July 24, 2009

BerkShares Proud and Practical

Dear BerkShares Businesses,

With four weeks until the BerkShares Auction, we’re happy to report that
we’ve received dozens of donations, which run the gamut from the unique and
exclusive to the perfectly practical. You can check out donations made thus
far at

http://www.berkshares.org/Auction/2009/categorylist.htm

But wait, it’s not too late to contribute to this event! We are still
looking for more items and encourage and welcome additional donations to the
auction from BerkShares businesses. Not sure what you could offer? Take some
hints from the recent write-up in Berkshire Trade & Commerce (a great place
to advertise with BerkShares!) which is pasted below and features an
interview with BerkShares Board Member, Sharon Palma. Sharon proudly touts a
local first agenda, stating that “In keeping with BerkShares philosophy,
we’re especially interested in experiences that show how local products are
made, or other activities that reflect the Berkshires.” We invite you to
help us demonstrate BerkShares pride!

We look forward to seeing you at the Auction on Saturday, August 22nd,
7pm-9:30pm at Crissey Farm in Great Barrington. In addition to the Auction,
the event will also include a beer, wine and spirit tasting and hors
d’oeuvres. We encourage you to please circulate this information to your
customers and tell them to save the date for this important and festive
occasion.

Best wishes,

The BerkShares Team

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

‘Experiences’ sought for BerkShares fund-raiser

Berkshire Trade & Commerce (proudly accepting BerkShares)
(413) 447-7700
Contact Person: Brad Johnson
Contact e-Mail: btac@bcn.net

August 2009

BerkShares, Inc., the non-profit organization that runs the BerkShares local
currency initiative, is holding an auction with an unusual twist this
summer.

Rather than emphasizing objects, BerkShares will be auctioning off
“experiences.”

“Auctions are a populat way for organizations to raise funds,” said Sharon
Palma, a member of the BerkShares board and co-organizer of the event. “we
wanted to something a little different. We decided that giving people the
chance to buy experiences would be an interesting incentive.”

BerkShares is a community-based currency in southern and central Berkshire
County. Launched three years ago, its purpose is to stiumulate the
Berkshire economy and encourage people to patronize local businesses,
professionals and organizations by offering a de facto discount through its
exchange rate with U.S. currency and other incentives from participating
vendors.

The auction will take place at the Crissey Farm meeting facility in Great
Barrington on August 22 from 7 to 9:30p.m. It will also include a beer, wine
and spirit tasting and hors d’oeuvres. Proceeds will suport ongoing
operation of the BerkShares initiative.

Palma said BerkShares is currently soliciting businesses, organizations and
individuals to donate experiences for the auction. The auction will also
include services and items which can be conveyed by a gift certificate.

Palma explained that they are defining an experience in broad terms as the
opportunity to watch, participate or learn in a variety of activities. “In
keeping with BerkShares philosophy, we’re especially interested in
experiences that show how local products are made, or other activities that
reflect the Berkshires,” she said. “We also want to include things that
reflect the people and places that are depicted on BerkShares currency.”

For example, one of the initial experiences they will be auctioning off is a
four-hour cooking lesson with Red Lion Inn chef Brian Alberg. “There are
many other ideas that people could offer,” said Palma. “The possibilities
are endless.”

Examples of other experiences that people could offer include a tour of a
local farm with an opportunity to learn how to milk a cow, goat or sheep; a
visit to a local cheese-making facility to see how it’s done; a guided herb
or mushroom walk on a property; or experiences that offer a chance to
observe and learn how to make objects like candles or skills like roasting
coffee.

BerkShares is also seeking to auction services donated by professionals like
doctors, dentists, acupuncturists, personal trainers and physical
therapists, as well as spa services, gardening instruction, cleaning
services, landscaping and septic tank cleaning, among others. Items are
also being accepted, although Palma said they should be something that can
be conveyed by a gift certificate, such as a load of firewood or screened
topsoil.

Those who wish to donate experiences, services or items, or would like more
information about the auction, can call Palma at 413-358-2692 or the
BerkShares office at 413-528-1737.