Agenda

Difference Makers Nominations

Through Dec. 22: BusinessWest is now accepting nominations for its 18th annual Difference Makers awards. BusinessWest launched the Difference Makers program in 2009 to recognize and celebrate the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions that are positively impacting the communities of Western Mass. As previous honorees have shown, there are many ways to make a difference within our community, such as working on initiatives aimed at improving quality of life; succeeding in business, public service, or education; inspiring others to get involved; and making an imaginative effort to help solve societal issues. Nominations for the Difference Makers class of 2025 are due by Monday, Dec. 22 and can be submitted at businesswest.com/difference-makers-nomination-form. For more information, call Natasha Mercado-Santana, Marketing and Events Manager, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or email [email protected].

Community Giving Initiative

Through Dec. 31: Monson Savings Bank’s 2026 Community Giving Initiative is in full swing, and the bank is inviting the public to help decide which local nonprofit organizations will receive donations in the coming year. Voting runs through Dec. 31 at 3 p.m. Voters should visit www.monsonsavings.bank/cgi and submit the name of one nonprofit organization they would like Monson Savings Bank to support in 2026. Organizations must be nonprofit and serve within the bank’s geographic area. Each person may vote once. The 10 ten organizations with the most votes will receive donations from Monson Savings Bank. Winners will be announced in mid-January 2026.

Women of Impact

Dec. 9: BusinessWest will celebrate its eighth annual Women of Impact cohort at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 are available. To purchase tickets, visit www.businesswest.com/eventcalendar/womenof-impact-2025. The class of 2025, featured in the Oct. 27 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com, includes Tara Brewster, vice president of Business Development and Director of Philanthropy at Greenfield Savings Bank; Tracy Friedenberg, executive director of Bacon Wilson, P.C.; Chelsea Kline, executive director of Cancer Connection; Ayanna Crawford, president of AC Consulting and Media Services; Rania Kfuri, vice president for Philanthropy, Sales, and Marketing at Glenmeadow; Angelina Ramirez, CEO of Stavros Center for Independent Living; Amanda Sanderson, executive director of Resilience Center of Franklin County; and Sarah Rose Stack, lecturer of Public Relations at UMass Amherst. The event is presented by Country Bank and TommyCar Auto Group, sponsored by Bacon Wilson, P.C., and supported by Feel Good Shop Local and 94.7fm WMAS.

Berkshire County Development Alliance Winter Mixer

Dec. 9: The Berkshire County Development Alliance (BCDA) will host an informal networking mixer from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Hot Plate Brewing Co., located at 1 School St., Pittsfield. All are invited to drop by after work, grab a drink, and connect with fellow development professionals, volunteers, and community members from across Berkshire County. This get-together is a relaxed way to meet new people, share ideas, make connections, and learn about what others are working on in the area — no pitches or presentations required. The event is free to attend. Light snacks and drinks are available for purchase from Hot Plate. RSVP is requested at [email protected], but walk-ins are welcome. Visit bit.ly/4cDsUjA to learn more.

Follow My Steps Foundation Annual Gala

Dec. 14: Follow My Steps Foundation announced its annual gala, Stepping Into 2026, will be held at the Basketball Hall of Fame. This event will bring together community leaders, partners, supporters, and youth to celebrate the strides made over the past year and to rally support for future expansion of the foundation’s mentorship, career readiness, and financial literacy programs. The event will also introduce the Pioneers for Change Award, recognizing exemplary changemakers whose actions resonate with Follow My Steps’ mission. Guests will enjoy a catered dinner, live entertainment, and uplifting stories about the youth served by the foundation. The evening also marks the launch of a community giving campaign, aiming to raise $10,000 in individual contributions that fuel mentorship, education, and empowerment initiatives throughout the year. Early bird tickets (through Nov. 14) cost $55 for adults and $27.50 for children. General admission tickets (Nov. 15-30) cost $65 for adults and $32.50 for children. Final admission tickets (Dec. 1-14): cost $75 for adults and $37.50 for children. Visit www.followmysteps.org/steppinginto2026 to purchase tickets. Businesses and community partners are also invited to join as sponsors of the Stepping Into 2026 Gala. Five tiered sponsorship levels — copper, bronze, silver, gold, and platinum — offer meaningful opportunities to align one’s brand with youth empowerment and community advancement. Each level includes a range of benefits such as brand visibility across digital and print channels, recognition during the event, logo placement, program ads, reserved tickets, and social media promotion.

Penguin Plunge

Jan. 24: Amelia Park Children’s Museum announced the return of the Penguin Plunge, to be held at 1 p.m. at Hampton Ponds State Park in Westfield. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. Proceeds from the Penguin Plunge will benefit the museum. Through the years, participants and sponsors of the Penguin Plunge have helped to raise more than $370,000 to support Amelia Park Children’s Museum. There are several ways to help, including taking the plunge, becoming a sponsor, encouraging others to plunge, donating to a participant, or donating online. Plunge participants may join as an individual or as a team. Each participant pledges to raise a minimum of $75 from friends and family and is encouraged to collect as many sponsors as possible. Those under the age of 18 will receive a registration discount of $25. There are monetary prizes of ‘cold hard cash’ for the top three individuals or teams that raise the most money; $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100 for third place. A costume contest is part of the fun, and participants are encouraged to come dressed creatively. There will be prizes for best individual costume and best team costume. People may register in advance online or on the day of the event from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will receive a free 2026 Penguin Plunge T-shirt while supplies last. Sponsorship and donation opportunities, registration, and pledge forms are available at www.ameliaparkmuseum.org/penguin-plunge or can be picked up at the museum.