Dear Friends,

Congratulations to the winners of the BerkShares Holiday Raffle!

We asked our winners why they use BerkShares and here is what some of them had to say....

GRAND PRIZE : 500 BerkShares courtesy of Berkshire Bank, Lee Bank, Pittsfield Co-op Bank, & Salisbury Bank
"My wife and I have been excited about BerkShares since their inception.  We use them when we can and praise them to businesses that don't yet take them.  It's made us better local consumers as we  find ourselves buying locally more often whether spending BerkShares or not.  People from out of town that have seen and learned about BerkShares are excited by the idea.  Hopefully this great concept will spread not only to more Berkshire businesses, but to other New England communities as well."- Charles, Great Barrington

$250 gift certificate to Berkshire Bike & Board
"I receive BerkShares as a business owner and like to recirculate those back into the community."– Bonnie Benson, West Stockbridge

$100 savings bond from Berkshire Bank
  "I use BerkShares because I think it is a good idea and it saves me some money." – Carol Purcell, Great Barrington

$100 savings bond from Lee Bank
"When I use BerkShares, I am more keenly aware of the ways I participate in my community, and when I  hold those beautiful bills, I'm reminded of the unique character and the natural beauty of the place where I live.  BerkShares puts some soul back into hard, cold cash." – Hannah Fries, Great Barrington

$100 savings bond from Salisbury Bank & Trust
- Clover, Stockbridge

$100 savings bond from Pittsfield Co-op Bank
"Small is beautiful.  I applaud the people that brought us BerkShares.  I think it is a wonderful thing."- Sarah Williams, Sheffield

$50 gift certificate to Michele's Salon and Day Spa
– Elizabeth Olenbush, Mill River

$50 gift certificate to Tom's Toys
– Heather, Great Barrington

$50 gift certificate to The Chef's Shop
"I like to shop in Great Barrington so that I can use BerkShares.  I love the idea of keeping money local and BerkShares are a great incentive for this."
– Kate Capecelatro, East Canaan, CT

$25 gift certificate to Hoffman Pottery
"BerkShares are great for the local economy and business owners.  They make a lot of sense.  Plus, they are beautiful! – Jean Altshuler, Hillsdale, NY

Pair of binoculars from The Snap Shop
"I think the BerkShares program could be great for the local economy.  My sister and I partially pay ourselves in BerkShares at our store and we spend money locally anyway."
– Jen VanSant, Great Barrington

Gift basket from Locke Stock & Barrel
"I use BerkShares because I love handling currency that is so beautiful.  Knowing some of the artists and people portrayed makes this even more special."
– Deborah Morris, Great Barrington

Pair of earrings from Saskia Larraz Designs
"I use Berkshares because I am fully in favor of supporting the local economy. The more Berkshares that are in use, the more they will become accepted by local businesses and consumers, and the entire community will benefit." – Sarah, Great Barrington

Two-year subscription to Orion Magazine
– Sue, Great Barrington

One-month membership to Berkshire South Community Center
"I have lived in Gt. Barrington for over 25 years, within walking distance of downtown.  My family and I have tried to make it a habit to support the town and it's merchants and try to shop as much as possible locally. BerkShares is just an extension of that "habit."
– Melissa Brown, Great Barrington

Kitchen garden salad kit from Sproutman & Company
"I believe that I vote with my money.  By using Berkshares, my vote can be counted.  I am voting for sustainability of my local community and our global Mother Earth by using my money to support companies that aspire to fair labor practices, low impact manufacturing, recycling and non-polluting waste disposal practices." – Elaine Caligiuri, Lee

Bluebird box and polekit from Wild Birds Country Store
– Christine Casarsa, Alford

Many thanks to the BerkShares businesses for their generous raffle donations.

The BerkShares Team
P. O. Box 125
Great Barrington, MA 01230
413 528-1737
www.berkshares.org