Beacon of Hope Benefit 2026
An annual benefit in celebration of music, conversation, community, and cultural diversity in support of Berkshire Immigrant Center’s essential services for local immigrants and families.
Tickets
General Admission | $150
Pay online or by check mailed to:
Berkshire Immigrant Center
141 North Street, Suite 303
Pittsfield, MA 01201
*please include “tickets” in the memo
Donate
Unable to attend? A gift of any amount helps BIC offer services to immigrants.
Sunday, June 7 at 5:00pm
Shakespeare & Company, Lenox
— featuring —
Conversation with Deval Patrick & Jorge Avila
Former Massachusetts Governor Patrick will facilitate a conversation with Mr. Avila about his experience as both a resilient immigrant from Honduras & as a premier classical musician.
Feature Performance by acclaimed musician, Jorge Avila
Paddle Raise
with Auctioneer Tom Stebbins
Social hour and generous hors d’oeuvres
Your generosity helps sustain the essential services immigrants and families rely on throughout the year, while helping build a stronger, more welcoming community for everyone. We hope you will join us in support of this important work.
Proceeds from this benefit help fund the life-changing services of the Berkshire Immigrant Center in Pittsfield, serving the estimated 10,000 immigrants of Berkshire County. We are so grateful to have you with us in support of this important work
We are honored to welcome Governor Patrick and Jorge Ávila to Beacon of Hope and grateful for the perspective and artistry they bring to this year’s benefit.
Deval Patrick
Deval Patrick, the 71st Governor of Massachusetts, is widely respected for his optimism, integrity, and lifelong commitment to public service.
Across a distinguished career in law, government, business, education, and civic leadership, he has focused on expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and helping people find pathways forward.
Governor Patrick served two terms as Governor of Massachusetts, led national civil rights work as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, and has continued to advance public leadership through his work in impact investing and at Harvard Kennedy School. He remains deeply committed to civic engagement, community, and the work of building a more just and welcoming future.
Berkshire Immigrant Center gratefully acknowledges the meaningful support of the following major donors:
Gilson Family Foundation
Sherwood Guernsey
Beacon of Hope Committee:
Linda Ruberto (Chair), Lisa M. Avery, Laurie Bank, Kate Barton, Melissa Myers, Jane Patton, Marianna Poutasse, Susan Puddester & BIC Board members
Questions? Please email: development@berkshireic.org
Donations to BIC are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. The goods & services provided with each ticket are valued at $75 each.
The Berkshire Immigrant Center offers comprehensive immigration services for the more than 10,000 foreign-born residents of Berkshire County. Immigrants comprise 10% of the county and are the only growing segment of the region’s population. BIC’s mission is to welcome new immigrants and refugees and to provide them with the tools and services to integrate into the fabric of their new community to achieve financial stability and family success.
Learn more about BIC’s Mission.