Gene Pelkey, Honorary Chairperson, performing a favorite country song
On Saturday, March 25, 2006, people with disabilities and the agencies that support them gathered at the Berkshire Mall for the Eighth Annual Berkshire Disability Pride Day. The event educates and creates awareness in the community about people with disabilities by highlighting their various abilities. The day is also a useful opportunity for human service agencies to represent themselves and the services that they provide to the Berkshire community.
Agencies involved in the planning of this year’s Disability Pride Day include: Berkshire County Arc, UCP Association of Berkshire County, Inc., which chaired the event, Ad Lib, Inc., Berkshire Brain Injury Support Group, Berkshire Center for Families and Children, Berkshire North WIC, Disability Advocates, Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires, Massachusetts DMR Citizens’ Advocacy Group, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Meridian Associates, and Sullivan and Associates. Promotional Sponsors for Berkshire Disability Pride Day included the Berkshire Mall |
and WBRK. Other participating sponsors were Adams Co-Operative Bank, Berkshire Life, Credit Union of the Berkshires, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Legacy Banks, and Pittsfield Cooperative Bank.
Entertainment is always a big large part of Berkshire Disability Pride Day. A colorful clown made his way through the crowds of people, keeping smiles on the faces of both the children and adults.
The Rising Stars dance team gave an energy filled dance performance, while the Farrell Irish Step Dancers mystified onlookers with colorful dance intricacies. The Happy Hearted Voices also gave their annual performance, followed by a heart felt vocal performance by Honorary Chairperson Gene Pelkey.
Gene shared his position in this year’s Berkshire Disability Pride Day with his wife Tiffany Pelkey and Debra Copeland. The three co-chairpersons were selected by the BDPD committee based on
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Michael Kuvent, member of the Berkshire Advocates, volunteered his time at the BCARC display table.
their contributions to the community of people with disabilities. A ceremony honored the accomplishments of each of them.
Volunteers make this day possible. Michael Kuvent, Tom Coutherut, Bruce Stiles and Irene Morrison contributed to spreading the Berkshire County Arc mission through their efforts.
The 2006 Berkshire Disability Pride Day proved to be a true collaboration between human service agencies and the people they support. A special thanks to everyone who participated in making this event a success!
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