In its second year as a nonprofit, Bikes Fight Cancer raised over $260,000 for cancer research and services by engaging cyclists to fundraise and participate in a variety of cycling events. A highlight of the year was the June 15 Bikes Fight Cancer Charity Ride, powered by Valley Solar, held at Tree House Brewing Company in South Deerfield. More than 600 riders of all abilities took part, riding and raising funds in the fight against cancer.
On Oct. 21, Bikes Fight Cancer distributed donations from the ride to local organizations that provide services to cancer patients, caregivers and their families.
Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital received a $60,000 check. A portion of this donation will benefit the MGCC Cancer Patient Care Fund, a safety net for individuals facing financial hardship due to their diagnosis, and the remaining funds will support the MGCC Operations Fund. This year, “Team Cooley” — doctors, nurses and social workers from the hospital — participated in the June ride.
Cancer Connection received $32,000 to expand their range of integrative therapies, such as massage and acupuncture, and to enhance outreach efforts in the 64 towns of Western Massachusetts it currently serves. Cancer Connection’s team of patients, friends, board members, and administrators also joined in the June ride.
****************************************************************
Monson Savings Bank has made several efforts this year to support Girls Inc. of the Valley, a Holyoke based nonprofit. The organization serves youth ages 5-18 who reside in the local communities. It offers after-school and summer programs at no cost to families.
Most recently, a group of seven bank employees volunteered their time at Comm”unity” Summer Nights at Girls Inc. During the last event of the season, bank representatives assisted with crafts, serving dinner, monitoring activities, and more.
In February, the bank presented a donation to Girls Inc. of the Valley Executive Director Suzanne Parker and Development and Communications Director Jessica Colson in support of the annual Spirit of Girls event.
*******************************************************
Holyoke Community College recently received the Igniting Workforce Success award from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission for a cybersecurity training program it runs in partnership with the agency, which recently changed its name to MassAbility.
The award recognizes HCC for its CyberOps training program, a free, nine-month remote program that trains MassAbility consumers to be cybersecurity analysts. MassAbility works with people with disabilities to empower their lives through counseling and various career and employment programs.
The pilot program launched by HCC and MassRehab in 2020 was the first of its kind in Massachusetts. Based on the program’s success, MRC launched a second with Roxbury Community College, which also received an Igniting Workforce Success award.
*******************************************************
Trinity Health Of New England held its third annual Making Miracles Happen fundraising gala on Oct. 19, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut. The evening brought together hundreds colleagues, clinicians, supporters, local leaders, and other guests to honor Trinity Health Of New England health care heroes serving patients and communities throughout Connecticut and western Massachusetts.
All proceeds from the event will benefit Trinity Health Of New England’s five hospitals – Johnson Memorial Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital and Saint Mary’s Hospital – along with its Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group and ambulatory facilities.
********************************************************
Eastern States Exposition employees recently stuffed a tree with merchandise and exclusive access to The Big E for the Springfield Boys & Girls Club’s Annual Festival of Trees, located in MassMutual Center’s Exhibition Hall.
The proceeds of this yearly fundraiser allow the Springfield Boys & Girls Club to continue their more than 130 years of charitable work by providing children in the community with hope, opportunity and a safe place to learn and grow. Trees are donated and decorated by businesses, civic and social organizations, schools, hospitals, families and individuals eager to advance the mission of the Boys & Girls Club.
Eastern States Exposition’s tree is a nod to the ad campaign for The Big E 2025: “Big Mood.” The tree is packed with fair admission, concert tickets, Midway ride vouchers, redeemable cream puff and eclair Vouchers, swag from The Big E’s Official Merchandise Store and more.
The Festival of Trees is open to the public at the MassMutual Center on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Dec. 15. The Big E’s tree totals $1,200 in prize value, and it is just one of the many available. Tickets purchased online at MassMutualCenter.com can be used any day or time during regular event hours.
*****************************************************************
United Way of Pioneer Valley announces the launch of Community Leadership Connect (CLC), an innovative leadership initiative aimed at fostering the next generation of leaders through mentorship, peer support, and access to vital resources. This new program is made possible with the generous support of the The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation and The MassMutual Foundation.
The Community Leadership Connect (CLC) is designed to nurture emerging leaders across various sectors, offering tools and networks that will strengthen the leadership fabric in our region. The program focuses on four primary pillars:
Mentoring Hub; Peer Support Circles; Resource Inventory; Relevant Learnings and Skill Development.
The program will officially launch the first quarter of 2025 and will be featured at the OnBoard Matching Event being held Dec. 12 at Tower Square. Attendees will be able to learn more about the CLC offerings and register as a program provider, mentor, or participant. Please visit www.uwpv.org or contact Ali Maggio at amaggio@uwpv.org
