September 4, 2010

Dear Friends,

We are excited to announce the first BerkShares Bike-a-Thon and
Birthday BBQ, taking place on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at the Route 7
Grill. The ride begins promptly at 2:00 and the BBQ kicks off around 4:00,
with live music from Steve Ide & Friends and a tasty menu of local delights..

This event is a big undertaking, and we are asking members of the
business community to support a portion of the Bike-a-Thon route—a 10-mile
triangle traversing the Sheffield-Egremont Road, Route 23, and West
Sheffield Road. A contribution of 100 BerkShares (or dollars) will earn your
business a lawn sign with your logo announcing your support. We have already
received generous sponsorship support from Berkshire Bike and Board, The
Bookloft, Camp di Fiori, Guido’s, Kwik Print, and the Marketplace Café.
Won’t you add your business to the list?

The event will not only benefit BerkShares, but a whole host of area
nonprofits that are partnering with us to make this event a smashing
success, including the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Berkshire Bike Path
Committee, Friends of the Du Bois Home Site, Great Barrington River Walk,
Greenagers, New Economics Institute, and the Sheffield Land Trust. There’s
going to be a special kids’ ride, prizes for the most miles ridden, best
dressed rider, etc., and lots of opportunities to learn more about the work
of the organizations listed above.

We hope you’ll join us for this day of community, food, and fun. And we’d be
extra appreciative if you are able to help sponsor the event. The sooner we
hear from you, the sooner we can add your name to our publicity materials.

For more information about sponsoring the BerkShares Bike-a-Thon and
Birthday BBQ, or to request general event information and/or a rider
information packet, visit www.berkshares.org or call 413/528-1737.

Thank you for all your support!

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