a significant organization such as the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute," said Lori Gazzillo, Berkshire Bank Foundation Director. "We are inspired by Grace's resilience and resolve in overcoming her own challenges to make a positive and meaningful impact on her community."
Throughout her journey, Grace has remained passionate about helping others and will be hosting her first charity event in May 2017 to benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Berkshire Bank has offered to send XTEAM employee volunteers to support this event in addition to the $5,000 donation on behalf of her efforts.
About Berkshire Bank Foundation
Through foundation grants to nonprofits, scholarships to students, environmental programs, and employee volunteerism, Berkshire Bank is making a difference. Each year the Foundation donates $2 million to nonprofits throughout the Bank's footprint and 100% of bank employees provide over 40,000 hours of service through their XTEAM® corporate volunteer program, one of the highest participation rates of any company in the U.S. Berkshire Bank was named one of Massachusetts' Most Charitable Companies by the Boston Business Journal in 2016. To learn more about Berkshire Bank Foundation, visit www.berkshirebank.com/community
About Berkshire Bank
Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE: BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank, America's Most Exciting Bank®. The Company, recognized for its entrepreneurial approach and distinctive culture, has $9 billion in assets and 99 full service branch offices in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey and Pennsylvania providing personal and business banking, insurance, and wealth management services. To learn more, visit www.berkshirebank.com, call 800-773-5601 or follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Berkshire Bank is the official bank of NESN's Boston Bruins coverage and the community partner of Boston Seasons at City Hall Plaza.
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Rachael Ray presents Grace Connor and Mom with Berkshire Bank Donation
Berkshire Bank logo
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