Page 62 - BusinessWest February 17, 2025

AGENDA>> For more events, or to submit your upcoming events,
visit BusinessWest’s event calendar online: https://businesswest.com/eventcalendar
40 Under Forty Nominations
Through Feb. 27: BusinessWest is currently accept- ing nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2025. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 27. Launched in 2007, the program recognizes rising stars in the four counties of Western Mass. Nomina- tions, which should be detailed in nature, should list an individual’s accomplishments within their profession as well as their work within the commu- nity. Nominations can be completed online at busi- nesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form. Nominations will be weighed by a panel of judges, and the selected individuals will be profiled in the April 28 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala in June.
Young Women in Leadership Award Applications
Through March 1: Applications for the 2025 Young Women in Leadership Award are available from the Zonta Club of Quaboag Valley. A local recipient will receive a $1,000 award, funded by the Zonta Club of the Quaboag Valley, and will be entered
for the district award. The district recipient will be eligible for a $5,000 award from Zonta Interna- tional. According to Zonta Club Scholarship Chair Patricia Pupek, the goal of the Leadership Award is to encourage young women to participate in lead- ership positions by recognizing a young woman’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements, and dedica- tion to building a better world for women and girls. Applications can be obtained from high-school guidance counselors or at zontaqv.org/scholar- ships and must be submitted electronically with supporting documentation no later than March 1. Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 19 on April 1, studying at a secondary school, college, or university in a Zonta district. Questions can be directed to [email protected].
Chicopee Chamber Shining Stars Gala
Feb. 28: The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of its 2025 Shining Stars, recognizing individuals whose exceptional contri- butions strengthen and inspire the community. This year’s honorees are AJ Crane, owner of A. Crane Construction, as Citizen of the Year; Ashley Batlle, owner of Beauty Batlles Lounge, as Volunteer of the Year; the Springfield Thunderbirds as Business of
the Year; and Health New England as Nonprofit of the Year. The Chicopee Chamber introduced Shin- ing Stars in 1985 when Ernest Laflamme Jr. was rec- ognized as the first Citizen of the Year. Recipients are selected by a nominating committee chaired
by Laflamme and including Carol Campbell of Chi- copee Industrial Contractors, Ted Hebert of Teddy Bear Pools, City Treasurer Marie Laflamme, Michael Siddall of Siddall & Siddall, P.C., and Jeffrey Sattler of Liberty Bank. The 40th annual Shining Stars Gala will take place from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at the Castle of Knights at 1599 Memorial Dr. Tickets cost $75 per person. To purchase tickets or inquire about spon- sorships, visit www.chicopeechamber.org or call (413) 594-2101.
Bingo Night Fundraiser
March 21: The Quaboag Hills Chamber of Com- merce announced its Handbag & Hand Tool Bingo Night fundraiser will take place at 6:30 p.m. at AMVETS Post 74 in Three Rivers. Doors open at 6 p.m. The chamber will produce 10 bingo rounds, each with a grand prize featuring one of seven designer handbags or one of three premium tools up for grabs. Tickets can be purchased on qhma. com. The registration fee is $40 per person and includes 10 bingo cards, a bingo dauber, snack platters, a bonus raffle ticket, and a cash bar. Pro- ceeds from the event will benefit the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce and its ongoing mission
to assist its more than 200 member businesses succeed and grow with programs and initiatives throughout the year.
Second Chance Auction Gala
March 29: Second Chance Animal Services will host its 26th annual Auction Gala at the AC Marriott in Worcester. This is Second Chance’s most important fundraiser of the year, raising critical funds to help provide life-saving services to more than 56,000 pets in need. The evening will feature hundreds of silent auction items, raffles, and a small but exclu- sive live auction offering one-of-a-kind experiences. With a relaxed cocktail and dressy-casual dress code, the event is designed to be an enjoyable eve- ning for all, combining great company with oppor- tunities to make a meaningful impact. All proceeds will support Second Chance’s mission to transform the lives of pets by providing affordable veterinary care, keeping pets with their families, and finding loving homes for animals in need. Tickets are on sale now, and seating is limited, so early reserva- tions are encouraged. Businesses and individuals
can also support the event by sponsoring, which includes recognition in event materials, highlight- ing their commitment to supporting pets in need. Donations to the auction are another way to get involved, with unique goods, services, and once- in-a-lifetime experiences being especially popular. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or donate auction items, visit www.secondchanceanimals. org/dinner-auction or email development@second- chanceanimals.org.
Difference Makers Gala
April 9: Tickets are now on sale for BusinessWest’s 17th annual Difference Makers awards gala at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. The class of 2025, profiled in this issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest. com, are Jennie Adamczyk, executive director of Providence Ministries; Sheryl Blancato, CEO of Second Chance Animal Services; Andrea Bordenca, CEO of DESCO Service; Mychal Connolly, CEO of Stand Out Truck; John Delaney, director of Ride
to Remember; John Doleva, president and CEO
of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; the Michael J. Dias Foundation; and Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. Tickets cost $95 per person, and tables of 10 are available. They can be purchased at businesswest.com/ eventcalendar/difference-makers-tickets. The 17th annual Difference Makers program is sponsored by Burkhart Pizzanelli, the Royal Law Firm, TommyCar Auto Group, and Westfield Bank.
Link to Libraries Gala
May 8: Link to Libraries announce its biennial gala, an evening that celebrates the organization’s trans- formative impact in the community while raising vital funds to ensure children have access to the books and programming they deserve. This year’s gala, taking place at the Basketball Hall of Fame, will feature a Swifty-themed evening inspired by Taylor Swift’s celebrated Eras Tour. Guests will enjoy an elegant night filled with cocktails, dinner, an auc- tion, and the opportunity to connect with others passionate about the power of reading to transform lives. All proceeds from the gala go directly to Link to Libraries, a nonprofit committed to fostering literacy by providing books and programming for children in underserved communities. Tickets cost $90 per person, or $250 for VIP tickets that include a pre-gala VIP cocktail reception. Tickets are avail- able at www.linktolibraries.org.
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